Towson started in 1866 as the Maryland Normal School for Teachers, and it still turns out more teachers than any other school in the state. Today it is a big, friendly public university of about 16,400 undergraduates just north of Baltimore, admitting roughly 4 out of 5 applicants. It is fully test-optional, and most applicants take Towson up on that: only about 1 in 5 sent an SAT score last year.
The money story is different from a lot of public universities. Towson does not hand out automatic, grid-based merit. Its freshman scholarships come from a competitive review, the amounts are not published, and the deadline that matters most is November 1. The good news for families in nearby states: starting in fall 2027, students from Delaware, D.C., New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia get a new Mid-Atlantic tuition rate that cuts the out-of-state bill by about $12,000 a year.
🏆 Full in-state tuition available for STEM majors (Jess Fisher Scholarships)
Average Net Price
$16,653/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
Competitive review, amounts vary
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
20 opportunities
7 competitive · 9 hidden gem · 4 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
No superscore.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Feb 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Jess Fisher FCSM & Pre-Engineering (STEM majors)
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
Special Waivers Available
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Towson University (Read This First)
November 1 is the money deadline. Towson’s scholarship page and deadlines page both say a complete application by Nov 1 Early Action is what gets your student considered for merit and the Honors College. One older Towson admissions page still says December 1. Do not bet on the later date.
There is no merit grid. Towson does not publish GPA or test cutoffs or dollar amounts. Awards come from a review of grades, course rigor, the essay and activities, and offers show up in the TU Admissions Portal.
Fall only, and no deferring. Freshman merit is only for fall applicants. If your student defers to a later term, Towson cancels the aid offer.
The residency-switch trap. Tiger and Black & Gold awards require paying out-of-state rates. If your student is later granted in-state tuition, Tiger is canceled, Provost is reduced or canceled, and you have to email the Scholarship Unit within 7 days of the change.
Ask about the new Mid-Atlantic rate. It starts fall 2027, but Towson has not said publicly how it interacts with the out-of-state-only scholarships. Get that answer in writing before you compare offers.
Renewal is about credits, not just GPA. Every renewable award needs full-time enrollment and at least 24 earned units each year, on top of the GPA floor (2.5 to 3.0 depending on the award).
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes, for admission. Towson University is test-optional for admission.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20-27; SAT: 920-1230.
Average net price? About $16,653/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes. Institutional waivers are available.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Towson University: 2026–2027 Rates
Figures verified against official sources in October 2026.
📅 Planning for 2027–2028? These are the 2026–2027 rates, the newest Towson University has published. Colleges usually release next year's costs in the spring, and we update this page when they do.
Budgeting tip: costs typically rise 2% to 5% a year. For 2027–2028, plan on roughly
$600 to $1,500 more than the in-state total below.$1,000 to $2,500 more than the out-of-state total below.
In-State: billed cost per year
$29,056
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$12,690
Housing & meals (typical)
$16,366
Total billed cost
$29,056
Out-of-State: billed cost per year
$49,314
Tuition, fees, housing, and meals for two semesters
Tuition & mandatory fees
$32,948
Housing & meals (typical)
$16,366
Total billed cost
$49,314
That is $20,258 more per year than Maryland residents pay, before any waivers or scholarships.
Average federal net price: $16,653 per year.
This is what first-time, full-time students who received grant aid paid after grants and scholarships, for in-state students only, based on the most recent federal data. It counts books and living costs, so it can run higher than the billed total above. Families who got no grants are not in this average, so many middle-income families pay more. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Out-of-state families: this average does not include you. Run the college's own net price calculator for a number based on your situation.
📌 Regional Tuition & Waiver Options
New for fall 2027: a Mid-Atlantic tuition rate. Undergraduates from Delaware, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia will pay a reduced Mid-Atlantic rate, estimated at about $20,680 a year in tuition and fees based on 2026-2027 pricing, instead of the regular $32,948 out-of-state rate. Towson verifies eligibility during the admissions process and encourages applicants to apply by Early Action. Final 2027-2028 rates are set in spring 2027. One open question to ask Admissions: Towson's Tiger and Black & Gold scholarships require paying out-of-state rates, and Towson has not said publicly how those awards work for students on the Mid-Atlantic rate.
Two Things the Sticker Price Doesn’t Tell You
Freshman housing usually costs less than the budget shows. Towson builds its official budget on Premium housing ($10,076 a year) plus the Silver meal plan ($6,290). Most freshmen actually live in shared rooms in buildings like the Glen Complex, Newell or the Residence Tower, which run about $8,672 a year. That is roughly $1,400 back in your pocket in year one.
Some majors cost more in years three and four. Juniors and seniors in Nursing, the College of Business and Economics, and Computer and Information Sciences pay an extra $63 per credit in differential tuition for courses in those departments. Towson caps it at $750 a semester and $3,000 total, so budget for it if your student is headed that way.
