Towson University has again been ranked Maryland’s top public university by Washington Monthly. In its annual “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” list, which features 500 universities nationwide, TU is ranked as the country’s No. 31 public university and 82nd among all public and private schools.

“We are proud that Towson University again has been recognized as the state’s top-rated public university and as a national leader in higher education. These rankings are not just a point of pride, they are a testament to TU’s commitment to access, opportunity and student success,” says President Mark Ginsberg.

This year’s rankings assessed universities on four equally weighted categories: access, affordability, outcomes and public service. This included measures such as graduation rates, Pell Grant enrollment, net tuition price, median student loan debt and initiatives centered around community engagement.

“Being named the No. 1 public university in Maryland is a powerful affirmation of Towson University's commitment to student success and academic excellence,” says Melanie Perreault, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “This recognition is a testament to the talent, dedication and ambition of our students, faculty and staff. It is an honor and a call to action, inspiring us to build on our momentum and continue to expand opportunities for student success.”

In addition to national rankings, Washington Monthly assessed higher ed institutions by region. TU was named the No. 7 public university in the Northeast, an area that includes 10 states from Maine to Maryland. 

TU’s strong showing reflects the university’s sustained focus on creating meaningful opportunities for students, preparing them for success beyond graduation and making a positive impact on communities throughout Maryland. With an emphasis on holistic student support, TU ensures students from every background graduate at rates above state and national averages. Pell-eligible students have a graduation rate 12% higher than peers at other Maryland institutions.

That commitment to student success is evident as TU graduates enter the workforce. Ninety percent of the Class of 2025 secured a job or enrolled in post-secondary education within six months of their TU graduation.

TU is also making college education more accessible and more affordable. Last year, it announced partnerships with local community colleges to expand pathways to a four-year degree, building on its position as one of the top 25% of transfer-friendly institutions nationwide. In addition, 43% of TU students graduate with zero debt.

At the heart of TU’s mission is its commitment to serve the public good. Programs hosted by the Office for Social Impact and the newly launched Ben and Myrna Cardin Center for Civic Engagement and Civil Discourse have further strengthened that commitment, creating opportunities for students and members of the community to engage in meaningful conversations around democracy. These efforts have helped the university earn the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement and recognition as a Voter-Friendly Campus, proving TU’s impact extends far beyond its campus borders.