
Towson University, a public institution founded in 1866, has a large student body. The university's total undergraduate enrollment was 16,517 in Fall 2023. This number has increased dramatically since the 1960s, when baby boomers started applying to colleges. In 1964, Towson State's enrollment was 3,537, and by 1974, it had climbed to 13,399. The university offers its nearly 20,000 students more than 60 undergraduate majors and over 80 graduate degrees and certifications. In Fall 2023, Towson welcomed about 5,000 new students, including 3,047 first-year students—the largest first-year class in the university's history.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of founding | 1866 |
| Location | Towson, Maryland |
| Type of institution | Public |
| Campus size | 329 acres |
| Number of academic departments | 30 |
| Number of colleges | 8 |
| Number of undergraduate majors | 60+ |
| Number of graduate degrees and certifications | 80+ |
| Undergraduate enrollment (Fall 2023) | 16,517 |
| Total number of students | Nearly 20,000 |
| Number of new students (Fall 2023) | 5,289 |
| Number of first-time students (Fall 2023) | 3,047 |
| Acceptance rate (Fall 2010) | 57% |
| Average grade point average (Fall 2010) | 3.45 |
| ACT composite scores (Fall 2010) | 21-25 |
| Tuition and fees (in-state) | $11,728 |
| Tuition and fees (out-of-state) | $29,820 |
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What You'll Learn

In Fall 2023, Towson University had 16,517 undergraduate students enrolled
Today, Towson University is a public institution located in Towson, Maryland, about eight miles outside of Baltimore. It is the second-largest school in Maryland's public university system, offering nearly 20,000 students a comprehensive collegiate experience. The university provides a wide range of resources, including academic, physical, and emotional support, to cater to its students' diverse needs.
The campus spans 329 acres and offers a variety of facilities and extracurricular activities. Students can join hundreds of clubs and intramural sports teams, and the university fields 19 NCAA Division I varsity teams that compete in the Coastal Athletic Association. The campus is also conveniently located, allowing students to walk to the nearby college town of Towson and easily access larger cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C., for additional opportunities.
The university offers a broad curriculum with 110 undergraduate majors and more than 80 graduate degrees and certifications across thirty academic departments. Towson University's eight colleges include departments for Art, Dance, Electronic Media and Film, Mass Communication, Communication Studies, and Performing Arts. The university's performing arts programs provide music, theatre, and dance performances both on and off-campus.
With a large student body, a diverse range of academic offerings, and a dedication to student support, Towson University continues to be a prominent educational institution in the region.
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The university welcomed 5,289 new students in 2023
Towson University, a public institution founded in 1866, welcomed 5,289 new students in 2023. This included 3,047 first-year students, the largest first-year class in the university's history. The university's total undergraduate enrollment for the fall 2023 semester was 16,517 students.
Located in Towson, Maryland, Towson University is the second-largest school in Maryland's public university system. It offers its nearly 20,000 students more than sixty undergraduate majors and more than 80 graduate degrees and certifications. The university provides a comprehensive collegiate sports program, with 19 NCAA Division I varsity teams competing in the Coastal Athletic Association.
The university's campus spans 329 acres and is located about eight miles outside of Baltimore, within an hour's drive of Washington, D.C. The proximity to these cities expands the opportunities for jobs, internships, and research. The campus offers various resources and support services to meet students' academic, physical, and emotional needs.
Towson University has a vibrant and welcoming community, with hundreds of student clubs and intramural sports teams. The university organises events like "Welcome to TU" to help incoming students get familiar with the campus and connect with their peers. The university encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities, athletics, and arts performances to enhance their overall college experience.
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In 1964, the college's enrollment rate began to increase
In 1964, the college enrolment rates at Towson University began to increase dramatically. Over the course of a decade, Towson State's enrolment climbed from 3,537 to 13,399. This surge in enrolment led to the construction of various new facilities, including the Center for the Arts, University Union, and Cook Library. The university also expanded its course offerings under the leadership of President James L. Fisher to cater to the growing student body's needs.
This increase in enrolment at Towson University can be attributed to several factors. One significant factor was the post-World War II baby boom, which resulted in a larger cohort of students reaching college age in the 1960s. Additionally, the university's expanding academic programs and changing focus contributed to its appeal. For example, in 1960, Towson expanded its art and science programs into four-year courses and began awarding bachelor's degrees in these fields, leading to a name change to Towson State College.
The university's response to this significant enrolment growth was proactive. They developed a new Campus Master Plan, which was approved by the University System of Maryland board of regents in 2003. This plan aimed to address not only the university's requirement for growth but also the concerns of the larger Towson community. As a result, Towson's campus underwent multiple construction projects, including the building of academic and student life facilities, as well as necessary infrastructure improvements such as roads and utilities.
