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Towson University vs Salisbury University: which has better ROI?

Public, Towson MD · vs · Public, Salisbury MD

The verdict

Towson University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $69,652 in 4.3 years versus 5.4 years at Salisbury University, on median earnings of $64,390 vs $61,515 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureTowson UniversitySalisbury University
Net price / yr$17,413$17,743
Total net cost$69,652$70,972
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,390$61,515
Median debt$18,718$21,000
Payback4.3 yrs5.4 yrs
20-year net return$250,948$192,128

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Towson University or Salisbury University?

Towson University, at $17,413 a year after aid versus $17,743 — a gap of $330 a year, or $1,320 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Towson University or Salisbury University graduates earn more?

Towson University graduates report a median $64,390 ten years after entry, $2,875 more than the $61,515 at Salisbury University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Towson University or Salisbury University?

Towson University: its completers carry a median $18,718 in federal loans versus $21,000 at Salisbury University, a difference of $2,282. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Towson University, against 68% at Salisbury University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Towson University vs Salisbury University: frequently asked questions

Is Towson University or Salisbury University a better value?
Towson University. It clears its $69,652 net cost in about 4.3 years versus 5.4 years at Salisbury University, on median earnings of $64,390 vs $61,515 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Towson University or Salisbury University?
Towson University: $17,413/yr net price after aid versus $17,743/yr at Salisbury University — a difference of $330 a year, or about $1,320 over four years.
Do Towson University or Salisbury University graduates earn more?
Towson University graduates earn a median $64,390 ten years after entry, versus $61,515 at Salisbury University — a $2,875 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.