FAQ: Cost of Attendance at Towson University
How much does Towson cost per year?
For 2026-2027, Towson’s full budget for a student living on campus is $33,782 for Maryland residents and $54,040 for out-of-state students. That includes tuition and fees, housing and food, plus allowances for books, transportation and personal costs. The part Towson actually bills you (tuition, fees, housing and meals) is about $29,056 in-state and $49,314 out-of-state.
What is the new Mid-Atlantic tuition rate?
Starting in fall 2027, undergraduates from Delaware, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia will pay a reduced rate instead of full out-of-state tuition. Based on 2026-2027 pricing, it works out to about $20,680 a year in tuition and fees, compared with $32,948 for regular out-of-state students and $12,690 for Maryland residents. Towson checks eligibility during the admissions process and encourages students to apply by Early Action. Final 2027-2028 rates are approved in spring 2027.
Does the Mid-Atlantic rate change my student’s scholarships?
That is the question to ask. Towson’s Tiger and Black & Gold scholarships require paying out-of-state rates, and the university has said it will share “information about any potential changes” to aid packages but has not published the rule. Ask Admissions directly before you compare offers.
Is the average net price really about $16,650?
Yes. That is the federal average for 2023-2024 after grants and scholarships, for students who received grant aid. It varies a lot by income: about $6,960 for families earning under $30,000, $12,590 for $30,000 to $48,000, $16,780 for $48,000 to $75,000, $22,720 for $75,000 to $110,000, and $26,400 above $110,000.
How much aid do Towson freshmen typically get?
According to Towson’s 2025-2026 Common Data Set, freshmen with financial need received an average need-based grant of about $13,850. Freshmen who got merit money without need averaged about $4,530. Towson also says it awards over $20 million in need-based TU grants and about $12 million in TU scholarships each year.
When will 2027-2028 costs be posted?
Towson says its 2027-2028 rates won’t be available until March 2027. In-state tuition rose about 3% this year and out-of-state about 5%, which is a reasonable planning range until then.
Can a scholarship ever push my aid over the limit?
Yes. Towson caps total aid from every source (federal, state, Towson and private) at its cost of attendance. If an outside scholarship pushes you over, Towson usually trims loans first, then scholarships or other aid.
August 1: Honors College application window opens.
October 1 (open now): Jess Fisher FCSM and Pre-Engineering applications open for STEM majors. Full in-state tuition, so don’t wait.
November 1: The big one. Complete Towson application in for merit scholarships and the $1,250 Honors College Scholarship.
November 15: Application deadline for the TU Top 10% Grant (Baltimore City and County public schools).
December 1: Kahlert UTeach priority deadline and the close of the Honors application window.
January 2027: TOPS STEM scholarship applications open. Music auditions start Jan 9.
February 1: FAFSA priority deadline, plus International and #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarship deadline. Last music audition for scholarships is Feb 13.
March 1: Transfer Early Action deadline for transfer scholarships.
Parent rule of thumb: at Towson, treat November 1 as the real deadline, even if your student is still deciding where to apply.
Automatic Merit Scholarships at Towson University
Here is the honest answer: Towson does not offer automatic, grid-based merit scholarships. There is no chart where a 3.8 GPA equals a set dollar amount. Instead, every fall freshman who submits a complete application by November 1 is reviewed for Towson’s named admission scholarships (Provost, Tiger and Black & Gold). You do not fill out a separate form, but you also are not guaranteed anything. Those awards are covered in the competitive section below.
Find your student's tier
Enter the numbers you have. We'll highlight the automatic award your student would actually get and tuck the rest out of the way. Leave it blank to browse everything.
Residency
Based on published cutoffs for entering freshmen. Always verify with the college before finalizing plans.
Start with your state. The awards in this first group come from the state, not the college. They are decided by residency and the FAFSA, and they stack on top of whatever automatic merit award the college gives below. If you live out of state, use the toggle above and these will step aside.
State AidFull RideApp Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship
📅 Deadline: MHEC posts two dates: its 2026-27 program page ran the application January 15 to April 1, while its deadline table lists December 1. Treat December 1 as the safe date and watch for the 2027-28 opening. ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
tuition, fees, housing, meals
✘ Not stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Because it already covers tuition, fees, and housing, total aid will hit cost of attendance quickly. Expect other aid to be reduced.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Towson in an education or teacher-certification program, then submit the Teaching Fellows for Maryland application through MHEC's online portal during the open window.
Selection criteria: Selection based on eligibility criteria and available funding; recipients must pledge and later document qualifying teaching service.
💡
Strategic Detail
State program run by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. At a public four-year school like Towson it covers 100% of tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board, and renews for up to three more years. MHEC says applicants no longer need to be Maryland residents or submit GPA or SAT scores. In exchange, recipients commit to teaching in a Maryland public school or public pre-K in a high-need area. The length of the service obligation has changed between cycles, so read the current Conditions document before accepting. If you do not complete the service, the award converts to a loan.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High school seniors and college students who are certain they want to teach in Maryland public schools and are comfortable signing a service commitment.
