When deciding which university to attend, prospective students often compare multiple institutions to determine which school aligns with their academic, social, and financial goals. In this comprehensive comparison, we will be taking an in-depth look at two renowned universities: Towson University and Penn State University. We will be evaluating the schools based on various factors, such as costs, degree offerings, admissions, academics, campus, rankings, and outcomes.
Towson University Overview
Towson University, located in Towson, Maryland, is a public institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1866, the university has a rich history and has grown to become the second-largest university in the University System of Maryland.
Towson University Costs & Tuition
Towson University’s tuition rates vary depending on the student’s residency status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students can expect to pay about $10,208 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $24,056. Additionally, room and board expenses are estimated at $13,104 per year.
Towson University Admissions
Admissions at Towson University are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 79% in 2020. When evaluating applicants, the university considers factors such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, class rank, and extracurricular activities. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.59, and the middle 50% of SAT scores range from 1090 to 1250.
Towson University Degrees Offered
Towson University offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its eight colleges. Some popular majors among students include Business Administration, Elementary Education, Nursing, and Psychology.
Towson University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, Towson University provides a supportive academic environment for its students. The university is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering numerous opportunities for internships, research, and community service.
Towson University Diversity
Towson University is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus community. As of Fall 2020, 58% of the student body identifies as White, 20% as Black or African American, 8% as Hispanic or Latino, and 5% as Asian.
Towson University Students
Towson University enrolls approximately 22,000 students, with 19,200 undergraduate and 2,800 graduate students. With over 200 student clubs and organizations, students can easily become involved in various activities and interests.
Towson University Campus
The Towson University campus covers 329 acres in a suburban setting, offering a range of on-campus housing options and dining facilities. Students can also take advantage of the university’s state-of-the-art academic buildings, recreational facilities, and libraries.
Towson University Alumni
Towson University boasts a network of more than 160,000 alumni, many of whom have achieved success in various fields such as education, business, and entertainment. Notable alumni include actress Amy Schumer and astronaut Terry Hart.
Towson University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Towson University ranked #196 in National Universities and #110 in Top Public Schools.
Towson University Outcomes
Towson University has a 6-year graduation rate of 73% and an employment rate of 93% within two years of graduation. The average starting salary for Towson University graduates is $47,000.
Penn State University Overview
Penn State University, located in University Park, Pennsylvania, is a large public research university with a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1855, Penn State has become one of the most respected institutions in the United States, known for its academic excellence and research contributions.
Penn State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, in-state undergraduate students at Penn State University can expect to pay $18,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students will pay approximately $35,514. Room and board expenses are estimated at $11,570 per year.
Penn State University Admissions
Penn State University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 76% in 2020. The university evaluates applicants based on factors such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, class rank, and extracurricular activities. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.76, and the middle 50% of SAT scores range from 1160 to 1380.
Penn State University Degrees Offered
Penn State University offers more than 275 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 24 campuses. Popular majors among students include Business, Engineering, Communications, and Health Professions.
Penn State University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, Penn State University provides a high-quality academic experience for its students. The university is known for its rigorous curriculum, innovative research opportunities, and commitment to community engagement.
Penn State University Diversity
Penn State University is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. As of Fall 2020, 62.7% of the student body identifies as White, 6.5% as Black or African American, 7.7% as Hispanic or Latino, and 5.7% as Asian.
Penn State University Students
Penn State University enrolls approximately 89,000 students, with 76,000 undergraduate and 13,000 graduate students. The university offers over 1,000 student clubs and organizations, providing ample opportunities for students to engage in various activities and interests.
Penn State University Campus
The main campus at University Park covers 7,958 acres in a small-town setting, offering a range of on-campus housing options and dining facilities. Students can also enjoy numerous recreational facilities, libraries, and state-of-the-art academic buildings.
Penn State University Alumni
Penn State University has a vast network of more than 700,000 alumni, many of whom have achieved success in various fields such as business, education, and entertainment. Notable alumni include entrepreneur Mark Cuban and actor Ty Burrell.
Penn State University Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Penn State University ranked #63 in National Universities and #23 in Top Public Schools.
Penn State University Outcomes
Penn State University has a 6-year graduation rate of 85% and an employment rate of 95% within two years of graduation. The average starting salary for Penn State University graduates is $54,000.
Towson University vs Penn State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Towson University and Penn State University, students must consider tuition, fees, room, and board. Towson University is more affordable for in-state students, with a total cost of approximately $23,312 per year, while Penn State University’s in-state total cost is around $30,020 per year. For out-of-state students, Towson University’s total cost is about $37,160 per year, while Penn State University’s is $47,084 per year.
Towson University vs Penn State University Admissions Difficulty
Both Towson University and Penn State University have moderately selective admissions processes. Towson University’s acceptance rate is slightly higher at 79%, compared to Penn State’s 76%. However, Penn State University admits students with slightly higher average GPAs (3.76) and SAT scores (1160-1380), compared to Towson University’s admitted students (average GPA of 3.59 and SAT scores of 1090-1250).
Towson University vs Penn State University Academic Difficulty
While both Towson University and Penn State University provide rigorous academic programs, Penn State is generally considered to have more challenging coursework due to its higher research profile and broader range of offerings in STEM fields. Additionally, Penn State’s lower student-faculty ratio (15:1) allows for more personalized attention from faculty members compared to Towson University (17:1).
Towson University vs Penn State University Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, Penn State University has a higher 6-year graduation rate (85%) and employment rate within two years of graduation (95%) compared to Towson University (73% graduation rate and 93% employment rate). Additionally, Penn State University graduates report an average starting salary of $54,000, compared to Towson University’s $47,000.
