Towson University combines open admission access with demonstrated economic mobility outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, the university serves 33.5% Pell-eligible and 29.0% first-generation students while delivering median earnings of $64,390, positioning graduates for middle-class career success with manageable debt levels.
With above-average tier performance, reflecting solid long-term value proposition despite earnings below expectations
With above-average tier performance, driven by controlled net prices and moderate debt levels relative to earnings
With excellent tier performance, reflecting the university's ability to convert educational access into economic outcomes for diverse student populations
With excellent tier performance, reflecting the university's ability to convert educational access into economic outcomes for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisTowson University delivers solid earnings outcomes alongside manageable debt levels and accessible admission. Graduates earn a median of $64,390 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 80th percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $43,971 at the 25th percentile to $88,498 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across disciplines. While earnings fall $3,140 below expectations relative to similar students nationally, the university maintains strong absolute performance compared to peers.
Students seeking strong post-graduation outcomes at an accessible public institution with demonstrated economic mobility. Well-suited for first-generation students (29.0%) and Pell-eligible students (33.5%) who want open admission access combined with above-average earnings potential.
Towson University's Mobility Engine designation reflects its ability to serve diverse student backgrounds while delivering solid career outcomes.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Towson University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/towson-university/analysis.
Mobility Engine with accessible admission
Towson University ranks #130 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, achieving excellent performance at the 92.1st percentile with its strongest pillar being mobility. Located in Towson, Maryland, this large public university maintains open admission standards with an 82.8% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
Towson enrolls 33.5% Pell-eligible students and 29.0% first-generation students, demonstrating commitment to educational access. Students score 1050-1270 on the SAT, ranking at the 92nd percentile nationally, indicating strong academic preparation despite accessible admission.
As a Mobility Engine institution, Towson combines broad educational access with outcomes that support economic advancement. The university offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data, spanning business, health sciences, communications, and liberal arts.
Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years after enrollment, placing graduates at the 80th percentile nationally and $3,847 above the peer median of $60,543.
Towson University admits approximately 82.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Towson in the Open Access tier, making it significantly more accessible than highly selective institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Towson admits slightly more applicants than typical institutions of similar size and mission. This level of accessibility means well-prepared students can reasonably expect admission, though meeting academic standards remains important.
Students should view Towson as a match or safety school rather than a reach, allowing them to focus on fit with academic programs and campus culture. The open admission environment creates opportunities for students who might not qualify at more selective institutions but are prepared for college-level work.
Applicants should still submit strong applications demonstrating academic preparation and genuine interest in Towson's programs. The relatively high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission to provide educational access to Maryland residents and regional students seeking quality public higher education.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Towson University's published cost of attendance reaches $26,621 annually, including $11,306 in-state tuition, $15,644 for room and board, and $960 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $28,326 in tuition.
However, the average student pays just $16,791 after financial aid, representing $9,830 in average aid savings. This net price falls $1,201 below the peer median of $15,590, making Towson relatively affordable among comparable public universities.
The financial aid system provides substantial support across income levels, with net prices ranging from $6,677 for families earning under $30,000 to $25,031 for families earning over $110,000. Financial aid savings average nearly $10,000 annually, indicating robust need-based and merit-based assistance.
The cost structure reflects Towson's mission as a regional public university, balancing quality education with accessibility. Maryland residents benefit from in-state tuition rates that keep total costs manageable, while out-of-state students face moderate premiums typical of public institutions.
The net price positioning below peer institutions suggests competitive financial aid policies that help families manage college costs effectively.
Towson University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their post-graduation career trajectory. Median earnings rise from $54,302 six years after enrollment to $59,840 at eight years and $64,390 at ten years, representing 18.6% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 4,838 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures. Earnings span from $43,971 at the 25th percentile to $88,498 at the 75th percentile, indicating a 2.0:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles.
Low-income graduates earn $52,900, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds. Approximately 26.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Compared to peer institutions, Towson graduates earn $3,847 more annually than the median, reflecting strong regional positioning and program quality. The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation by program, with Computer Science graduates earning $92,268 while psychology graduates earn $46,781, reflecting differences in field-specific labor market demand.
Computer Science.
138 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
313 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
191 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
48 graduates
Information Science/Studies.
41 graduates
Towson University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with comprehensive federal earnings data for ranking and comparison. Computer Science ranks #85 nationally and #3 in Maryland, producing 138 graduates with median earnings of $92,268 and representing strong technology sector preparation.
Business Administration ranks #64 nationally and #2 in Maryland, graduating 549 students with median earnings of $67,968 and a strong value score of 81.4. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #108 nationally but #1 in Maryland, graduating 313 students with median earnings of $74,833.
Communication and Media Studies ranks #29 nationally and #2 in Maryland, with 357 graduates earning $56,404 median and an exceptional value score of 89.0. Social Sciences ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Maryland, graduating 226 students with median earnings of $53,684.
Health Services/Allied Health ranks #16 nationally and #1 in Maryland, demonstrating Towson's strength in health professions preparation.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#132 ranked) | VA | 57% | $81,698 | #132 | Compare |
North Carolina State University At Raleigh Similar quality tier in Southeast (#128 ranked) | NC | 40% | $68,758 | #128 | Compare |
University Of Michigan-Dearborn Similar quality tier (#125 ranked) | MI | 59% | $59,649 | #125 | Compare |
Sam Houston State University Similar quality tier (#124 ranked) | TX | 85% | $54,211 | #124 | Compare |
Missouri University Of Science And Technology Similar quality tier (#137 ranked) | MO | 73% | $82,957 | #137 | Compare |
