Students at Towson University achieve strong long-term earnings that place the institution among the top quarter of public universities nationwide for graduate financial outcomes.
The university excels particularly in supporting low-income students toward meaningful economic advancement, earning recognition as a top mobility engine.
Towson University delivers consistently strong outcomes that place it among the top-performing public universities in Maryland and nationwide. With graduates earning a median of $64,390 ten years after enrollment, the university ranks in the 84th percentile nationally for long-term earnings, demonstrating its ability to translate education into meaningful career success. Nearly one-third of students receive Pell Grants, and about 29% are first-generation college students, yet completion rates remain strong across all income levels.
What makes Towson particularly compelling is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with exceptional outcomes for low-income students. The university maintains affordable net prices, especially for lower-income families who pay around $6,677 annually, while middle-income students face costs of approximately $16,686. This balance of accessibility and outcomes reflects Towson's mission as a comprehensive public university that serves diverse student populations without compromising on quality.
As a large public institution in the Baltimore-Washington corridor, Towson offers the resources and connections of a major university while maintaining the supportive environment that helps students from all backgrounds succeed. The combination of strong regional employer relationships, diverse academic programs, and proven track record of economic mobility makes it a standout choice among Maryland's public universities.
Towson University's program portfolio balances professional preparation with liberal arts breadth, creating pathways for students with diverse career interests and financial goals. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 549 students annually who earn median salaries of $49,183 — reflecting strong employer demand and the university's connections to the Baltimore-Washington business community. Adult Health Nursing delivers the highest individual earnings at $66,984, capitalizing on robust healthcare sector demand and the university's reputation for clinical preparation.
Psychology represents Towson's commitment to foundational liberal arts education, graduating 392 students who earn $30,897 in early career but often pursue graduate study or diverse professional paths that build on their analytical and research skills. The program mix demonstrates how comprehensive universities can serve students seeking both immediate career entry and longer-term professional development through advanced study.
Towson's location in Maryland's economic corridor strengthens outcomes across programs, providing students access to internships, clinical placements, and employment opportunities that enhance both learning and career prospects. The university's ability to maintain strong earnings outcomes across diverse fields — from healthcare and business to education and liberal arts — reflects both academic quality and strategic positioning within a dynamic regional economy.
Towson University graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $64,390 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 84th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. This performance reflects the university's ability to prepare students for careers that offer both immediate employment opportunities and long-term growth potential. The strong earnings outcomes span multiple fields, from business and nursing to education and liberal arts, demonstrating the breadth of Towson's academic strength.
Business Administration stands out as both the most popular major and highest aggregate return program, graduating 549 students annually with median earnings of $49,183. Adult Health Nursing delivers the strongest individual earnings at $66,984, reflecting the high demand for healthcare professionals in the Baltimore-Washington region. Psychology, while graduating 392 students with more moderate early-career earnings of $30,897, provides a foundation for graduate study and diverse career paths. The university's program mix balances professional preparation with liberal arts education, creating pathways for students with varying career interests and financial goals.
Towson's location in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area provides graduates access to diverse employment opportunities in healthcare, business, government, and education. The regional job market supports the university's strong earnings outcomes, with many graduates finding positions that offer both competitive starting salaries and clear advancement potential throughout their careers.
Towson University maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout Maryland and beyond. Low-income students pay approximately $6,677 annually in net costs, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families face predictable costs around $16,686 per year. Even higher-income students pay $25,031 annually, representing reasonable value given the university's strong outcomes and comprehensive resources. This pricing structure reflects Maryland's commitment to keeping public higher education accessible while maintaining quality.
Debt levels remain manageable for most Towson graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,718 — a reasonable amount given the university's median earnings of $64,390 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $24,083 for families who choose this option, allowing parents to contribute directly to their student's education while maintaining sustainable debt levels. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their educational investments, supported by strong earnings and career outcomes.
Towson's affordability story is strengthened by its efficient path to graduation, with 68% of students completing degrees within six years and 74% within eight years. This completion rate helps families avoid the costs associated with extended enrollment while ensuring students can begin their careers and start earning returns on their educational investment in a timely manner.
Towson University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
