At a time when higher education costs continue climbing across the United States, Coppin State University is taking a different approach by reducing expenses for students who live on campus.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year, the historically Black university announced a series of affordability initiatives designed to lessen the financial burden on residential students while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence. The move reinforces Coppin's long-standing reputation as one of Maryland's most affordable public universities.
Coppin State's Residential Students Will Pay Less
Under a newly negotiated food service agreement, students living on campus will receive an approximately 12% reduction in meal plan costs. In addition, the university has confirmed that mandatory student fees will remain unchanged for the upcoming academic year, providing families with greater financial predictability during a period of rising living expenses.
University leaders say the decision reflects careful financial planning and operational efficiencies that allow Coppin State to invest in students while helping reduce the overall cost of attendance.
"Affordability remains central to the institution's mission of expanding educational opportunity."As families continue to face increasing costs for housing, food, transportation and other necessities, universities must find innovative ways to reduce financial barriers. "Making higher education more affordable helps ensure that students can pursue their degrees without cost becoming an obstacle to success“
Strengthening Maryland's Most Affordable University
The reduction in board plan costs further strengthens Coppin State University's position as Maryland's lowest-cost public university for residential meal plans.
Following the new agreement, annual board costs will be approximately **$4,875**, remaining below comparable costs at every other four-year public university in Maryland.
As college affordability becomes an increasingly important factor for students and families, institutional leaders believe keeping educational expenses manageable can positively influence enrollment, student retention, graduation rates and long-term career success.
Coppin State's Affordability Supports Student Success
University officials emphasize that lowering costs is only one component of Coppin's broader student success strategy.
Among the university's existing affordability initiatives is **Summer SOAR**, which allows eligible students who complete 30 credit hours during the academic year to earn up to six tuition-free summer credit hours, helping accelerate graduation while reducing educational expenses.
Another initiative, **Expand Eagle Nation**, provides in-state tuition opportunities for students from states with two or fewer Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), expanding access to Coppin for students across the country.
Annual Board Costs at Maryland Public Universities
|
Institution |
Annual Board Cost |
|
Coppin State University |
$4,875 |
|
University of Maryland Eastern Shore |
$5,294 |
|
Frostburg State University |
$6,010 |
|
Salisbury University |
$6,130 |
|
Towson University |
$6,290 |
|
University of Maryland, Baltimore County |
$6,522 |
|
Bowie State University |
$6,564 |
|
University of Maryland, College Park |
$6,820 |
|
Morgan State University |
$6,875 |
Coppin State's Enrollment Momentum Continues
The affordability measures arrive as Coppin State University continues to experience significant enrollment momentum.
* More than 24,000 undergraduate applications, the highest in university history.
* A university-record 75% student retention rate.
* A 77% retention rate among male students, exceeding national averages for Black male college students.
* Continued recognition as one of the fastest-growing universities in the Greater Baltimore region.
University officials believe these accomplishments demonstrate that investing in affordability and student-centered support services can strengthen both recruitment and long-term student achievement.
About Coppin State University
Founded in 1900, Coppin State University is a public, historically Black university located in Baltimore, Maryland. The institution offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs while emphasizing academic excellence, student success, community engagement and workforce development. Coppin continues to expand educational access through innovative academic programs, affordability initiatives and partnerships that prepare graduates to lead in a global society.
About Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins
Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins serves as the 8th President of Coppin State University. Throughout his tenure, he has championed initiatives centered on affordability, enrollment growth, student success, workforce readiness and institutional innovation. Under his leadership, Coppin has experienced record application growth, improved retention rates and expanded opportunities that help students complete their degrees while reducing financial barriers to higher education.
President Jenkins is a United States Army veteran who began his path to the presidency as a first-generation college graduate of Fayetteville State University. He earned a master’s degree from North Carolina Central University and a doctorate from Virginia Tech.
Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins was listed as a 2025 Most Innovative Leader in Higher Education, the Baltimore Business Journal listed him a Power 10 CEO, and in their “Faces to Watch,” the Baltimore Sun listed him among the Top 25 Marylanders To Watch, and the Maryland Daily Record named him to their “Power List” in Higher Education, while also selecting him as a two-time recipient of the Maryland Daily Record Influential Marylander award.
