International Students Thriving At Towson University

Towson University is a large public university in Towson, Maryland, with a total undergraduate enrollment of over 16,000 students, including more than 800 international students from 100 countries. The university has a diverse and inclusive campus community, offering a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

International student admissions requirements

Towson University welcomes international students from over 80 countries. The university is located in Towson, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore, and is recognised as one of the top public universities in the nation.

International applicants who wish to enrol at Towson University must hold or seek an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States. Non-immigrant international students are required to enrol for full-time study, which is defined as a minimum of 9 units for each term for master's and post-baccalaureate programs, and a minimum of 6 units for each term for doctoral programs.

In addition to the visa requirements, international students may need to provide proof of English language proficiency and a course-by-course credential evaluation. This evaluation must be completed by an NACES-accredited international credential agency and include a course-by-course assessment of the student's academic records, including the degree received and GPA. If transcripts are not in English, they must be translated by a school official.

International undergraduate applicants are required to complete the official international undergraduate application and pay a non-refundable $50 application fee. They must also submit official secondary academic records and, if applicable, post-secondary academic records earned outside the United States.

For graduate admissions, international applicants should review the graduate application and admission policies specific to their desired program. Additionally, students earning a bachelor's degree or higher within the United States may be eligible to have the English Language Proficiency requirement waived.

International students who enrol at Towson University may be required to take the TU English placement exam before the start of the semester.

International student fees and expenses

International students are required to demonstrate their financial ability to cover all educational and living expenses by submitting proof of financial ability. This includes the cost of tuition, fees, room and board (if living on campus), and health insurance.

The International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) requires proof of funding for at least one year of studies at Towson University to issue the I-20, the document needed to apply for an F-1 visa. The financial documentation must show that students or their sponsors can afford the costs.

Undergraduate Students

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated expenses for international undergraduate students (12-15 units) are as follows:

• Tuition: Varies based on the college and department
• Housing & Food Allowance: $4,515/semester for on-campus housing and $3,191/semester for the average meal plan
• Transportation Expenses: Not specified

Graduate Students

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated expenses for international graduate students vary depending on the program:

• International Master's (9 units): Tuition and fees vary
• International Doctoral (6 units): Tuition and fees vary
• Applied Information Technology (AIT) Program: Tuition and fees differ from university rates

English Language Center (ELC) Students

International exchange students who participate in the ELC + International Exchange program for the first semester will incur separate fees that are not covered by the international exchange student agreement. The ELC tuition for the first semester is not included in the exchange agreement.

Health Insurance

All international students on F, J, or other non-employment-related visas are required to have health insurance that meets TU's minimum standards. These students are automatically enrolled in the university-sponsored health insurance plan, and the insurance charge is reflected on their financial account. The TU Health Insurance Fee is billed each semester and must be paid by the payment deadline.

Other Fees

There are additional fees that international students may need to consider, such as the International Student Services Fee, which is a non-refundable $125 per semester charge for students on F-1 and certain J-1 visas. There may also be costs associated with orientation, housing deposits, meal plans, parking permits, and course materials.

International student application process

Towson University in Maryland welcomes international students from over 80 countries. The university offers a diverse and inclusive campus community, with a top 10 safest campuses ranking in the state of Maryland.

The international student application process at Towson University varies depending on the student's current status and level of study. Here is a step-by-step guide for international students applying to the university:

• Visa Requirements: International applicants must hold or seek an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States.
• English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores. The minimum requirements are a TOEFL score of 70 for Internet-based (IBT) tests and an IELTS score of 6 (with a minimum of 5.5 band scores).
• Transcript and Credential Evaluation: International students must submit their high school transcripts. If the transcript is not in English, it must be translated by a school official. Additionally, a course-by-course credential evaluation may be required.
• Application Type: Students must meet specific admission requirements based on their application type:

• Freshman/First-Year: Currently enrolled in secondary school or has graduated without any subsequent college coursework.
• Transfer: Secondary school graduate currently or previously enrolled at another college or university.
• Graduate: Seeking admission to master's or doctoral programs.

