Towson University has been ranked among the nation’s best colleges for women in Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list. The ranking, developed in partnership with Gender Fair, evaluates institutions across leadership representation, equitable pay and policies, campus safety and career opportunities.

The recognition places Towson University among a select group of institutions nationwide that demonstrate measurable progress in advancing gender equity and creating supportive environments where women can thrive academically and professionally. The broader ranking draws on federally reported data and reproductive health policy information to help students make informed college decisions.

In the statewide breakdown, TU placed in the 201–300 range, earning an overall score between 62.9 and 66.5, with strong marks in leadership (74), pay and policy (58), safety (79) and opportunity (51).

According to the methodology, leadership measures the presence of women across professorial ranks and in top executive roles. Pay and policies evaluates ratios of women’s to men’s pay, average women’s pay and the presence of on-campus day care—factors associated with fair compensation and workplace support. Safety assesses rates of crimes against women and hate crimes using an inverted, normalized metric. Opportunity includes Pell Grant distribution and representation of non-white faculty at multiple ranks, acknowledging intersectional barriers that shape women’s experiences.

This recognition also reinforces TU’s alignment with President Ginsberg’s priority to raise the bar for belonging. With an unwavering commitment to belonging, TU continues to build an environment where every community member and visitor feels seen, heard, respected and valued. This national acknowledgment underscores the impact of TU’s efforts to recruit, retain and support individuals from all backgrounds while working to eliminate systemic barriers to success.

TU’s inclusion in this list adds to its growing reputation for inclusive excellence. The university has also been recognized nationally for its leadership in gender equality, earning a No. 1 ranking in North America in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for gender equality.