Towson University continues to power Maryland’s economy, generating an impressive $2.5 billion in total economic output in fiscal year 2025—a clear testament to the university’s growing impact, innovation and leadership across the state.

An economic impact report conducted by the Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI), a state resource housed at TU, found that the university supported 7,698 jobs statewide and contributed nearly $896 million in employee compensation during FY25. TU-related economic activity also generated an estimated $101.9 million in state tax revenues and $64.4 million in county tax revenues, helping to fund essential public services across Maryland.

“This study underscores Towson University's role as an anchor institution for the region—one that not only educates students but also strengthens the state’s economy, supports thousands of jobs and enriches our community,” says President Mark R. Ginsberg. “We are very proud to serve Maryland as a catalyst for growth, opportunity and workforce development.”

RESI examined the university’s economic footprint across four primary areas: university operations, capital investments, student spending and the long-term economic impact of TU’s 2024 graduating class. Daily university operations accounted for a significant share of TU’s overall activity, supporting 4,827 jobs and generating $747 million in economic output. TU’s capital investments, which included the renovation and reconstruction of Glen Towers and Smith Hall, further fueled economic growth with more than $321 million in output, supporting construction jobs, local businesses and tax revenues at the state and county levels.

Students also played an important role in the regional economy. Spending by TU students at off-campus businesses—from housing and transportation to books and personal expenses—helped to support more than 1,300 jobs and $261 million in output.

The study highlights the long-term impact of a Towson University degree, finding that higher lifetime earnings associated with TU’s Class of 2024—nearly 4,900 undergraduate and graduate alumni—will contribute more than $1.2 billion in economic output over a 30-year period. These increased earnings are projected to support thousands of jobs statewide, reinforcing the university’s role in developing a skilled, competitive workforce.

TU's $2.5 billion impact in FY25 represents a notable increase from the university’s previous economic report in 2022, which documented $2.1 billion in activity.

“TU’s continued economic growth has delivered lasting value for Maryland and its residents, says Daraius Irani, Ph.D., TU RESI’s chief economist and vice president for business and public engagement. “The findings affirm the essential role that TU and higher education play in our state's long-term vitality.”

Beyond direct economic measures, the study shows TU’s impact through partnerships, programming, research and public service. This included hundreds of Baltimore–Towson University (BTU) partnerships, dozens of new business ventures created from the StarTUp Accelerator and tens of thousands of visitors to campus through arts, athletics, the TU planetarium, conferences, public events and TU’s Institute for Well-Being clinical services.

The Regional Economic Studies Institute is the trusted expert on Maryland’s economy.
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