Frostburg State University is located in the appalachian highlands (elevation 2,000 feet) of western Maryland. The main campus covers 260 acres within the town limits of Frostburg (population 7,500). The
University also offers courses at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown and on the Catonsville Campus of the Community College of Baltimore County.

The local region is rich in both history and outdoor activities. Students can visit nearby recreational areas—Rocky Gap, New Germany, and Deep Creek Lake State Parks—which offer camping, boating, swimming, hiking, and skiing.