About Towson University
In 1865, Maryland law authorized the establishment of a State Normal School for the formal training and certification of teachers of public schools. In 1935, the school changed its name to Maryland State Teachers College and added a bachelor’s degree program. Indicative of the school’s growth and broadening scope, State Teachers College was renamed Towson State College in 1963, and then Towson State University in 1975 with the addition of graduate degrees.
Towson University is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland, offering a full-range of undergraduate and graduate degrees from various colleges.
The department of Extended and Professional Education offers online programs leading to degrees, certificates, and licensures at the undergraduate and graduate levels. TU offers small class sizes, inspiring faculty, and an enriching interactive community.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Towson University is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
3,653Fully Online Graduate Students:
43%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$18,718Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
63%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$11,474Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesTowson’s time-to-finish story is tied closely to scheduling flow. Classes can fill fast during registration, and that can push course sequencing off plan when needed sections close early. Registration timing has a real effect on how smoothly terms stack and how quickly a degree path moves.
Cost lands in a practical range for many in-state learners. A reported semester cost around $7,500, without financial assistance, was still framed as more affordable than other Maryland four-year options. Overall, Towson reads as a solid value path when term planning stays tight and course access lines up on time.
Support at Towson can feel strong and personal. Many students talk about advisors who are helpful, clear, and easy to reach. When that connection is in place, students get real help with planning and next steps.
At the same time, service can vary by office. Some students report mixed guidance, especially during registration and financial aid. Since classes can fill quickly, timely answers and clear direction matter a lot. Strong advising helps students stay on track and keep moving toward graduation.
Towson’s online classes run at a serious pace. The work is practical and career-focused. Instructors bring real field experience to class. Some courses use auto-graded online assignments.
Schedule pressure is the bigger online fit issue. Classes can get full very fast. That can disrupt a planned term sequence. Online learners with fixed work hours should expect firm pacing and a structured calendar.
At Towson, classes often feel personal. Many sections are small, so students get real time with professors. Faculty are knowledgeable, approachable, and connected to real-world work.
Learning is active and practical. Students are pushed to grow, finish their degrees, and do well after graduation. Courses build broad skills, including integrity and creative thinking.
Towson’s teaching keeps classwork tied to career goals. Strong faculty relationships and clear class structure help students stay engaged and use what they learn.
Towson is strongest where it counts most: teaching and learning. Professors know their subjects and are easy to talk to. Many classes feel smaller than students expect. That gives students real time with faculty and clearer support in class.
Coursework stays practical and tied to careers. Career prep is part of the student experience, not an add-on. Internships and research can help students build skills and make employer connections. For Maryland residents, cost can be reasonable.
One reported figure was about $7,500 per semester before aid. Some day-to-day processes can feel uneven. Registration can be tight when classes fill fast. Advising quality may differ across appointments.
Financial aid steps can also take extra follow-through. Even so, Towson offers strong academics and solid career preparation.
Towson is strongest where it counts most: teaching and learning. Professors know their subjects and are easy to talk to. Many classes feel smaller than students expect. That gives students real time with faculty and clearer support in class.
Coursework stays practical and tied to careers. Career prep is part of the student experience, not an add-on. Internships and research can help students build skills and make employer connections. For Maryland residents, cost can be reasonable.
One reported figure was about $7,500 per semester before aid. Some day-to-day processes can feel uneven. Registration can be tight when classes fill fast. Advising quality may differ across appointments.
Financial aid steps can also take extra follow-through. Even so, Towson offers strong academics and solid career preparation.
Online Programs offered by Towson University
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Computer Science & IT
Frequently Asked Questions About Towson University
Is Towson University accredited?
Yes. Towson University is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Towson University offer?
Towson University offers 4 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Towson University offer?
Towson University is focused on master's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Towson University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Towson University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Towson University falls into GetEducated’s $ tuition tier, which points to a lower tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Towson University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Towson University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Towson University programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.0 to 3.0, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is Towson University military friendly?
Towson University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Towson University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Towson University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Essay/Writing Sample, and Recommendation/Reference Letter(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Towson University accept life experience credit?
Towson University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Towson University programs fully online or mixed?
Towson University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Towson University offer?
Towson University has online program options in areas such as Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Art & Liberal Arts, and Computer Science & IT; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Towson University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Towson University programs have state authorization limitations?
Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Towson University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Towson University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Towson University programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Towson University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Towson University is located in Maryland
Maryland at a Glance:
Top Majors in Maryland:
Top Incentives in Maryland:
- Howard P. Rawlings Educational Excellence Award: Up to $3,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Maryland:
- Entry Level: Security Analyst ($80,000)
- Mid Level: Security Engineer ($120,000)
- Senior Level: Security Director ($175,000+)
- Required Education: BS Cybersecurity
- Certifications: Security+, CISSP, CEH