Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Towson, Maryland
82.8% Acceptance Rate
Towson University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
82.8%Acceptance Rate
3.69Avg GPA
1166Avg SAT
24Avg ACT
$26,621Annual Cost
$64,390Grad Salary
33.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
82.8%
Avg GPA
3.69
Avg SAT
1166
Avg ACT
24
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1050–1270
ACT Middle 50%
19–28
Avg Net Price
$16,791
Need-Based Aid
33.5% receive Pell
Towson University is a major public research university in Maryland known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the university fosters a dynamic campus environment that encourages research, leadership, and professional development. Its focus on providing a high-value, well-rounded education makes it a premier choice for students seeking a top-tier degree.
Towson University Acceptance Rate
Towson University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 82.8%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 82.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.69 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.49 – 3.68
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.24
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Towson University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for Towson University is February 1 for Regular applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 195 days left — Regular
Regular
February 1
Early Action
November 15
Decision by: January 15
💡 The scholarship deadline (November 15, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Towson University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Towson University is 3.69. Towson University is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.89-4.09 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.39 and 3.69, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Towson University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at Towson University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.69, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.69 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.49 – 3.68
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.29 – 3.48
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.28
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Acceptance rate 82% (Niche/IPEDS, 2025-26: 19,767 applications); Early Action November 1 (hard cutoff for merit scholarship consideration - applications after November 1 may not be reviewed for merit aid); Regular Decision February 1; $50 application fee; test-optional (mid-50% SAT 1060?1220, ACT 20?25); Common App essay required (holistic review).
- College of Health Professions: OT entry-level OTD (separate application, 30 community service hours, essay, 3 references, ~30% acceptance per student reviews); OT MS (28 months, 71 units, two 480-hour Level II Fieldwork rotations - physical disabilities and psychosocial); SLP undergraduate major (3.0 GPA minimum for full program entry); SLP MS and PA Studies MS are graduate-only programs; Institute for Well-Being: on-campus Speech and Language Center + Hearing and Balance Center for clinical practicum.
- Towson, MD (~10 miles north of downtown Baltimore); Greater Baltimore/Washington corridor: NSA (Fort Meade, ~20 miles), Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, federal agencies in DC (~45 min); Maryland top 10 nationally for internship/job opportunities (Towson's own admissions data); Tiger Mentor Network for alumni industry connections.
- ~22,000+ students (17,037 undergrads); 110+ undergraduate programs; 19 NCAA Division I sports; 250+ clubs and organizations; 30+ consecutive years ranked among best regional public universities (US News); Golden ID program for Maryland residents 60+ (reduced tuition for audit or credit, space-available basis).
- The Rigor Metric: At Towson University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Towson University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Towson University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Towson University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Towson University Without SAT or ACT?
Towson University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Towson University Average SAT Score: 1166
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Towson University is 1166 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1166 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1166 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1270 SAT or 28 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Towson University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1050, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Towson University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 565 | 510 | 620 |
| SAT Reading | 595 | 540 | 650 |
| SAT Composite | 1166 | 1050 | 1270 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1050 then you are below most of the admitted students at Towson University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1270 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into Towson University with a 1250 SAT?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Towson University are good but the admission staff at Towson University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Towson University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Towson University is 24.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 24 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Towson University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 24 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 17 | 26 |
| ACT English | 24 | 20 | 27 |
| ACT Composite | 24 | 19 | 28 |
Can I get into Towson University with a 28 ACT?
A 28 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Towson University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Towson University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Towson University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Towson University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 28 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Towson University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Towson University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Submit by November 1 - After That, Merit Scholarship Consideration Stops
Towson University uses a non-binding Early Action deadline of November 1, and it is the hard cutoff for merit scholarship consideration. The admissions page states explicitly: applications complete after November 1 may not be considered for merit scholarships. Towson uses the Common App, which means the Common App personal essay is part of your application - it is read as part of a holistic review alongside academic rigor, extracurriculars, and letters of recommendation. Submit it thoughtfully. The Regular Decision deadline is February 1. Test-optional (SAT/ACT considered if submitted; mid-50% SAT 1060?1220, ACT 20?25). With 19,767 applications reviewed for fall 2026 - and an 82% acceptance rate - the essay is the primary differentiated piece in a strong but not highly selective review process. Students who treat it as optional because the rate is relatively high routinely submit the weakest applications in their file.
