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.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at Towson University typically score between 1050-1270 on the SAT, with a median around 1160. The middle 50% range means one quarter of enrolled students score below 1050, while another quarter score above 1270, indicating Towson admits students across a broad academic spectrum. SAT Math scores range from 510-620, while Verbal scores span 540-650, showing balanced preparation across subject areas. ACT scores range from 19-28 with a median of 24, providing alternative pathways for students who perform better on that assessment. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, Towson's range falls 32 points below, though this difference is modest and reflects the university's accessible mission. These ranges represent enrolled students, not minimum requirements—students scoring outside this range are regularly admitted. The academic profile ranks at the 92nd percentile nationally, indicating that despite open admission policies, Towson attracts well-prepared students. Students whose scores fall within the 1050-1270 range should feel academically competitive for admission, while those below 1050 remain viable candidates given the university's holistic approach. The broad score ranges reflect Towson's commitment to evaluating students comprehensively rather than relying solely on standardized testing.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Towson University enrolls a diverse student body that reflects its commitment to educational access and opportunity. The university serves 33.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based grants. First-generation students comprise 29.0% of enrollment, demonstrating Towson's role in extending higher education to families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent 34.5% of new enrollment, highlighting the university's function as a destination for students beginning at community colleges or transferring from other four-year institutions. This composition indicates admission practices that prioritize educational opportunity alongside academic preparation. The substantial transfer population suggests Towson effectively serves students following non-traditional pathways to degree completion. Geographic diversity brings students from across Maryland and neighboring states, though specific regional breakdowns vary by year. The combination of Pell-eligible, first-generation, and transfer students creates a campus environment where students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences learn together. Prospective first-generation students should know that nearly 3 in 10 enrolled students share their background, providing peer support and institutional understanding of their unique needs. The diverse composition reflects Towson's mission as a regional public university committed to serving the full spectrum of Maryland students seeking higher education.
Given Towson University's 82.8% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students should view it as accessible rather than highly competitive. The alternatives below provide options with different admission profiles, geographic locations, or cost structures.
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Students who enroll at Towson University demonstrate strong persistence and degree completion rates that indicate effective institutional support. 83.2% of freshmen return for sophomore year, slightly below the peer median of 83.7% but reflecting solid retention performance. The university graduates 67.6% of students within six years, compared to a peer median of 65.9%, showing above-average completion rates. Pell-eligible students graduate at 68.3%, representing a positive 0.7 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate, indicating strong support systems for lower-income students. This positive Pell gap is noteworthy, as many institutions struggle to achieve equal completion rates across income levels. The higher completion rate for Pell students suggests effective financial aid, academic support, and campus resources that help students from lower-income backgrounds succeed. Transfer students benefit from established pathways and credit transfer policies that facilitate degree completion. Students who gain admission to Towson can expect institutional support designed to promote retention and graduation, with particular attention to first-generation and lower-income students. The completion data indicates that students who match well with Towson's academic environment and take advantage of available support services typically succeed in earning their degrees. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the supportive academic environment they'll experience.
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