This institution does not offer designated Automatic Merit scholarships at this time.
Note: If this list is empty, that is accurate, not a glitch. Towson has no automatic tier awards right now. If Towson ever publishes a guaranteed grid, it will show up here.
What Towson actually looks at for freshman merit
Academic performance and rigor: grades plus how challenging the schedule was.
The college essay: it counts for money here, not just admission.
Extracurricular activities: depth and commitment over a long list.
Test scores: optional. Towson says submitted scores won’t hurt the application, and most students skip them.
Automatic Merit: FAQs (Towson University)
Does Towson give automatic merit scholarships?
No. Towson’s freshman scholarships come from a competitive review, and Towson says “award amounts vary.” There are no published GPA or test score cutoffs.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
Not for the main admission scholarships. A complete freshman application, with all transcripts and any fee waivers, by November 1 is the application. A few awards, like the Jess Fisher STEM scholarships and #YouAreWelcomeHere, do need their own forms.
What if we apply by the February 1 Regular Decision deadline instead?
Your student can still be admitted, but Towson ties merit scholarship consideration to the November 1 Early Action deadline. Applying later means likely giving up that money.
Do test scores help with Towson merit?
Towson is test-optional and does not publish any score cutoffs for scholarships. If your student’s scores are strong for Towson (the middle range is about 920 to 1230 on the SAT and 20 to 27 on the ACT), sending them can only add to the file.
How will we know if my student got a scholarship?
Offers appear in the TU Admissions Portal. Fall aid offers are only good for that fall, so deferring enrollment cancels them.
Can a scholarship be lost after freshman year?
Yes. Towson reviews renewals every January and June. Students need full-time enrollment every fall and spring, at least 24 earned units a year, and the award’s GPA floor (2.75 for Provost and Tiger, 2.5 for Black & Gold). First-semester freshmen who miss the GPA get one automatic spring probation.
Towson’s main freshman scholarships live here, and they work a little differently than at most schools. The Provost, Tiger and Black & Gold scholarships don’t need their own application. Your student’s Towson application is the application, as long as it is complete by November 1. But they are competitive, the amounts are not published, and two of them (Tiger and Black & Gold) are only for students paying out-of-state tuition. Towson does not run a big invitation-only, interview-weekend scholarship like some flagships do.
✅ Can You Stack Scholarships at Towson?
Aid Type
Stacks with Merit?
Towson Parent Translation
Admission Scholarships (Provost, Tiger, Black & Gold)
N/A
Towson chooses these from your application. It doesn’t say whether two can be combined, so plan your budget around one.
Honors College Scholarship ($1,250/yr)
Yes
Comes on top of admission merit if your student is admitted to Honors for fall.
College and Department Awards
Usually yes
Jess Fisher, Kahlert, TOPS, music talent awards and others are where Towson’s bigger money hides. More on these in Hidden Gems.
Need-Based Grants (Pell, MHEC, TU grants)
Yes
File the FAFSA by Feb 1. Maryland families should also watch the state’s March 1 FAFSA date for MHEC grants.
Everything Combined
Up to a cap
Total aid from all sources can’t exceed Towson’s cost of attendance. Go over, and Towson trims loans first, then other aid.
One more thing for out-of-state families: Tiger and Black & Gold are tied to paying the out-of-state rate. If your student later qualifies for in-state tuition, Tiger is canceled and Provost is reduced or canceled. That is usually still a good trade, since in-state tuition saves far more than these awards are worth, but you must report the change within 7 days.
Automatic
Provost Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: Late February to early March (typical freshman merit timeline) ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with the Honors College Scholarship, departmental awards, and state and federal aid, but Towson caps total aid from all sources at its cost of attendance. If you go over, Towson usually trims loans or scholarships until you are back under the cap.
💡
Strategic Detail
One of Towson's named freshman admission scholarships. Towson does not publish award amounts or a grid; its scholarship page says only that amounts vary and that awards come from a competitive review of academic performance and rigor, the college essay, and activities. Fall applicants only. If your tuition rate changes from out-of-state to in-state, Towson says the Provost Scholarship will be reduced or canceled.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Strong fall freshmen whose complete application, including transcripts, essay and activities, is in by Nov 1. There is no posted GPA or test cutoff, so a thoughtful, on-time file matters more than a single number.
Automatic
Tiger Scholarship (Out-of-State)
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: Late February to early March (typical freshman merit timeline) ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with the Honors College Scholarship, departmental awards, and outside aid up to Towson's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Out-of-state freshman admission scholarship. Towson does not publish the amount. Students must keep paying out-of-state tuition rates. If you are granted in-state tuition, the Tiger Scholarship is canceled, and you must email the Scholarship Unit within 7 days of the change. Towson has not said how this award works for students on the new Mid-Atlantic rate starting fall 2027, so ask Admissions.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state fall freshmen with solid academics and a complete Nov 1 application. Selection is competitive and holistic, with no published cutoff.
