Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Towson, Maryland |
| Online | towson.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Located in Towson, Maryland, approximately eight miles north of downtown Baltimore, Towson University operates on a 329-acre suburban campus featuring a mix of Georgian-style and modern architecture. Founded in 1866 as the Maryland State Normal School, Towson has evolved from a teacher training college into a comprehensive public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across six academic colleges. The university maintains a competitive admission process and is recognized for its programs in business, education, health professions, and communications, with the College of Business and Economics holding AACSB accreditation. Towson provides on-campus housing through traditional residence halls and apartment-style living complexes, accommodating approximately one-third of its undergraduate population. As an NCAA Division I institution, Towson competes in the Colonial Athletic Association, with its men's lacrosse and women's gymnastics teams historically achieving notable success.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
TU is rated within the top 39% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Towson University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#375 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#101 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Colleges in Maryland
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Maryland
#335 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Value Colleges in Maryland
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1050/1270 |
| ACT | 19/28 |
| GPA | 3.69 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Maryland Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $960 |
| Other Fees | $3,924 |
| Room and Board | $15,644 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,480 |
| Total One Year Cost | $31,390 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $960 |
| Other Fees | $3,924 |
| Room and Board | $15,644 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,480 |
| Total One Year Cost | $48,410 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 18% |
| Education | 11% |
| Social Sciences | 11% |
| Communication | 9% |
| Health Professions | 9% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering TU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=164076 IPEDS survey data for Towson University.
Current students may use the Towson University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025