Towson University (TU), established in 1866, is a prominent public institution located in Towson, Maryland. As part of the University System of Maryland, TU has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Institutional Overview
- Location: Towson, Maryland
- Established: 1866
- Type: Public University
- Campus Size: 329 acres
- Endowment: Approximately $95.7 million as of 2022
Academic Programs
TU offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines:
- Undergraduate Majors: Over 80 programs, including Business Administration, Psychology, and Nursing
- Graduate Programs: More than 50 master's and doctoral programs
- Online Education: 30 programs available through distance learning
Student Demographics
As of 2022, TU's student body comprises approximately 19,793 students:
- Undergraduate Students: 16,000+
- Graduate Students: 3,478
- Diversity: Approximately 58% non-white students
Admissions and Retention
- Acceptance Rate: 78.6% in 2022
- Average SAT Score: 2,202 for admitted students
- Average High School GPA: 3.64
- Retention Rate: 82% for full-time undergraduates
Financial Information
- Undergraduate Tuition (2022): $7,238
- Average Net Price: $14,443
- Financial Aid: 68% of undergraduates received grants; 41% received loans
Economic Impact
TU significantly contributes to Maryland's economy:
- Economic Impact (FY 2022): $2.1 billion
- Employment: Supported 7,544 jobs
- Employee Compensation: $746 million
- Tax Contributions: Estimated $55 million in county and $80.3 million in state taxes
Recent Developments
- RISE Zone Designation (2023): A 419-acre area adjacent to TU was designated as a Regional Institution Strategic Enterprise Zone to spur job creation and economic development.
- Fundraising Campaign (2023): TU surpassed its $100 million goal in the RISE fundraising campaign, achieving over $102 million in gifts and commitments.
- Global Outreach (2023): TU partnered with Study Group to enhance international student recruitment and support.
Rankings and Recognition
- Gender Equality: Ranked 6th globally and 1st in the U.S. for gender equality by Times Higher Education in 2024.
- Business Program: The College of Business and Economics ranked 74th in Poets&Quants' 2025 Best Undergraduate Business Programs.