Automatic
Black & Gold Scholarship (Out-of-State)
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: Late February to early March (typical freshman merit timeline) ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with the Honors College Scholarship, departmental awards, and outside aid up to Towson's cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Out-of-state admission scholarship with the lowest renewal bar of Towson's named awards (2.5 cumulative GPA). Towson does not publish the amount. Students must keep paying out-of-state tuition rates and must email the Scholarship Unit within 7 days if granted in-state tuition. How it applies to the new Mid-Atlantic rate is not yet published.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state fall freshmen who are admitted with a complete Nov 1 application. Selection is competitive, with no posted GPA or test cutoff.
Automatic
Dean's Scholarship (Education)
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with other Towson and outside aid up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable scholarship for education majors. Towson's scholarship conditions page says no scholarship application is required because recipients are selected from admission application data. The amount is not published. Renewal requires a 3.0 GPA and staying an education major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming students who list an education major on a strong, complete application. Declaring the major on the application is what puts your student in the pool.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Only
Transfer Achievement Award
📅 Deadline: Mar 1 · 📢 Results: After admission — confirm timing in your TU Admissions Portal ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA)
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines with state, federal and outside aid up to Towson's cost of attendance. Maryland transfers should also check MHEC programs such as the 2+2 Transfer Scholarship.
💡
Strategic Detail
Transfer admission scholarship for fall applicants. Towson says awards come from a competitive review of attempted and earned college credits and cumulative college GPA, and that amounts vary. The number of semesters you can keep it is listed in your scholarship letter.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Fall transfer students with a strong cumulative college GPA and a solid number of earned credits who apply by Mar 1.
Automatic
International Student Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 · 📢 Results: Spring-term scholarships notified in January; fall-term scholarships notified in March — details posted to your TU Admissions Portal ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Either this award or YAWH, not both. International students are not eligible for federal aid, federal loans, work-study or Maryland state aid, so plan on family or private funds for the rest.
💡
Strategic Detail
For new undergraduate students on F or J visas. Towson says amounts vary and recipients are chosen on academic record through a competitive process. Fall awards are made in March. Recipients must pay out-of-state rates. Students who win the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship cannot also receive this one.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: International applicants with strong academic records whose complete application is in by Feb 1.
App Required
#YouAreWelcomeHere (YAWH) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Feb 1 · 📢 Results: Spring of the application cycle; May 1 enrollment commitment required to accept ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Varies
✔ Stackable
👥 ~select number awarded annually winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
YAWH winners cannot also receive the International Student Scholarship. International students are not eligible for federal or Maryland state aid.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the freshman international application for fall and complete the separate YAWH application by Feb 1. Skip the YAWH form and you are not considered.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Towson awards a select number of #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships to international fall freshmen, worth about half the cost of tuition. Requires the regular application and a separate YAWH application by Feb 1. Winners are notified in spring and must enroll by May 1 to accept.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: International fall freshmen who file both the admission application and the YAWH application by Feb 1. Towson calls the selection highly competitive.
Data last verified Oct 12, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
What is the difference between the Provost, Tiger and Black & Gold scholarships?
Provost is open to both Maryland and out-of-state students and renews with a 2.75 GPA. Tiger is for out-of-state students and also renews at 2.75. Black & Gold is for out-of-state students and has the easiest renewal bar at 2.5. Towson does not publish the dollar amounts for any of them.
How much are Towson’s merit scholarships worth?
Towson doesn’t say. Its 2025-2026 Common Data Set shows freshmen who received merit aid without financial need averaged about $4,530. Treat that as a ballpark, not a promise, and wait for the actual offer in the TU Admissions Portal.
Is there a scholarship just for future teachers?
Yes. The Dean’s Scholarship for education majors doesn’t need an application. Towson picks recipients from admission application data, so declaring an education major on the application matters. It renews with a 3.0 GPA. Future teachers should also look at Teaching Fellows for Maryland, Kahlert and TAM in Hidden Gems.
Do transfer students get merit?
Yes. The Transfer Achievement Award is based on college credits and cumulative college GPA. Submit a complete transfer application by March 1 for fall.
What about international students?
International students on F or J visas can be considered for the International Student Scholarship (no separate form, Feb 1 for best consideration) or the #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship (separate application, about half of tuition). It is one or the other, not both.
What should my student focus on to compete for these awards?
Towson weighs the essay and activities alongside grades and rigor, so those pieces carry real dollar value here. Our Essay Toolkit and Brag Sheet Builder can help your student get both done well before November 1.
🧠 Parent Strategy: At Towson, the Major Unlocks the Money
Towson’s admission scholarships are modest and unpublished. The biggest awards on this page, including two that pay full in-state tuition, are run by individual colleges and tied to a specific major. That means the most valuable thing your student can do is pick a direction early and apply for the matching awards.
