Median Earnings (1yr)
$54,772
82nd percentile
60th percentile in Maryland
Median Debt
$19,251
26% below national median

Analysis

Towson University's business program delivers strong value despite flying under the radar. With starting salaries of $54,772 and debt of just $19,251, graduates face a very manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35β€”meaning they'll earn back their investment in about four months of work. The program ranks in the 82nd percentile nationally for earnings, significantly outperforming the national median of $45,703.

The Maryland context reveals both strengths and limitations. While Towson ranks 60th percentile among state business programsβ€”solidly middle-of-the-packβ€”it substantially outperforms the state median salary of $51,562. More importantly, students graduate with roughly $6,000 less debt than the typical Maryland business student. The program trails flagship University of Maryland-College Park by about $11,000 in starting salary, but that gap narrows when you consider Towson's lower debt burden and strong 24% earnings growth over four years.

For families seeking a business degree with minimal financial risk, Towson offers compelling value. The combination of above-average starting salaries, very low debt, and Towson's accessible 83% admission rate makes this an excellent safety net choice that won't compromise your child's financial future. While it may not have the prestige of UMD-College Park, the superior debt profile makes it worth serious consideration.

Where Towson University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Towson University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Towson University$54,772$67,968+24%
University of Maryland-College Park$65,842$88,783+35%
Loyola University Maryland$60,656$79,298+31%
McDaniel College$59,048$70,755+20%
University of Maryland Global Campus$62,634$67,858+8%

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (20 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Towson UniversityTowson$11,306$54,772$67,968$19,2510.35
University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park$11,505$65,842$88,783$20,5000.31
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi$7,992$62,634$67,858$21,5270.34
Loyola University MarylandBaltimore$55,480$60,656$79,298$27,0000.45
McDaniel CollegeWestminster$49,647$59,048$70,755$25,0000.42
Stevenson UniversityOwings Mills$39,708$52,442$58,239$26,7730.51
National Medianβ€”$45,703β€”$26,0000.57

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business administration, management and operations graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Water Resource Specialists

Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Compensation and Benefits Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.

$140,360/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Human Resources Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.

$140,030/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

$138,060/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Towson University, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 546 graduates with reported earnings and 516 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.