Health Professions Programs Have Selective Internal Gates - Know Before You Enroll
Towson's College of Health Professions is one of the strongest academic units at the institution, but admission to Towson does not guarantee admission to the competitive health science programs. Occupational Therapy (OTD): entry-level doctoral program with its own separate application, requires 30 hours of community service, an essay, and three references; OT program acceptance rate is approximately 30% per Niche student reviewers. Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) undergraduate major: requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for full program entry. Physician Assistant Studies MS and SLP MS: graduate-only programs with competitive selection. Students who enroll at Towson intending to pursue OT or SLP without understanding the internal admission gates routinely discover mid-program that they have prerequisites to complete and a competitive application to write before they can advance into the professional curriculum.
Use Baltimore and the Greater Maryland Market Strategically
Towson's campus is approximately 10 miles north of downtown Baltimore, and Maryland's position in the Beltway ecosystem - with NSA headquarters at Fort Meade (~20 miles), Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, the Port of Baltimore, and the federal government corridor through DC - creates an internship and employment market that is disproportionately large relative to the size of the university. Maryland consistently ranks in the national top 10 for internship and job opportunities for college students (Towson's own admissions data). The Tiger Mentor Network connects students with alumni in specific industries. Students in health sciences, education, business, communications, and cybersecurity/information technology - Towson's heaviest enrollment tracks - have direct pipeline access to the Baltimore-Washington employment corridor that students at comparable-size universities outside the mid-Atlantic cannot match geographically.
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Give You Clinical Practicum on Campus
Towson's Institute for Well-Being houses both a Speech and Language Center and a Hearing and Balance Center - working clinical facilities where SLP and audiology students complete their in-house practicum hours alongside licensed clinicians. This is not a simulation lab or a teaching clinic with limited patient volume; it is an operational community-facing clinic that draws clients from across the Baltimore metro area. For undergraduates in the SLP major building toward a graduate program application, these campus-based clinical hours appear on your CV the same way externally sourced clinical hours do - and the faculty supervision is directly connected to the graduate program they'll eventually recommend you for. Use the Institute for Well-Being clinic as aggressively as your advisor allows.
Expert Insight:
Towson's yield rate is approximately 18?29% depending on the source - meaning a significant proportion of admitted students choose to enroll elsewhere. This is a common pattern at comprehensive public universities that serve as strong safety or target schools for students whose first choice is the University of Maryland?College Park, Johns Hopkins, or another Maryland institution. Before committing to Towson, ask yourself honestly whether it's your actual first choice or a backup you've defaulted to without making the comparison explicit. The financial aid picture is also worth examining carefully: Maryland state aid (MAAP, Howard P. Rawlings PG/EA grants) interacts with Towson's merit scholarships in ways that sometimes result in more competitive total packages than comparable-ranked private institutions. Run the net price calculator and compare full packages before you decide.
Towson University Profile
Full Name
Towson University
City
Towson
State
Maryland
ZIP Code
21252-0001
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Towson University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Towson University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Towson University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Towson University is $80,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.71%.
How much does a degree from Towson University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Towson University is $26,621. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Towson University is $16,791.
33.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 43.1 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Towson University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Towson University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Towson University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Towson University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $64,390. An average Towson University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Towson University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | Denver, CO | 1119 | 24 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Towson University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | Honolulu, HI | 1157 | 24 |
| The College of Idaho | Caldwell, ID | 1166 | 24 |
| North Central College | Naperville, IL | 1165 | 25 |
| Quincy University | Quincy, IL | 1157 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Towson University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at Towson University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Towson University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $64,390 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $26,621 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
33.5% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Towson University is 82.8% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.69. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.39, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.39, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.29 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.69, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Towson University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1166 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1050–1270.
The application deadline for Towson University is February 1 for Regular applicants.
The application fee for Towson University is 45. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is November 15, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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