About Towson University
Towson University draws 16,400 students to its campus in suburban Baltimore, building a reputation for strong education and business programs. The public research university has produced notable graduates including comedian Amy Schumer and legendary sports broadcaster Jim McKay. With a 78.6% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 1120, Towson welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds while maintaining solid standards.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $16,791 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,677. Graduates earn a median of $64,390 ten years out, making their typical debt load of $18,718 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $198, which most graduates can handle given the strong employment outcomes.
The student body reflects Maryland's diversity, with 32.8% Black students and 40.9% White students creating a multicultural campus environment. About 86% of students come from in-state, giving Towson a strong local connection. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 17 varsity sports, though academics remain the main draw. The 83.2% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for here.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $16,791 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $6,677. Graduates earn a median of $64,390 ten years out, making their typical debt load of $18,718 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average $198, which most graduates can handle given the strong employment outcomes.
The student body reflects Maryland's diversity, with 32.8% Black students and 40.9% White students creating a multicultural campus environment. About 86% of students come from in-state, giving Towson a strong local connection. The Tigers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 17 varsity sports, though academics remain the main draw. The 83.2% retention rate suggests most students find what they're looking for here.
Academics & Faculty
Towson University operates as a full public research university with particularly strong education and business programs that draw students throughout the mid-Atlantic region. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors while maintaining the resources of a larger institution. Education majors benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities in nearby Baltimore County schools. The business school emphasizes practical experience through internships with Baltimore-area corporations. With a 68.7% four-year graduation rate, students generally stay on track despite the university's size. The university also offers respected programs in mass communications, psychology, and health sciences. Students can pursue undergraduate research opportunities while still getting personal attention from faculty members.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 55.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.6%
- Retention Rate
- 83.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,390
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $107,906 |
| Computer Science. | Master | $86,867 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $83,768 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Certificate | $82,440 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $82,440 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Master | $76,460 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $67,156 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,984 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $66,821 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $66,171 |
Campus Life
Towson sits just eight miles north of Baltimore, giving students easy access to internships and jobs in the city while enjoying a classic college town feel. With housing capacity for 5,000 students out of 16,400 total enrollment, about 30% live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and apartment-style housing. The campus spans 329 acres of rolling hills and brick buildings, creating a contained college environment where students frequently walk or bike between classes.
Maryland's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats for January snow and shorts for humid summers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes reasonably sized, though popular business and education courses can fill quickly. Weekends revolve around Division I Tigers athletics, especially football games that draw crowds to Johnny Unitas Stadium. Greek life attracts about 10% of students, while many others head to Baltimore's Inner Harbor or Washington DC for nightlife and cultural events. The 83.21% retention rate reflects students who find their niche in this diverse campus where 58.23% are women and 32.79% are Black students.
Maryland's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats for January snow and shorts for humid summers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes reasonably sized, though popular business and education courses can fill quickly. Weekends revolve around Division I Tigers athletics, especially football games that draw crowds to Johnny Unitas Stadium. Greek life attracts about 10% of students, while many others head to Baltimore's Inner Harbor or Washington DC for nightlife and cultural events. The 83.21% retention rate reflects students who find their niche in this diverse campus where 58.23% are women and 32.79% are Black students.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 5,000 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1866
Campus Safety (2023)
85 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 10 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Fondling | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 5 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Burglary | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–42°F
- July Avg
- 69°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 19.3"
Student Demographics
Towson draws primarily Maryland residents who value accessible quality education close to home. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, reflecting the university's strength in education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract more female students. The student body represents Maryland's diversity, with a substantial Black student population and growing Hispanic enrollment. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing Towson serves working-class families seeking upward mobility. This mix creates a grounded campus culture where students often stay connected to their home communities while pursuing professional degrees in teaching, business, and healthcare.
- Men
- 41.8%
- Women
- 58.2%
- White
- 40.9%
- Black
- 32.8%
- Hispanic
- 11.0%
- Asian
- 7.0%
- In-State Students
- 86.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.5%
Location
Towson sits just 8 miles north of Baltimore, making it one of the most accessible college towns in Maryland. The university draws 86% of its students from in-state, many attracted to the small city setting that offers suburban safety with urban conveniences nearby. The campus sits in Baltimore County's rolling hills, where students can easily reach downtown Baltimore for internships, jobs, and entertainment. Towson itself has evolved into a legitimate college town, with restaurants and shops catering to the 16,400 students who call it home. The location provides access to Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and the Chesapeake Bay within driving distance. Students considering colleges in Maryland may also compare Towson University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Towson, Maryland 21252-0001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $64,390
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,266
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $198/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,718
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Towson University?
Towson University accepts 78.6% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1120. The school draws primarily from Maryland, with 86% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Towson University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,791 annually at Towson University. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,677 on average, making this public university accessible to Maryland residents.
What is Towson University known for academically?
Towson University operates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio across its 16,400-student campus. The school has built a strong reputation for education and business programs, serving as a major pipeline for teachers and business professionals in the Baltimore region.
What are the career outcomes at Towson University?
Towson University graduates earn a median salary of $64,390 ten years after graduation with a 95.8% employment rate. The typical graduate leaves with $18,718 in debt and monthly loan payments of $198.
Where is Towson University located and what is campus life like?
Towson University sits in the small city of Towson, Maryland, just outside Baltimore. The campus houses 5,000 students in residence halls and fields 17 Division I sports teams competing in the Coastal Athletic Association.
How diverse is Towson University's student body?
Towson University enrolls 40.9% white students, 32.8% Black students, and 11% Hispanic students across its campus. Women make up 58% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in education programs which traditionally attract more female students.
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