Stevenson University (SU) Academics and Unique Programs

Academics

Founded in 1947, Stevenson University is the third largest independent university in Maryland. Stevenson offers bachelor’s, master’s, and adult accelerated degree programs with diverse classes that can be completed in the classroom or online. The university’s unique approaches and programs have helped its graduates succeed in the real world. Despite the country’s recent recession, 95% of its graduates found work or began graduate studies within six months of graduating from Stevenson.

The university is expanding; it recently added a second campus and new programs such as new bachelor’s programs in criminal justice and fashion merchandising, the Brown School of Business and Leadership, and the first middle school teacher preparation program in Maryland. At the same time, Stevenson offers small classes, with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

The university also offers its students different resources and support services to help its students succeed academically and personally. There is also an honors program which allows exceptional students to participate in interdisciplinary seminars and unique learning opportunities. Stevenson’s internship program is also very well known.

Other experiences include the study abroad program, which allows students to study in exotic locations, a service learning programs that allows students to do volunteer work, and the campus based research program, in which students work with faculty members on research projects.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 20th in Maryland and 1018th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	80.1
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$53,149
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	24 / 1200
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	21 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	79% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,615

Unique Programs

For the past 31 years, the Washington Center Experience at Stevenson University provides unique internship opportunities for the university’s students of all majors. The program consists of an internship, an academic course, and a leadership forum. Students are placed with the sponsoring organization that is most relevant to the student’s major. The academic course component of the Washington Center Experience includes the student’s choice of dozens of courses in a large variety of topics that are relevant to the student’s internship. Finally, the Leadership Forum offers students the opportunity to hear and interact with distinguished speakers that have included cabinet members, members of Congress, ambassadors, journalists, and others who address current public policy issues as well as the agencies and leaders who shape them.

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Admissions

There are four different options for applying to Stevenson University. Students can use either the online or the paper version of the Stevenson University application. The other two options are the Universal application and the Common application. Students must also submit a nonrefundable application fee, an official transcript, official SAT or ACT score reports, an essay, and letters of recommendation. Admission interviews are available by appointment. Home-schooled students, international students, early enrollment applicants, parallel enrollment applicants, transfer applicants, and applicants to the graduate or professional studies programs should check the university’s website for additional information as they may have different or additional requirements.

The university has a rolling admissions process, which means that applications are accepted all year long, but the priority deadline for freshman applications is in early March. The deadline for the University Honors Program application is February 1. Admission decisions are generally sent about 3-4 weeks after completed applications are received. Applicants can check the status of their applications online. Admission is selective, with an acceptance rate of 57.1%.

Financial Aid

99% of Stevenson University undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need receive some form of aid. Aid is awarded in the form of scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. In order for incoming students to be considered for merit-based scholarships, applications must be submitted by February 1. All students who wish to be considered for financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be filed each year that the student is in school. The priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is February 15.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1307th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Maryland.

Students

Stevenson University has a diverse student body with a gender distribution of 29.9% male students and 70.1% female students. While student housing is available to all full-time, matriculated students, space is limited. The 11 residence halls at Stevenson University are located on the Owings Mills Campus, about 6.5 miles from the Greenspring Campus. Freshmen occupy suites that feature two double bedrooms and a spacious bathroom. Upperclassmen get large apartments that have four bedrooms, two private bathrooms, a living room, and a fully equipped kitchen. There is a separate residence that houses specialized student learning communities. All residences are fully furnished and feature carpeting, high-speed internet and cable access, telephones, voice mail, and large closets. Security includes on-site resident assistants, 24-hour security, and a gated entrance. Washers & dryers are located on the first floor of each building. The cost of laundry is included in the housing fee. Resident parking is available with Stevenson University permits.

The Stevenson University Wellness Center offers limited primary care services by appointment with a nurse practitioner, physician, and nurse. A small fee is charged to the student’s account; private health insurance is not accepted for payment. The university library is located in the Learning Resources Center, and provides access to a huge number of print materials as well as online data sources that include more than 50 databases of academic journals, magazines, newspapers, e-books and reference resources.

All students are encouraged to participate in student activities that include special events, athletics, club activities, and other activities. There is a wide variety of student clubs and organizations. Focuses include shared interests, ethnicities, religions, and academic goals. There are two sororities on campus.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Stevenson University currently has a roster of 19 NCAA Division III men’s and women’s sports that include men’s baseball, basketball, soccer, cross country, golf, football, lacrosse, tennis, and volleyball. Women’s sports include softball, basketball, soccer, ice hockey, cross country, golf, field hockey, lacrosse, tennis, and volleyball. The men’s lacrosse team was ranked second in the nation after an outstanding 2009 season. Students can also participate in cheer and dance. The teams at Stevenson are known as the Mustangs and the fans are known as the Mustang Maniacs. The athletic facilities at this university are spread out over the Owings Mills and Stevenson campuses, while softball, baseball and golf are played off-campus.

Alumni

Kimberly Brooks, actress
Bob Stei, radio personality
Martha Scanlan Klima, former member of Maryland House of Delegates

Bibliography

Stevenson University. Stevenson University. 2011. Web. 9 May 2011.

“Stevenson University.” Education. U.S. News & World Report, 2011. Web. 9 May 2011.

Snider, Mark. How to Get Money for College 2011. Lawrenceville: Peterson’s, 2010.

Stevenson University