Towson University was named the best public university in Maryland for the second year in a row and the No. 26 public university nationwide, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The WSJ rankings cap off an exciting year after 91¶ÌÊÓƵ received a record-breaking number of first-year applications—most in 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s history—and named the No. 3 public university in the North by U.S. News and World Report for 2025.

#1

Public University in Maryland

#1

for Social Mobility in Maryland

#26

in Public Universities Nationwide

#41

for Social Mobility Overall

#64

Best College in the U.S.

The WSJ/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking rates the 584 eligible universities in the country. Rankings are developed and executed in collaboration with WSJ’s research partners, College Pulse and Statista.

91¶ÌÊÓƵ continues to demonstrate its commitment to producing learned, dedicated professionals in the state of Maryland and around the world.

In addition to being a top regional university, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ was ranked as the nation’s:

  • 1 for social mobility in MD
  • 26 in public universities nationwide
  • 41 for social mobility
  • 64 best college in the U.S.

We’re very proud again to be named Maryland’s number one public university and one of the best in the nation. This recognition results from our demonstrated impact as an engine of opportunity for our students. It also affirms our commitment to providing our students with an exceptional education while preparing them to thrive long after their graduation.

President Mark R. Ginsberg

Excellence Recognized

It’s a great time to be a Tiger, and prospective students agree.

This year, more than 22,000 students applied to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, the largest number of prospective Tigers in university history.

In 2025, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ had a total enrollment of nearly 19,700 students, with a first-time total headcount increase for the first time since the fall 2018 semester.

And students are excited to come back once they’re here. Towson University received a 91% retention rate, and elite number in higher education.

Social Mobility

WSJ evaluates institutions on social mobility, value and student experience. 91¶ÌÊÓƵ holds No. 1 for social mobility in Maryland and No. 41 in social mobility overall. The social mobility ranking focuses on the number of students from low-income families, graduation rates, cost of attendance and graduate salaries.

Students chat outside of the Union

We're Top Ranked

91¶ÌÊÓƵ is Maryland's university of opportunities, recognized nationally for academic excellence, inclusion and value.

View all rankings and recognitions

About Towson University

Towson University is Maryland’s university of opportunities. With more than 155 years of experience pushing possibilities, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s momentum is always accelerating, with nearly 20,000 students and 100 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, business, education, health care, humanities and creative arts.