Towson University has announced its membership in the inaugural cohort of the Maryland Transfer Intensive, a statewide collaboration designed to significantly improve community college transfer outcomes. Led by the (Aspen) and the (MHEC), TU joins 24 public and state-aided institutions in coordinating efforts to boost attainment for those seeking bachelor鈥檚 degrees, expand equitable opportunities for Marylanders and build on Maryland鈥檚 ranking as the second-most educated state in the country according to WalletHub.  

鈥淭U is deeply committed to providing every student in Maryland with access to education and opportunities,鈥� says Mark Ginsberg, TU president and co-chair of the Presidential Steering Committee. 鈥淏eing part of the Maryland Transfer Intensive will help us empower students with the tools, confidence and support they need to thrive during the transfer process and throughout their entire academic journey.鈥�

Although 55% of Maryland community college students are in transfer programs, only 23% of them transfer to a Maryland four-year institution within six years. Fewer than half of those students complete a bachelor's degree within three years of transferring. The Maryland Transfer Intensive seeks to improve these outcomes through proven practices: aligning leadership at the highest levels, investing in data-driven reforms and strengthening institutional partnerships. The program aims to generate greater economic mobility for Maryland residents and the development of a diverse talent pool to strengthen the state鈥檚 economy and its communities.

鈥淛oining the Maryland Transfer Intensive reflects our dedication to supporting students from all backgrounds in reaching their academic goals, strengthening Maryland鈥檚 workforce and helping the state rise to No. 1 in higher education,鈥� says Boyd Bradshaw, vice president for enrollment management at TU.

The project has three elements: engaging presidents by activating a statewide (co-chaired by Ginsberg); recommending how to improve data reporting and policies related to transfer processes; and supporting college leaders and teams in improving transfer practices. Participating institutions will spend a year learning about evidence-based practices and applying them to develop their own reforms to improve transfer student outcomes at scale.

鈥淭he Maryland Transfer Intensive reflects a remarkable commitment from presidents, faculty, staff and policymakers to pursue a really important goal: building clear, high-quality pathways and advising structures that dramatically increase bachelor鈥檚 degree attainment for community college students,鈥� says Josh Wyner, executive director of the College Excellence Program at the Aspen Institute. 鈥淚 fully expect that, through this work, Maryland will show a path for other states aiming to achieve similar goals.鈥�

Over the next four years, the Maryland Transfer Intensive will evaluate its impact on transfer enrollment, bachelor鈥檚 completion and other success metrics, with the goal of establishing a blueprint for other states eager to adopt similar reforms. With support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the partnership underscores Maryland鈥檚 commitment to delivering on its promise of educational excellence and social mobility for all.

For more information on the Maryland Transfer Intensive and how Towson University is contributing to this statewide initiative, visit Aspen鈥檚 .

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About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland鈥檚 university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU鈥檚 momentum is always accelerating, with more than 20,000 students and nearly 200 bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast鈥檚 cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.

About the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program 

The Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program aims to advance higher education practices and leadership that significantly improve student learning, completion, and employment after college鈥攅specially for the growing population of students of color and low-income students on American campuses. We support colleges and 麻豆传媒高清 in their quest to achieve a higher standard of excellence, delivering credentials that unlock life-changing careers and strengthen our economy, society, and democracy. We know it takes visionary college leaders to achieve this higher standard and we make it our mission to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and research-backed tools to inspire change, shift practice, and advance the capacity of colleges to deliver excellent and equitable student outcomes. For more information, visit

About the Maryland Higher Education Commission

 The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) is the State of Maryland's higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and 麻豆传媒高清 and for-profit career schools. MHEC also administers state financial aid programs to students statewide.