Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Towson University vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $33,360 in Digital Communication to $92,268 in Computer Science. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Analyzing 42 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size at Towson University.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Towson University.
Computer Science leads Towson's technology programs with exceptional earnings of $92,268, ranking #85 nationally despite comprising a smaller cohort of 138 graduates. Artificial Intelligence graduates earn $74,174 with stronger enrollment at 191 students.
Both programs demonstrate Towson's growing strength in technology education, though Computer Science provides superior return on investment with lower debt levels. This group is best suited for students prioritizing high-earning technical careers in software development, cybersecurity, and emerging technology fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | — | $104,653★ |
Program outcomes reflect actual graduate earnings and debt levels reported to the Department of Education through the College Scorecard system. Rankings evaluate programs based on post-graduation labor market results rather than institutional reputation or prestige measures. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment, while debt reflects typical borrowing levels for degree completion. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in federal data, with larger cohorts providing greater confidence in reported outcomes. These outcomes reflect the interaction between program curriculum, local employment markets, and graduate career choices. Programs at the same institution can show dramatically different outcomes based on field-specific labor demand, typical career pathways, and graduate school continuation rates.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| $24,208 |
| 167 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | — | $75,785 | $28,709 | 196 |
| Information Science/Studies. | — | $72,049 | — | 38 |
Business Administration dominates enrollment with 549 graduates earning solid $67,968 median salaries, ranking #64 nationally and #2 in Maryland. Accounting Technology delivers higher earnings at $70,862 with smaller cohorts of 129 students.
Applied Economics provides moderate earnings of $60,328 with lower debt levels. The programs balance accessibility with career preparation, making them well-suited for students seeking reliable professional pathways in corporate, financial, and public sector careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $91,252★ | $18,455 | 117 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $78,497 | $30,886 | 481 |
Adult Health Nursing leads with strong earnings of $74,833 and substantial enrollment of 313 graduates, ranking #1 in Maryland though #108 nationally. Health Services programs earn $56,936 with excellent national ranking at #16.
Clinical Research Coordinator programs show solid outcomes at $54,853 but higher debt levels. These programs excel at combining strong local employment prospects with meaningful service careers, best suited for students committed to healthcare professions and patient care.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | — | $91,044★ | $25,045 | 288 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | — | $72,365 | $29,877 | 66 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | — | $68,077 | $38,644 | 119 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | — | $65,108 | $24,844 | 132 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.Small sample | — | $61,911 | — | 13 |
Biology represents Towson's largest science program with 217 graduates earning $52,007, ranking #92 nationally and #3 in Maryland. The program demonstrates solid preparation for graduate school continuation and entry-level science careers.
Sciences programs typically serve as preparation for advanced study in medicine, research, and graduate programs. This path is well-suited for students planning graduate education or careers requiring strong analytical and research foundation skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics.Small sample | — | $90,457★ | — | 13 |
| Chemistry. | — | $76,296 | — | 54 |
| Mathematics. | — | $72,409 | — | 41 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. | — | $54,367 | — | 35 |
| Biology, General. | — | $53,793 | $23,259 | 218 |
Psychology leads enrollment with 392 graduates earning $46,781, ranking #79 nationally and #3 in Maryland with strong value scores of 77.5. Social Sciences programs rank exceptionally at #4 nationally, delivering $53,684 earnings with solid debt management.
Human Services shows strong national ranking at #5 with earnings of $45,819. These programs balance broad liberal arts preparation with specific career training, best suited for students pursuing counseling, social work, and public service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | — | $76,509★ | $16,944 | 68 |
| Social Sciences, General. | — | $68,242 | — | 20 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | — | $62,559 | $25,753 | 231 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $60,313 | $27,969 | 97 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies. | — | $57,498 | — | 32 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $55,497 | $24,500 | 421 |
| Human Services, General. | — | $52,223 | $29,530 | 102 |
| Geography and Cartography. | — | $42,682 | — | 29 |
Communication and Media Studies delivers impressive outcomes with earnings of $56,404, ranking #29 nationally and #2 in Maryland with exceptional value scores of 89.0. The 357 graduate cohort demonstrates strong student demand and program scale.
Digital Communication shows lower earnings at $33,360 but ranks #30 nationally. This group serves students interested in media, journalism, and corporate communication, with outcomes varying significantly based on specialization and career focus.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $63,292★ | $31,254 | 121 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | — | $42,584 | $23,845 | 315 |
Art History demonstrates exceptional value with earnings of $43,056 ranking #25 nationally and #2 in Maryland, despite lower absolute earnings levels. The program shows strong debt management with value scores of 89.4.
These programs prioritize long-term academic and cultural pathways rather than immediate high earnings, making them well-suited for students planning graduate study, museum work, or careers emphasizing intellectual and creative fulfillment over maximum income.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History. | — | $56,318★ | — | 47 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | — | $53,164 | $18,437 | 81 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | — | $48,238 | $20,372 | 137 |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services.Small sample | — | $46,447 | — | 16 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | — | $39,753 | $18,526 | 41 |
| Music. | — | $36,285 | — | 38 |
| Dance.Small sample | — | $21,964 | — | 15 |
Adult and Continuing Education produces 194 graduates earning $48,300, ranking #34 nationally and #2 in Maryland with strong value scores of 84.9. The program combines teaching preparation with public service career pathways.
Education programs typically lead to stable public sector employment with pension benefits and job security. This path suits students committed to educational mission and community service, accepting moderate earnings for meaningful professional impact.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education and Teaching. | — | $56,971★ | $28,990 | 162 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $56,254 | $21,724 | 189 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $55,635 | — | 63 |
Natural Resources Conservation and Research. leads agriculture & environment with 57K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | — | $57,388 | — | 52 |
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. leads other & interdisciplinary with 59K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $58,624★ | $28,279 | 294 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.Small sample | — | $57,295 | — | 17 |
| Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. | — | $50,406 | — | 22 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | — | $47,597 | — | 28 |
| Area Studies. | — | $36,141 | — | 24 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | — | $30,988 | — | 26 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
