Towson University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Towson University charges a net price of $17,413/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $69,652. Graduates earn a median $64,390 ten years after entry, $16,030/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 4.3 years — a 20-year net return of $250,948, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Towson University's 4.3-year payback ranks #335 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 74% of them, and #7 of 52 in Maryland.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $17,413/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $69,652 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $64,390 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $16,030/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $18,718 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 4.3 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $250,948 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Towson University's own numbers. Net price $17,413 × 4 years = $69,652 total. Median earnings $64,390 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $16,030 a year of premium. $69,652 ÷ $16,030 = 4.3 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $250,948. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Towson University students graduate with?
A median $18,718 in federal loans among completers, or 29% of the $64,390 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Towson University students graduate?
69% finish their degree — 31% leave carrying the cost without the credential. Spread the $69,652 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $100,945 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Towson University expensive compared with other Maryland colleges?
Its $17,413 net price runs $165 below the $17,578 median across the 52 Maryland colleges we profile, and $660 less across the full degree.