Understanding Towson University's Out-of-State Tuition and Costs

Towson University, a large public institution in Towson, Maryland, offers a wide range of undergraduate programs. For prospective students, especially those coming from outside of Maryland, understanding the tuition structure and associated costs is crucial for financial planning. This article breaks down the out-of-state tuition fees, additional expenses, and available financial aid options at Towson University.

Towson University: An Overview

Founded in 1866, Towson University provides undergraduate degrees in 130 majors. While SAT/ACT scores are considered, they are not mandatory for application. The university is particularly well-regarded for its Business Administration, Management, and Operations programs.

Tuition and Fees: In-State vs. Out-of-State

Towson University's tuition differs significantly between in-state and out-of-state students. According to the latest data, the tuition is $12,186 for in-state students and $31,332 for out-of-state students.

Comparison to National Averages

When compared to the national average cost of in-state tuition ($12,436), Towson University is relatively cheaper for Maryland residents. However, for out-of-state students, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition ($29,815).

Understanding the Sticker Price

These figures represent the "sticker price," which includes both tuition and mandatory fees. Fees cover various services such as library access, gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health services.

Read also: A Look at Towson Football

Total Cost of Attendance

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also consider the total cost of attendance, which includes:

Food and Housing: Costs associated with meal plans and on- or off-campus housing.
Books and Supplies: Expenses for textbooks, course materials, and other academic necessities.
Transportation: Costs for commuting to and from campus.
Personal Expenses: Miscellaneous costs for personal items, entertainment, and other needs.

At Towson University, the total cost is $32,468 for in-state students and $50,560 for out-of-state students.

Payment Information

Billing Process

Upon enrolling in courses, Towson University students receive a bill detailing the amount due for the semester. Payments can be made via check, money order, or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, and Discover). Checks and money orders should be made payable to Towson University.

Tuition and Fees Details

Current information on Towson University tuition rates can be found on the university's website.

All students pay USG fees, the amounts of which are determined for the Fall semester each year. All students will pay modified Towson fees, based on the sattelite campus fee structure: Universities at Shady Grove Campus. Towson University offers reduced Auxiliary Services Fees and excludes the Athletics Fee and Student Government Association Fee for classes taken at satellite locations 25 miles or more from the TU campus. Regular tuition rates apply. Note that regular fees are assessed for classes that do not qualify for the satellite location rate reduction.

Read also: A Look at Towson's Athletic Legacy

For 11 or fewer units taken at the Universities at Shady Grove campus, undergraduate classes are assessed $31.50 per unit for Auxiliary Services Fees and a $12 per unit Technology Fee.

For 12 or more units taken at the Universities at Shady Grove campus, undergraduate classes are assessed $385.50 per term for Auxiliary Services Fees and a $135 per term Technology Fee.

Graduate-level classes taken at the Universities at Shady Grove campus are assessed $23.25 per unit for Auxiliary Services Fees and a $12 per unit Technology Fee.

All undergraduate students will be required to pay a student teaching fee during the last semester (spring of year 4).

Important Payment Policies

Checks or money orders should be made payable to Towson University for the exact amount of the charges, with the student’s name and TU ID number included.
The student’s liability is not discharged until their balance is satisfied in full.
TU employs a “first in/first out” technique when applying payments to accounts. Therefore, payments are used to satisfy the oldest outstanding charge prior to applying any portion of a payment to current or more recent charges.
A diploma requests will not be honored if a student has a financial obligation to TU.
Students whose term bill reflects a credit or zero balance and who choose NOT to attend the upcoming term must notify the Registrar's Office on or before the Change of Schedule period end date to have their class schedule canceled. Students who fail to do this will be financially responsible for all term charges.
If tuition, fees and related charges are not paid by the established payment date, the student’s class schedule will be voided and, if applicable, residence hall space will be forfeited.
If a check given in payment of fees, fines, or services is returned unpaid by the bank for any reason, a penalty fee of $50 is charged.
Processing of financial billing statements is the responsibility of the student and is due to TU each term as outlined online.
Financial policy set by the Board of Regents and supported by the legislative auditors of the State of Maryland states that all previous balances must be paid prior to registration for the following academic term.
Should the account of any student become delinquent and sent to the Central Collection Unit of the State of Maryland, it is deemed delinquent, and a collection fee not to exceed 20 percent will be charged to the student by the Central Collection Unit. In accordance with COMAR Title 17, Subtitle 01, Chapter 02, Section 01 through 05, the Central Collection Unit may report debt to a credit bureau and begin intercepting Maryland income tax refunds of individuals indebted to the state colleges and universities for tuition, fees, and other costs. Students with outstanding balances should contact the Student and University Billing Office.

