TU again recognized as one of the nation’s top universities for diversity and inclusion

By Kailey Adams on October 24, 2023

For the fourth consecutive year, Towson University has been named a recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award—bestowed on universities nationwide who “consistently demonstrate best DEI practices and set the standards for other colleges.”

Presented annually by INSIGHT Into Diversity, America’s largest and oldest publication dedicated to DEI in higher education, the HEED Award is the only national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities for outstanding commitment to diverse and equitable programming.

TU is one of only 109 institutions nationwide, and one of two Maryland universities, to receive the 2023 honor.

“While some states continue to roll back inclusive programming and marginalize diverse communities, Towson University is working tirelessly to attract the best and brightest students in the country—regardless of the color of their skin, nationality, gender identity or religion—and ensure their success from start to finish of their academic journey,” says Patricia Bradley, TU's vice president of inclusion and institutional equity. “It's gratifying to receive recognition for our efforts, but at the same time bittersweet, as we hope equitable practices will soon be the standard for every university across the country.”

The recognition is one of many recent accolades for inclusive excellence and student success at TU:

• TU has once again earned a five-star ranking by Campus Pride Index, which scores universities on their efforts to create a safe, inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ students. Campuses are judged on eight factors, including housing, campus safety, academics, student life, recruitment and retention efforts. TU is one of just 13 schools in the mid-Atlantic region to receive the publication’s highest rating.
• TU was named the fifth-best university in the nation for veterans by U.S. News & World Report. Their 2023 list features 49 schools who provide exemplary benefits for veterans and active-duty service members.
• U.S. News & World Report also ranked TU No. 64 in the nation for social mobility, which is factored on the institution’s enrollment and graduation of Pell recipients, student borrower debt and post-graduate earnings.
• Bloomberg Philanthropies recognized TU as an American Talent Initiative (ATI) High-Flier, one of 28 universities named national leaders in college access and success for lower-income students. Towson University received the distinction for its high Pell share and innovative recruitment, enrollment and retention practices.
• Earlier this year, TU’s Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life was awarded the Diversity and Social Justice Initiative Award from the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors. It marks the second time the department has won the national recognition since its creation.

TU’s Inclusive Student Success 

Towson University educates one of the most diverse student bodies in Maryland—one that reflects the state’s demographics.

Earlier this fall, TU welcomed its largest incoming freshman class in university history, which was also the institution’s most racially and ethnically diverse first-year class to date. Of the 3,014 new Tigers, 63% identify as Black, Asian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, American Indian, Pacific Islander or biracial.

With this class, 52% of TU’s overall student body identifies as a racial or ethnic minority—marking the first time in TU’s history that this total has exceeded 50%.

But beyond enrollment, TU retains and graduates these students. For 11 consecutive years, the retention rate of incoming freshmen from racial and ethnic minority groups has exceeded TU's overall retention rate. Among the five most recent cohorts of first-time students, an average of 85% of incoming students from historically underserved groups returned to TU for a second fall semester.

The university’s graduation rates for minority, first-generation and Pell-eligible students are among the best in the nation. TU graduates the highest volume of minority students in the state, and Black students at TU graduate at a rate more than 20% higher than the national average.

Diversity at tu

Institutional Commitment to DEI

TU is Maryland’s university of opportunity—dedicated to providing students with vibrant, well-rounded experiences. Learn more about the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ History & Culture

October is LGBTQIA+ History Month. Deepen your understanding about the community, tap into support services and resources, and celebrate a culture of love and acceptance. Learn more.