STEM student? Apply for the Jess Fisher FCSM or Pre-Engineering Scholarship now (it opened October 1), then TOPS in January.
Future teacher? Look at Kahlert (Dec 1 priority), Teaching Fellows for Maryland, TAM, and declare education on the application for the Dean’s Scholarship.
Musician or dancer? Book an audition by February 13. Talent scholarships are decided at the audition.
Baltimore City or County public school senior in the top 10%? Get the application in by November 15 and file the FAFSA.
After enrolling: log in to Towson’s AcademicWorks portal every fall. Most donor scholarships for continuing students open there between October and December.
Parent translation: an undecided student at Towson is usually leaving money on the table.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
These awards take an extra step, usually a separate application, an audition, a major declaration or a FAFSA. Most of them stack with admission merit, and a couple of them are worth far more than any admission scholarship Towson offers.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor specific
Jess Fisher FCSM Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Open now: 2027-2028 submissions opened Oct 1, 2026 (no closing date posted; apply early) ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full in-state tuition scholarship (FCSM majors)
✔ Stackable
⚠ Incoming STEM majors in Towson’s Fisher College can compete for a donor‑funded scholarship that pays full in‑state tuition for four years
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Towson does not publish a stacking rule for this award. Total aid is capped at cost of attendance, so other tuition-targeted aid may shrink if combined.
📄
How to Apply
Apply and be admitted to Towson with a Fisher College major. Submit the Jess Fisher FCSM application with your high school transcript, a personal statement of career plans, and letters of reference from high school teachers. Test scores are optional.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Donor-funded endowed scholarship that covers the full cost of in-state tuition for the first year and renews up to three more years as long as the student stays in a Fisher College of Science and Mathematics major. The award is pegged to in-state tuition, so out-of-state winners still owe the difference. Recipients also get a faculty mentor, research access, and encouragement to apply to the Honors College. SAT and ACT scores are optional.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Standout incoming Fall freshmen who walk in with a clear science or math story , strong high school STEM grades, real curiosity in their personal statement, and teachers who can speak specifically to their potential. The selection process is donor-funded and competitive, so a generic application won’t move the needle.
Full TuitionApp Requiredmajor specific
Jess Fisher Pre-Engineering Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Open now: 2027-2028 submissions opened Oct 1, 2026 (no closing date posted; apply early) ✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠ Incoming Fisher College majors planning an engineering career can compete for a donor-funded award that pays full in-state tuition for four years
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Towson does not publish a stacking rule. Total aid is capped at cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Be admitted to Towson in a Fisher College major. Submit the Pre-Engineering application with your transcript, a personal statement of career plans, and high school teacher references. Test scores are optional.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Twin of the Jess Fisher FCSM Scholarship for incoming freshmen in a Fisher College major who plan an engineering career. Covers the full cost of in-state tuition for the first year and renews up to three more years while the student stays in the Fisher College. Out-of-state winners still owe the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming freshmen with standout high school math and science grades, a clear engineering goal in the personal statement, and teachers who can speak to it.
App Required
Kahlert Foundation Scholarships for Incoming Students (Towson UTeach)
📅 Deadline: Dec 1 ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$3,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.3+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with admission scholarships and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Towson with a UTeach-aligned major, then submit the Kahlert incoming-student application linked on the UTeach scholarships page by Dec 1, 2026 for priority.
Selection criteria: Selection emphasizes academic achievement, potential for teaching excellence, alignment with Towson UTeach, and documented financial need.
💡
Strategic Detail
For incoming first-year Maryland residents who declare a major aligned with Towson UTeach (the secondary education concentration in math, biology, chemistry, earth-space science or physics). Up to $3,000 a year for four years, $12,000 total. Requires at least a 3.25 unweighted high school GPA. Renews with a 3.0 cumulative GPA and good standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Maryland students with a 3.25+ unweighted GPA who want to teach middle or high school math, science or computer science and declare a UTeach-aligned major.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Porter Family Scholarship in Mathematics and Computer Science
Departmental award that stacks with admission scholarships and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Declare a Math or Computer Science major, file the FAFSA, and follow the application instructions on the Mathematics department scholarships page.
Selection criteria: Departmental review focusing on academic performance in the major and documented financial need.
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 a year, renewable up to three additional years. For full-time Mathematics or Computer Science majors with a 3.0 cumulative high school or college GPA and financial need as defined by the Financial Aid Office. Because the criteria mention a high school GPA, incoming freshmen appear to be eligible, though the page does not say so directly.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Math or computer science majors with at least a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need. File the FAFSA so need can be confirmed.
