By Tyra Mitchell and Ghalisa Sistrunk, 11th graders at Bunnell High School
We arrived at Coppin State University, the last school on Carver's 52nd College Spring Tour Itinerary. Our tour guide, Larry Gill, a sophomore studying Theatre Arts, led us through the beautiful Coppin campus.
Franny Jackson Coppin, a freed slave, founded the University because she wanted to fight for education for freed slaves. She is one of the reasons education has evolved into what it is today. She started the Coppin Academy in 1900, the oldest building on campus. Coppin State University was named Coppin College until 2004 when it turned into the name it is now. Coppin Academy, a local high school housed on the campus, is not technically affiliated with the university itself, but students can benefit from dual enrollment at Coppin State.
The most popular and most competitive major is Nursing. Coppin has the #5 best nursing program in Maryland. Coppin State is also known for its psychology program. They offer learning experiences in mock courtrooms and crime scene investigations. The classes are small, with a 12:1 student-to-staff ratio. About 70% of classes have less than 20 students but no more than 50.
Coppin State University is a Division 1 athletic school. Football is only a club activity, but there are many other sports, such as baseball, basketball, track, volleyball, and tennis. Coppin’s most significant competitor and rival is Morgan State University. School spirit is brought out for everyone to enjoy and share during athletics and activities in the campus yard. The campus has a strong community feel and many unique programs and clubs to participate in in your spare time. You will never be bored.
With all Divine 9 Greek life organizations active on campus, they share a court yard with other organizations, such as a nursing organization. Spread out in the yard are the plots for the sororities and fraternities. Equipment that stays in the yard is used for cookouts and events.
Coppin is the most affordable four-year university in Maryland. It offers two tuition rates, depending on your state's HBCU school status.
Tuition is affordable, starting at around $19,020, and includes room and board. 92% of students receive financial aid, in addition they give out over $3 million in scholarship awards to students.
