2025 RANKINGS
TU ranks No. 1 public university in Maryland by Washington Monthly
TU also named one of only 25 "Best-in-Class Colleges" in America, celebrated for student success, affordability and pubIic service
Towson University has been named the No. 1 public university in Maryland and one of only 25 “Best-in-Class Colleges” by , a national recognition of TU’s excellence in student success, social mobility and public service.
This marked the inaugural year of the , which spotlights 25 Â鶹´«Ă˝¸ßÇĺ across the country that are putting students and the public good at the center of their mission.
“This recognition affirms TU’s impact as an engine of opportunity for our students,” says President Mark R. Ginsberg. “At TU, we’re doing more than just helping students earn a degree. We’re providing a life-changing education and preparing America's next generation of leaders for the public good.”
The publication lauded TU for exceptional student achievement, noting that “[TU’s] standout measure is its graduation rate.” TU students were found to graduate at a rate 11% higher than peers with the same levels of preparation and family income. The magazine also highlighted TU’s commitment to public service and its affordability.
“TU students achieve at rates well above national averages. This is more than a point of pride; it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to student success,” says Melanie Perreault, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
In its overall national rankings titled “Best Colleges for Your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars,” Washington Monthly placed TU at No. 68 among all U.S. institutions and No. 15 among Master’s Universities. This year’s rankings analyzed 1,421 colleges in four equally weighted categories: access, affordability, outcomes and community service. This included measures such as graduation rates, Pell Grant enrollment, net tuition price, median student loan debt and initiatives centered around community engagement.
Washington Monthly also ranked TU as the No. 2 “Best Bang for Your Buck” in Maryland and No. 28 in the Northeast region. This ranking prioritizes measures of social mobility, looking at how well Â鶹´«Ă˝¸ßÇĺ help non-wealthy students earn affordable degrees.