Automaticgeographicneed based
TU Top 10% Grant
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,200/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠ Top-10% students from Baltimore City and Baltimore County public high schools with an SAI of $10,000 or less can get up to $1,200 a year
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with admission scholarships, Pell and Maryland state grants up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Need-based grant for freshmen from Baltimore City and Baltimore County public high schools who rank in the top 10 percent of their class at the end of junior year and completed a college-prep curriculum at the same high school for four years. Requires a FAFSA Student Aid Index of $10,000 or less. Maximum award $1,200. Renewal requires a 2.75 GPA, full-time enrollment, and a new FAFSA each year with an SAI of $10,000 or less.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Top-of-class seniors at Baltimore City or Baltimore County public high schools from lower-income families who apply early and file the FAFSA on time.
App Required
TOPS Program Scholarship (STEM)
📅 Deadline: Applications for 2027-2028 open January 2027 ✓ Renews (2.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with admission scholarships and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Towson with a Fisher College major, then submit the TOPS application when it opens in January 2027.
💡
Strategic Detail
TOPS is a first-year STEM support program in the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. Admitted students receive $1,000 a year, renewable for up to three more years. Participants must attend a summer orientation week before freshman year. Renewal requires a 2.5 GPA and a qualifying STEM major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Incoming freshmen in Fisher College majors who apply when the window opens and can commit to the summer orientation week.
Automaticprogram completion
Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) Scholarship
📅 Deadline: By invitation (high school counselor or principal submits verification) ✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,000/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠ Students who complete the Teacher Academy of Maryland pathway in high school can get $1,000 a year as Towson education majors
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with admission scholarships, the Dean's Scholarship and other aid up to cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,000 a year ($500 per semester) for up to four years for Towson education majors who completed the Teacher Academy of Maryland pathway in high school: all four TAM courses with a 3.0 GPA and no grade below C, plus the portfolio, in a school system that has an agreement with Towson. Invitation only. Subject to available funds. Renewal requires a 2.75 GPA and staying an education major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Maryland high school students finishing the TAM program who enroll full-time at Towson as education majors.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Fine Arts & Communication Talent and Department Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Music: audition by Feb 13, 2027 for scholarship consideration (department application deadlines Dec 4, Jan 22, Mar 12) Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Department and talent awards stack with admission scholarships and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to Towson and to the department, then book an audition or portfolio review. Music auditions run Jan 9, Feb 13 and Apr 3, 2027, but only the first two count for scholarships.
Selection criteria: Artistic and academic merit-based review that may include faculty evaluation of performance or portfolio, plus GPA and involvement.
💡
Strategic Detail
The College of Fine Arts and Communication awards department scholarships in music, dance, theatre, art, film and communication. Music scholarships for incoming students are based on talent shown at the audition and are only for fall entrants; you must audition by Feb 13, 2027 to be considered. Dance considers everyone who auditions for a Talent Scholarship. Amounts are not published. Renewable department awards in art, dance, music and theatre generally require a 3.0 GPA and staying in the major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong auditions or portfolios who apply to the department early and audition on one of the first dates.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Biology Department Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Departmental (varies; usually late winter or early spring) Non-Renewable
Varies
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Departmental awards that generally stack with admission merit and other aid up to cost-of-attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Biology majors apply via the department’s scholarship process, typically after earning at least 12 Biology credits at Towson; follow posted application instructions and deadlines.
Selection criteria: Departmental review weighing GPA in Biology, overall academic record, and faculty recommendations; some awards may also consider financial need.
💡
Strategic Detail
Biology department awards are for continuing majors and transfers, often requiring junior standing, Biology credits earned at Towson and faculty letters. Nothing here is for incoming freshmen, but it is worth knowing about for years three and four. Amounts vary.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Upper-level Biology majors with at least 12 Biology credits at Towson and GPAs of 3.0 or higher, often with strong faculty support.
Data last verified Oct 12, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
❓ Hidden Gems FAQ
Is the Jess Fisher Scholarship really full tuition?
It covers the full cost of in-state tuition and renews for three more years if your student stays in a Fisher College of Science and Mathematics major. Maryland’s tuition alone is about $7,990 for 2026-2027 (mandatory fees are billed on top of that, and Towson’s page doesn’t say the award covers them). Out-of-state winners still owe the gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Applications for fall 2027 opened October 1, 2026, and no closing date is posted, so apply early.
What is the catch with Teaching Fellows for Maryland?
It covers tuition, fees, and room and board, which is about as close to a full ride as Maryland offers. In return, your student agrees to teach in a Maryland public school or public pre-K in a high-need area after graduation. If they don’t finish the service, the scholarship turns into a loan. MHEC dropped the residency and GPA requirements, so out-of-state students can apply too.
Who qualifies for the TU Top 10% Grant?
Seniors at Baltimore City or Baltimore County public high schools who rank in the top 10% at the end of junior year, took a college-prep curriculum at the same school all four years, and have a FAFSA Student Aid Index of $10,000 or less. It is worth up to $1,200 a year, and the application deadline is November 15.
How does the Teacher Academy of Maryland scholarship work?
