Towson University

  • 7/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Towson, MD
  • 3.8 4 reviews
#5 Best Public Universities in Maryland

Overview

Total enrollment

19,401
Towson University overview
Towson University overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • 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

TU is rated within the top 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    7 out of 10
  • Academics
    6 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    8 out of 10
  • Value
    6 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Moderate
Towson University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 950/1235
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 19/27
  • GPA 3.69

Acceptance Rate

82%
Towson University applications overview
  • Applications Due Apr 1, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 18.2%
  • Application Fee $50

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Maryland Resident Tuition

$11,728

Out of State Resident Tuition

$29,820

Breakdown

In State Costs for Towson University
  • Tuition $11,728
  • Books and Supplies $960
  • Other Fees $4,198
  • Room and Board $16,260
  • Budget for Other Expenses $3,782
  • Total One Year Cost $36,928

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$53,500 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

64% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Towson University are Business, Education, and Social Sciences. 18% of students major in Business, 11% in Education, and 11% in Social Sciences.

  • Business 18%
  • Education 11%
  • Social Sciences 11%
  • Communication 9%
  • Health Professions 9%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Towson University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=164076.

GPA calculator: Towson University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026