• Virtual Information Sessions: Towson University offers 30-minute online information sessions for international students. These sessions cover topics such as the university overview, the admissions process, and scholarship opportunities.
• Application Deadlines: International students should be mindful of application deadlines. For the spring or calendar year, the deadline is October 1st, and for fall or the academic year, the deadline is May 1st. Additionally, students seeking university housing should apply earlier, by September 15th for spring and April 15th for fall.
• Financial Documentation: International students must provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies. This can be in the form of a bank statement or letter. If the financial sponsor is someone other than the student, a Financial Support Guarantee must be submitted.
• Passport: A photocopy of the biographical information page of the student's passport is required.
• Submission: All application documents should be submitted to the Office of International Admissions at Towson University.
• Housing: After receiving an offer of admission, international students can apply for university housing through the Student Housing Gateway. University housing is guaranteed for exchange students who submit their applications and supporting materials by the specified deadlines.

International students are encouraged to apply early, especially when applying for scholarships, as they are often competitive and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Diversity and inclusion at Towson University

Towson University (TU) is a diverse and inclusive campus community that welcomes students from all backgrounds and identities. Located in Towson, Maryland, TU is a nationally recognised leader in inclusive excellence and is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all its students, including those from the international community. With over 20,000 students, TU has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 and a student body comprising 42% White, 30% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic, 7% Asian, and 11% of other ethnicities.

TU's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its recognition of the broad spectrum of identities and viewpoints that exist among its student body. The university understands that each student brings unique experiences, perspectives, and talents that contribute to the depth and richness of the inclusive culture it seeks to foster. This commitment is further demonstrated by TU's dedication to creating pathways for all qualified individuals to access higher education.

The university's dedication to inclusivity is also reflected in its range of academic programs, with over 40 undergraduate majors, 60 concentrations, and 26 master's degree programs. Notable among these are the Honors College, the Towson University School of Business, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Furthermore, TU's eight subsidiary colleges, including the College of Business and Economics, the College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Fine Arts and Communication, provide a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience.

In addition to its academic offerings, TU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student activities and organisations. Students can participate in various sports, clubs, fraternities, and sororities, as well as campus events like "The Associate" competition and Tigerfest, an annual festival featuring music and carnival games. With more than 300 student clubs and organisations, TU ensures that there is something for everyone, fostering an inclusive, friendly, and supportive environment.

The university's values of diversity and inclusion extend beyond its campus borders. TU is situated just a few miles from Baltimore, providing easy access to cultural and recreational attractions such as museums, theatres, and parks. Additionally, its proximity to major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York expands the opportunities for internships, research, and career development.

Towson University's commitment to diversity and inclusion is a key aspect of its identity, and the university strives to ensure that all students feel welcomed, supported, and valued throughout their educational journey.

International student acceptance rate

While the international student acceptance rate for Towson University is not publicly available, we can infer that it is relatively high from the university's overall acceptance rate of 83% for the 2022-2023 academic year. Additionally, Towson University is committed to creating pathways for all qualified individuals to access higher education and fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.

The university welcomes international students from over 80 countries and requires them to hold or seek an F-1 or J-1 visa to study in the United States. International students may also be required to provide proof of English language proficiency and a course-by-course credential evaluation. When submitting transcripts, international students must ensure they are translated into English by a school official.

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with additional requirements for fresh and transfer undergraduate and graduate students. The application fee is $75 for international students, and they must submit official transcripts, entrance exam scores (SAT/ACT for undergraduates, GRE/GMAT for graduates), English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS), a personal statement or essay, and letters of recommendation.

With a diverse and inclusive campus, Towson University offers a welcoming and supportive environment for international students. The university is located in Towson, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore, and is within close proximity to major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. The university is also ranked #389 in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

Frequently asked questions