It is invitation-only. Students who complete the TAM pathway in high school with a 3.0 in those courses, and then enroll full-time at Towson as education majors, can receive $1,000 a year. Make sure the high school counselor or principal sends Towson the verification form.
Can incoming freshmen get the Porter Family Scholarship?
Probably. It pays $5,000 a year to math or computer science majors with a 3.0 high school or college GPA and financial need. The criteria mention a high school GPA, which suggests new students can apply, but check the Mathematics department page for the current application.
Do these stack with Towson merit?
Most do, up to Towson’s cost of attendance. The two that cover tuition or more (Jess Fisher and Teaching Fellows) can push your total to that cap quickly, which means other aid may shrink.
The Towson University Honors College gives strong students smaller, discussion-based classes and a built-in community inside a big university. It is a real Honors College, and it comes with its own scholarship. Admission is selective, and the scholarship is only for students who start in the fall.
Typical Admit: mostly A’s in core courses, and if scores are sent, around 1270+ on the SAT or 28+ on the ACT. Towson says these are not minimums.
Application Window: August 1 to December 1. Freshmen apply through the Towson application process.
Scholarship Deadline: November 1. Towson’s scholarship page says both the admission application and the Honors application must be complete by Early Action to be considered for the $1,250 award.
Honors College Scholarships
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors College Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 · 📢 Results: At admission to the Honors College — the award name, amount, and renewal terms appear in your decision letter ✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$1,250/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with admission scholarships and other aid up to cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Submit your fall Towson admission application AND a complete Honors College application by Towson’s Early Action deadlines. Every incoming fall freshman or transfer admitted to the Honors College is automatically considered for the $1,250 award , no separate scholarship form, but the Honors application itself is required.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,250 a year, split between fall and spring, for incoming fall freshmen and transfers admitted to the Honors College. The offer is set at admission and does not increase later. Students who join Honors in spring are not eligible. Renewal requires full-time enrollment, 24 earned units a year, a 3.0 cumulative GPA (3.2 once you reach senior standing at 90 units), and good standing in the Honors College. Freshmen can receive it for up to 8 consecutive semesters.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Every incoming fall freshman or transfer admitted to the Honors College gets it , there’s no competitive layer once you’re in Honors. The hard part is the Honors admission itself; the scholarship comes attached. Heads up: students who join Honors in the spring term are not eligible, so plan for a fall start.
Stacks on top of the Honors College Scholarship and other Towson aid up to cost of attendance , a nice one-time boost in the first year for incoming Honors students.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through Towson’s AcademicWorks scholarship portal: confirm Honors College admission, upload your most recent transcript (high school for incoming freshmen, college for transfers), attach a resume or list of activities that show engagement with marginalized communities, and answer one of the four essay prompts in 500 words or fewer.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Started by the student organization Honorables of Color. A $1,000 one-time award for students newly accepted and enrolled in the Honors College who show interest in marginalized communities. Requires full-time enrollment, a strong academic record and demonstrated financial need. The application opens in the spring term through Towson's AcademicWorks portal.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming Honors College students who can speak with real specificity about their work with marginalized communities or communities of color , the essay prompts reward concrete stories of leadership, volunteering, or family/community experience over abstract statements of support. Demonstrated financial need is required, so don’t skip the FAFSA.
App Required⚠ Upperclassmen Only
Honors College Leaders Scholars Program
📅 Deadline: Applications open in mid-August each year Non-Renewable
$500–$2,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 Upperclassmen
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with the Honors College Scholarship and other Towson aid up to cost of attendance. Treat it as a focused one-year boost tied to a specific experiential project, not a long-term annual stream.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through the Honors College when the next cycle opens (the program runs an annual spring application window for the following academic year). You’ll need to demonstrate at least one full semester of Honors enrollment, 30+ earned credits (15+ at Towson), Honors and university good standing, and a plan to enroll in 3 credits of EAL-eligible coursework (internship, independent study, thesis, study abroad, or service-learning) during the award year.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Yearlong leadership development program for current Honors students started through the generosity of TU Presidential Scholar Dr. Nancy Grasmick. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 and come with monthly meetings, mentorship, community dinners, and an experiential-and-advanced-learning (EAL) course component. Recipients must complete at least one Honors semester, hold 30+ earned credits (15+ at Towson), be in good standing in Honors and at TU, enroll in 3 credits of EAL-eligible coursework during the award year, and demonstrate financial need. A short reflective essay is required at the end of the year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are already running with the program , in good standing, around 30+ credits, with a clear plan for an experiential project (internship, independent study, study abroad, thesis, or service-learning) lined up for the award year. Demonstrated financial need is part of the picture, and recipients commit to monthly meetings, mentorship of newer Honors students, and a reflective essay at the end.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Honors College Study Abroad Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 1 (minimester and spring trips) / Apr 1 (summer and fall trips) Non-Renewable
$200–$300
✔ Stackable
👥 ~Typically two $300 awards each fall and spring term and three $200 awards each summer and minimester term. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with other study abroad and institutional funding, subject to overall cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Honors Study Abroad Scholarship Application by November 1 for minimester and spring trips or by April 1 for summer and fall programs while planning a credit-bearing study abroad experience.
