Towson University
Towson, Maryland · Public · 82.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 79/100 · Strong Value
Towson University
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,728/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $29,820/yr |
| Average net price | $17,413/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $69,652 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,390 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,718 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $198 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 69.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 16,136 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,962 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,590 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,784 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,720 |
| $110,001+ | $26,396 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Towson University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $78,497 | B |
| Psychology | $55,497 | C |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $42,584 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $58,624 | C |
| Registered Nursing | $91,044 | B+ |
| Social Sciences, Other | $62,559 | C |
| Biology | $53,793 | C |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $75,785 | B |
| Computer Science | $104,653 | B+ |
| Teacher Education | $56,254 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Towson University is $11,728/year ($29,820/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,413/year, or roughly $69,652 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $6,962/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $26,396/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,718 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $198 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $64,390 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.45 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 73.3% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 75.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 73.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 76.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 82.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-600 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 490-635 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-27 |
| Enrollment | 16,136 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 35.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,975 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towson University (this school) | 79 | $17,413 | $64,390 |
| University of Iowa | 76 | $22,531 | $64,762 |
| University of Massachusetts-Lowell | 76 | $17,163 | $64,874 |
| Kansas State University | 69 | $19,406 | $57,262 |
| University of Baltimore | 64 | $13,868 | $61,335 |
| Bowie State University | 40 | $19,298 | $54,537 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
Towson University delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $17,413 per year ($69,652 over four years), graduates earn a median of $64,390 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 7.1 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, a 69.5% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $18,718 is very manageable against $64,390 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.