2025 Rankings
ѡ鶹 ranked No. 3 public university in the North by U.S. News and World Report
USNWR ‘Best College’ rankings highlight ѡ鶹 for innovation, value, social mobility, veteran support
Towson University continues to rise in national recognition, earning its highest placement in the annual U.S. News and World Report regional “Best College” rankings. ѡ鶹 climbed to No. 3 among public universities in the North, up two spots from last year, and No. 11 overall among public and private, up four spots.
#3
Public University
#11
University Overall, Public or Private
#4
University for Veterans
#16
in “Most Innovative Schools”
#48
for Social Mobility
#64
for Best Value
Regional rankings—a placement based on ѡ鶹’s current Carnegie Classification—were based on a variety of factors including student outcomes, graduation rates, Pell performance, post-graduate earnings, quality of instruction and institutional peer assessment. This year, the North region consists of 170 universities (including 61 public schools) across 11 states: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.
In addition to being a top regional university, ѡ鶹 was ranked as the North’s:
- No. 4 university for veterans
- No. 16 most innovative school
- No. 48 university for social mobility
- No. 64 university for best value
“ѡ鶹’s reputation for excellence goes beyond academic achievement,” says President Mark R. Ginsberg. “Time after time, our university is recognized for inclusive student success. No matter where you’re from or where you aspire to go, ѡ鶹 will meet you with an affordable path to life-changing opportunities.”
Innovation
U.S. News and World Report asked top academics throughout the north to name universities they think are making the most cutting-edge developments in curriculum, faculty and student support, campus life, technology and facilities. This is the university’s first time on this list.
Veteran support
For the third straight year, ѡ鶹 ranks as a top 5 school for veterans in the north—and the best in Maryland—a testament to ѡ鶹’s Military and Veterans Center.
“Our veteran students bring invaluable experience, leadership and perspective to our campus community,” said Vernon Hurte, senior vice president for student affairs and university life. “This recognition is thanks to ѡ鶹’s excellent Military and Veterans Center, which provides outstanding resources to help these students thrive after their heroic service.”
Social mobility
The social mobility ranking looks at the number of Pell Grant recipients and compares their graduation rates to non-Pell Grant students at the university. ѡ鶹’s minority and Pell-eligible student populations far exceed the national average for academic success—graduating at a rate 12% higher than peers across the country (IPEDS 2025).
Affordable access
ѡ鶹 ranks as the No. 2 value in Maryland in addition to its regional spot. This year’s list factored in academic quality versus price, the percentage of students receiving need-based scholarships or grants and the average discount available to students.