Installment Plans

The Tiger Installment Plan (TIP) extends the student a monthly budget plan for meeting education expenses for individual regular terms. To view more details or to enroll online, visit www.Towson.edu/paymentplan.

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Credit Card Payments

TU accepts Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards through a third-party processor online. All credit card transactions incur a 2.95% fee on the amount charged.

Late Fees

It is imperative that students adhere to published payment deadlines. A $150 late fee is assessed to any student who pays after published bill deadlines. Payment of term bill secures the student’s class schedule for a term; otherwise, cancellation of the student’s class schedule may occur. To use: click Towson Online Services; click Self-Service; click Campus Finances; click Account Inquiry; click Make a Payment. The student’s TU username and password are required to make a payment on the Web.

Refunds

Students may be eligible for a full or partial refund of tuition and certain fees if some or all enrolled courses are dropped. Notification to the instructor does not constitute a proper withdrawal. A course drop must be done in writing to the Registrar’s Office or online through Self Service. If you fail to officially drop you will be financially responsible for all term charges. Students must drop courses by the end of the Change of Schedule period for the class session in order to receive a 100 percent refund of tuition and certain fees. If courses are dropped after the Change of Schedule period for the class session, the last date on which withdrawn online from a class determines the percentage of the refund. If dropped in writing, the date on which written notification is received by the Registrar’s Office determines the percentage of the refund. All refund percentages are based on the official start of the class session.

NOTE: Based on documentation of extraordinary circumstances, including medical, exceptions may be made to this policy. Any unpaid charges on a student’s financial account with TU will be subtracted from the refund due prior to processing the refund request.

For payments made by credit card, refunds will be credited to the original credit card account and will be reflected on that credit cards' monthly statement. Credit card payments made for term charges are refunded using the following practice: For each term, credit card refunds will be processed after the term Drop/Add period. However, students may ask for a credit card refund prior to this period by contacting the Student and University Billing Office. Credit card owners are responsible for paying any and all interest charges accrued on the credit card. The Student and University Billing Office distributes all tuition bills electronically.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Towson University offers various forms of financial aid, including:

Scholarships: Merit-based or need-based awards that do not need to be repaid.
Grants: Typically need-based aid that does not require repayment.
Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
Work-Study Jobs: Part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need.

Financial aid packages vary depending on a student's financial need, which is primarily determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Key Financial Aid Dates

Application Due: March 1. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.
Priority Application Due: Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.
Notification Date: When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.
Response Due: The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Financial Aid Statistics

Students Receiving Financial Aid: 56.26%
Average Aid Package: $16,474
Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: $12,479
Need-Based Loan Amount: $3,726
Debt at Graduation: $28,309

Net Price

The net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Average Net Price: $11,076 per year

Additional Fees and Considerations

Parking Permit Fee: Students wishing to park on campus must purchase a parking permit and pay the applicable parking rate. Individuals who no longer need a parking permit may cancel their permits throughout the academic year and may be eligible for a pro-rated refund.
Differential Tuition: Students in certain departments may pay an additional $63 per unit in Differential Tuition charges for their courses in these departments.
M.S. Students in the Accounting and Business Advisory Services Joint Degree Program: will be assessed tuition and fees based on the University of Baltimore’s graduate rates. For classes not part of this joint program, tuition and fees will be assessed according to TU’s rates.

USG Scholarships

USG offers a number of scholarships available only to students who complete their degree on the USG campus. About half of those who apply for a USG scholarship are awarded one. If you apply for financial aid, the Financial Aid Office will calculate your eligibility for aid based on the costs below.

Important Notes

NOTE: Notwithstanding any other provision of this or any other Towson University publication, TU reserves the right to make changes in tuition, fees and other charges at any time such changes are deemed necessary by TU and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents.

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