Frostburg State University (FSU) Introduction and History

Introduction

Frostburg State University (FSU) is a member of the University System of Maryland. FSU’s main campus is located in the city of Frostburg and an associated campus is located in downtown Hagerstown.

FSU is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. It is classed as a Master’s College and University I by the Carnegie Institute.

According to the university’s mission statement, “Couched within a liberal arts tradition, undergraduate programs promote intellectual growth and equip learners with problem-solving and decision-making abilities useful in developing global understanding and effecting civic responsibility and constructive change.”

Information Summary

Ranks 12th in Maryland and 705th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	84.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$23,810
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	23 / 1110
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	17 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	77% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	5,295

History

The school now known as FSU was established as State Normal School #2 by the Maryland General Assembly in 1898. The first campus structure was completed in 1900 and the school’s first commencement ceremony was held in 1904. In 1935, the institution’s name was changed to State Teachers’ College at Frostburg and four-year programs were added in 1960. The college was granted university status in 1987 and joined the state’s university system the following year.

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Academics

Frostburg State is comprised of three colleges:

College of Business
College of Education
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in fields including art & design, biology, education, engineering, geography, liberal studies, mathematics, nursing, recreation and parks management, and social work. There are also certificate programs in addictions counselor preparation, computer print graphics, various options within computer science, international area studies, and child and family psychology. Minors are offered in many of the above majors and in other areas such as writing, art history, environmental humanities, forestry, and leadership studies.

Graduate programs are offered in business administration, education, applied computer science, biological sciences, counseling psychology, park & recreation resource management, and engineering.

The student-to-teacher ratio is relatively low and the overwhelming majority of classes are small in size, giving Frostburg a small college feel. A majority of faculty members hold terminal degrees in their field. The university also offers special academic opportunities for students with diverse interests and accomplishments, including an Honors Program, Learning Communities, education and teacher certifications, and internships. There are nearly a dozen pre-professional programs available, including pre-medical, pre-law, and pre-dentistry.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Unique Programs

Center for Regional Progress

The Center for Regional Progress may be of interest to students who live or plan to work in the tri-state area, which includes Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Center serves as a repository and provider of information regarding economics, population, demographics, statistics, and other data regarding the region. The primary means of communication from the Center is the Regional Review newsletter.

Children’s Literature Centre

The Children’s Literature Centre at Frostburg State grew out of the Spring Festival of Children’s Literature, founded as an honorarium to friends of the University. Today it disseminates good examples of children’s literature, advocates literacy, collaborates with other similar organizations, and bridges understanding about children’s reading habits.

Honors Program

FSU is also home to an undergraduate Honors Program. Interested students must meet the following requirements: a 3.5 high school GPA or 1180 SAT, with an SAT verbal of 580 desired. Once admitted to the program, students will be able to take special multidisciplinary programs, have travel/study experiences, and work on equal basis with faculty and administrators on program requirements and other activities. Students in the Honors Program have the opportunity to apply for research stipends to assist a professor with on-going research.

Learning Communities

The university offers optional Learning Community groups, where students take two or more related courses with the same classmates. Most courses are part of the General Education Requirements for all students.

Admissions

Prospective Undergraduates

FSU has a rolling undergraduate admissions deadline; fall or winter applications are encouraged for the next fall term. Applications can be submitted online along with the required application fee. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of application will need to have their official final high school transcripts sent after graduation to the Admissions Office.

As part of their application, students should submit official high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. Letters of recommendation and an essay are optional yet recommended. Students should have completed high school courses as follows: 4 units of English, 3 units of mathematics, 3 units of history and social studies, 3 units of science, and 2 units of a foreign language (or 2 units of advanced technology for Maryland students). Students will be admitted based on a combination of their high school performance, their SAT scores, and other materials if supplied.

Requirements may vary for transfer students and international students, who should contact the admissions office for precise information and instructions.

Prospective Graduate Students

Students applying to graduate programs should consult the individual department and/or school to which they are applying. Applications can be submitted online and an application fee is also required. General requirements include holding a bachelor’s degree and submitting official GRE, GMAT, or other appropriate standardized test scores. The recommended graduate application deadline is early during the semester preceding enrollment.

Financial Aid

Students who seek financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. The FAFSA is available online each January. Students are advised to complete their FAFSA as early as possible and plan on submitting all other required supplemental materials, which can be described in full by the financial aid office, to meet the March 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Financial aid is offered to eligible Frostburg students in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. Work-study programs are also available for qualifying students.

Scholarship funds awarded by FSU itself fall under one of two categories: institutional or departmental. Institutional scholarships are general in nature and typically subjected to the same academic requirements, including grade point average and class rank. Departmental scholarships have similar requirements, but may also require proof of the applicant’s proficiency in the given subject. Departmental scholarships are available for numerous majors and disciplines, including accounting, computer science, education, music, physics, and visual arts.

Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process. Students who are in the Master of Arts in Teaching program must take additional steps.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 3226th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Maryland.

Students

Student life at Frostburg State includes a diverse range of student activities and organizations. Frostburg is home to over 100 student clubs and organizations and A STAR!, which is a nationally recognized AmeriCorps program. Other groups and clubs include fraternities and sororities, academic and professional organizations, religious groups, political groups, and special interest groups such as Fourth Dimension Science Fiction Club, the Kittenettes Precision Dance Team, the Sierra Club, and Orienteering. There is a literary magazine and a student newspaper.

The university also provides the First Year Program, which supports new students in their adaptation to university life. This program includes living communities focusing on specific interests such as community service, substance-free lifestyle, and leadership development.

The University Center is home to eateries, meeting space, the theater box office, and a coffee shop. There are also places for relaxing with friends and playing games. There are a number of fraternities and sororities on campus that emphasize community service and leadership development. Two of the largest and most popular student events on campus each year are Homecoming and Family Weekend, which are open to all students and their families. The Cultural Events series presents plays and musical performances, and there are numerous intramural sports and athletic activities. Off-campus rafting, skiing, and hiking activities are organized for student participation.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Frostburg State Bobcats are an NCAA Division III school as well as a member of the Capital Athletic Conference. The university’s football team is a member of the Empire 8.

Men’s sports include:

Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Soccer
Tennis

Women’s sports include:

Baseball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Volleyball

The sports teams are supported by a spirit squad, which includes a co-ed cheerleading squad, a mascot, and a marching band. Frostburg State teams have received numerous championships and tournament appearances in all sports, including NCAA national championships in men’s track & field.

Athletic Facilities

FSU’s facilities include the Harold J. Cordts Physical Education Center, which contains a pool a diving well, two gymnasiums, weight rooms, and other athletic facilities; the Bobcat Arena; a stadium; separate fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and field hockey/lacrosse; and a tennis complex.

Local Community

Frostburg State is located on the far eastern edge of Maryland. The city of Frostburg has a permanent population of nearly 8,000 in addition to the nearly 5,000 students who attend the university. The town bills itself as “a Historic Main Street community,” referring to its revitalized downtown square and main thoroughfare.

Though the town may be small in population, it is home to 18 churches and 6 parks. The most famous of Frostburg attractions is the Allegheny Highlands Trail that links Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, D.C. through a series of hiking and biking trails of over 400 miles.

Frostburg State University