The expansion of Towson University brought about a need for more diverse courses to cater to the growing student body. President James L. Fisher oversaw this expansion of academic offerings to meet the demands of the increasing number of students. This period of growth also led to the university joining the University System of Maryland in 1988, signalling its development and evolution as a metropolitan university.
Today, Towson University continues to thrive, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 16,517 as of Fall 2023. The university offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, with 110 undergraduate majors and over 80 graduate degrees and certifications. Towson University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities North, #15, reflecting its excellence in higher education.
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By 1976, enrollment had climbed to 13,399
The history of Towson University can be traced back to 1865, when the General Assembly of Maryland allocated funds for the state's first teacher-training school. The institution, known as the "Maryland State Normal School", opened its doors in 1866 with just eleven students. Over the next century, the school's name and location changed several times, and by 1964, it had become known as Towson State. That year, college enrollment rates across the country began to surge as the baby boomer generation started applying to colleges. Towson State was no exception to this trend, and within a decade, its enrollment had more than tripled, climbing from 3,537 to 13,399 by 1976. This rapid expansion brought about significant changes to the campus infrastructure, with the construction of new facilities such as the Center for the Arts, University Union, and Cook Library.
The growth in student numbers also prompted an expansion in the academic programs offered by the university. Under the leadership of President James L. Fisher, Towson State introduced new courses to cater to the diverse interests and needs of its burgeoning student body. This commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity has remained a cornerstone of the university's ethos. By offering a wide range of academic programs and providing a rich array of resources, Towson University strives to support the holistic development of its students.
In 1976, the school underwent another name change, becoming Towson State University. This evolution reflected its growing stature and ambition within the realm of higher education. The university continued to flourish in the following decades, attracting students from across Maryland and beyond. As of 2023, Towson University is the second-largest school in Maryland's public university system, with nearly 20,000 students enrolled. The university offers a comprehensive array of academic programs, including more than sixty undergraduate majors and over eighty graduate degrees and certifications.
The university's dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community has contributed to its enduring appeal. Students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, with hundreds of student clubs and intramural sports teams available for them to join. Additionally, the university's proximity to Baltimore and Washington, D.C., provides abundant opportunities for internships and research collaborations, further enhancing the attractiveness of Towson University to prospective students.
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Towson University is the second-largest school in Maryland
As of the fall 2022 semester, approximately 19,519 students were enrolled at Towson University, making it the second-largest university in the state of Maryland by student population. This includes 17,261 undergraduate students and 2,258 graduate students. Towson University is a public institution located in Towson, Maryland, offering a wide range of academic programs and a vibrant campus life.
The university has a strong focus on providing a well-rounded education and offering a diverse range of extracurricular activities. The campus spans 328 acres and features a mix of modern and historic buildings, providing a unique blend of traditional and contemporary learning environments. The university has invested significantly in its facilities, ensuring that students have access to state-of-the-art resources and technology to support their academic pursuits.
Academically, Towson University offers a comprehensive range of programs, with over 100 bachelor's degree programs, more than 80 master's degree programs, and a selection of doctoral programs. The university is organized into eight distinct colleges, each offering specialized programs and a dedicated faculty. These colleges include the College of Business and Economics, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts and Communication, and the College of Health Professions, among others.
Beyond its academic offerings, Towson University also boasts a vibrant campus life, with over 300 student organizations covering a wide range of interests. Students can get involved in various clubs, societies, and intramural sports teams, as well as attend cultural events and performances throughout the year. The university places a strong emphasis on community engagement and encourages students to participate in volunteer work and community service initiatives.
The university's location in Towson, Maryland, provides easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of nearby Baltimore and Washington, DC. Students can take advantage of internships, research collaborations, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations, enhancing their educational experience and providing valuable career preparation. The university also has a strong alumni network, with over 137,000 alumni worldwide, offering mentorship and career development opportunities.
In conclusion, Towson University's large student population reflects its appeal as a comprehensive and dynamic institution offering a rich academic and extracurricular experience. As the second-largest university in Maryland, Towson University continues to play a significant role in educating a diverse student body and contributing to the social and economic development of the region. Its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and student success positions it as a leading educational institution in the state and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, Towson University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,517.
In 2023, Towson University welcomed 5,289 new students to campus, including 3,047 first-year students.
In 1964, Towson State's enrollment rate was 3,537.
Within a decade, starting from 1964, Towson State's enrollment climbed to 13,399.
When Towson University first opened its doors in 1866 as the "Maryland State Normal School", it enrolled eleven students.








































