Towson University continues to rise in national prominence, earning several recognitions in the annual U.S. News and World Report regional “Best College” rankings. TU was ranked No. 4 among public universities in the North and No. 13 overall among both public and private schools.  

In addition to overall regional rankings, TU was rated as the North’s:

  • No. 2 Best College for Veterans
  • No. 10 Top Program for Undergraduate Teaching
  • No. 14 Best Value for In-State Students
  • No. 50 Top Performer in Social Mobility
  • No. 66 Best Value Overall 

“Our students are thriving and it is not by accident. From exceptional undergraduate education to holistic student support, TU is committed to ensuring every Tiger can succeed and reach their full potential,” says President Mark Ginsberg. “These rankings affirm TU as a university of opportunity and access, and they inspire us to continue raising the bar for student success.” 

Regional rankings—a placement based on TU’s current Carnegie Classification—were based on a variety of factors including student outcomes, graduation rates, Pell performance, post-graduate earnings, quality of instruction and institutional peer assessment. This year, the North region consists of 155 universities (including 50 public schools) across 11 states, from Maine to Maryland, and Washington, DC. 

Best Colleges for Veterans 

TU was ranked as the North’s second-best university for veterans in 2027, marking the university’s highest-ever placement and its fourth straight year in the top five. The ranking, based on the total enrollment and benefits for veteran students, affirms TU’s commitment to providing high-quality support and services through its nationally recognized Military & Veterans Center.  

Earlier this year, TU was also rated among the nation's top 10 public universities for veterans by the 2026 Military Friendly® Schools list. The Military Friendly® designation is awarded to institutions that demonstrate exceptional outcomes and sustained efforts in areas such as student services, academic policies, retention and graduation rates, career preparation, and campus culture for military-connected students.  

Best Value Schools 

TU was listed among the North’s best value schools, reflecting the university’s ability to pair a strong academic experience with financial support for students. The rankings consider both academic quality and students’ true cost after need-based financial aid, including grants and scholarships. Last year, 66% of students received financial aid and 39% received Pell grants, making TU’s top-rated education more accessible to students from a range of economic backgrounds. Additionally, 43% of TU students who graduated in 2024-25 did so with zero debt.  

Top Programs for Undergraduate Teaching 

A strong commitment to undergraduate teaching is another hallmark of the TU experience across all colleges and programs. U.S. News & World Report asked top academics name the schools they believe have faculty with a remarkably strong commitment to undergraduate teaching. College presidents, provosts and admissions deans placed TU among the North’s best, ranking No. 3 among public universities and No. 10 overall. 

Top Performers for Social Mobility 

Recognition as a leader for social mobility underscores TU’s role as an engine of opportunity—a university that is removing educational barriers and ensuring student success. The social mobility ranking looks at the number of Pell Grant recipients and compares their graduation rates to non-Pell Grant students at the university. TU’s Pell-eligible students far exceed the national average for academic success—graduating at a rate 13% higher than peers across the country (IPEDS). 

This is the second notable ranking for TU this fall, after earning recognition as the No. 1 public university in Maryland from Washington Monthly’s annual “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars” list. 

View all TU rankings and recognitions.