Selection criteria: Preference given to Honors students with active participation and service in the Honors College and a strong explanation of how study abroad supports their academic experience.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Honors College generally awards two $300 scholarships each fall and spring term and three $200 scholarships each summer and minimester term; amounts and counts may change based on applicant volume.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students actively engaged in the Honors community who clearly connect their study abroad plans to their academic goals.
Data last verified Oct 12, 2026.* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Admit profiles reflect what Towson describes for recent Honors classes. Award amounts and availability can change with funding.
Deadline Note: The Honors window stays open until December 1, but the Honors College Scholarship follows the November 1 Early Action deadline. If your student finishes the Honors piece in late November, they may still get into Honors but miss the money. Also, the scholarship amount is set when your student is admitted and does not go up later. If the decision letter doesn’t mention an Honors scholarship, your student didn’t receive one.
Pairs Well with Honors
STEM: Jess Fisher Scholars are encouraged to apply to Honors, and the full in-state tuition award stacks on the Honors experience.
Future teachers: Kahlert, the Dean’s Scholarship and Teaching Fellows for Maryland are open to Honors students.
Later years: The Leaders Scholars Program ($500 to $2,000) and Honors study abroad awards reward students who stay active in the Honors community.
Honors College: FAQs (Towson University)
How much is the Honors College Scholarship?
$1,250 a year, split evenly between fall and spring. Freshmen can receive it for up to eight consecutive semesters.
What does it take to keep it?
Full-time enrollment every fall and spring, at least 24 earned units a year, a 3.0 cumulative GPA (3.2 once your student reaches senior standing at 90 units), and good standing in the Honors College, which has its own GPA rules for Honors courses.
Can my student join Honors in the spring and still get the scholarship?
No. Students who join the Honors College in a spring term are not eligible for the Honors College Scholarship.
Does Honors stack with Towson’s admission scholarships?
Yes. Towson describes it as an additional award on top of other merit aid, up to the cost of attendance cap.
What does it take to graduate with Honors?
Students who finish with a 3.3 cumulative GPA and a 3.0 in their Honors courses graduate with the distinction of University Scholar.
Towson is a big, practical public university at heart. Its strengths line up with jobs people in the Baltimore and Washington region actually hire for: teaching, health care, business, media and cybersecurity. It is also a value pick. Washington Monthly ranked it the No. 1 public university in Maryland in its 2025 “Best Bang for the Buck” list, and U.S. News ranks it No. 3 among public universities in the North.
Nationally Known Program: College of Education: Towson opened in 1866 as the Maryland Normal School for Teachers, and it calls itself the longest-standing, largest and preeminent producer of teachers in Maryland. For a future teacher, that history shows up in the money too: education majors have their own Dean’s Scholarship, the Teacher Academy of Maryland award, Kahlert scholarships through Towson UTeach, and a natural fit with the state’s Teaching Fellows program.
Occupational Therapy: Towson has the only occupational therapy education program in Maryland, which makes it the in-state choice for students headed into OT.
Nursing and Health Professions: Nursing, audiology and speech-language pathology, and exercise science all live in Towson’s College of Health Professions.
Business: The College of Business and Economics is AACSB-accredited in both business and accounting.
Mass Communication: A well-known regional program with tracks in advertising, journalism and public relations, close to the Baltimore and D.C. media markets.
Cybersecurity and Computer Science: The NSA designates Towson a Center of Academic Excellence in both cyber operations and cyber defense education.
🔗 Official Towson University Links
Use Towson’s official pages below to check admissions details, scholarship rules, costs and key data. Towson’s own pages occasionally disagree with each other (the Early Action date is one example), so when in doubt, confirm with the Admissions or Financial Aid office directly.
Big picture? Towson is not a school where you plug a GPA into a chart and see your scholarship. It is a solid, affordable public university that rewards families who plan early and know which door to knock on. Get the application in by November 1, because that one date controls the admission scholarships and the Honors award. Then go where Towson’s real money is: the major. A STEM student can compete for full in-state tuition through the Jess Fisher Scholarships, a future teacher has an unusual number of ways to get funded, and musicians and dancers earn their awards at the audition.
For families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia and D.C., fall 2027 is a good year to take a fresh look. The new Mid-Atlantic rate takes roughly $12,000 a year off the out-of-state bill. Just ask Admissions how it affects the out-of-state scholarships before you sign anything.
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Written by Leo Dimilo
Leo is a parent who went through the college money maze with his own daughter and built CollegeReadyParent to give middle-income and first-generation families plain-English answers, with no paywall and no lead forms.
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