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Towson University cites record applications, rising retention and plans to absorb modest state reduction through enrollment and efficiency
Summary
Towson University officials told the Education and Economic Development Subcommittee they have admitted some of the largest first‑year classes in university history and plan a mix of targeted cuts and revenue growth to handle a roughly 5% reduction in state appropriation.
Towson University leaders told the Education and Economic Development Subcommittee that the institution has seen record application pools, improving retention and plans to offset a modest reduction in state funding with a blend of expense control and enrollment growth.
DLS analyst Sarah Baker reviewed enrollment and financial trends, noting a 1.5% enrollment decline in fall 2024 and structural increases in state funds per full‑time‑equivalent driven partly by declining enrollment. In response, Towson’s president said the university has continued momentum: applications are at record highs, first‑year class sizes are among the largest in campus history and retention rose to about 90% year‑to‑spring.
The president told the subcommittee the university would absorb the governor’s proposed cut—about 5% of the state appropriation—through a mix of targeted expenditure reductions and revenue growth, including recruiting more students and pausing but not freezing hiring. “I believe that we cannot cut ourselves into prosperity,” the president said, arguing a blend of responsible cuts and revenue initiatives is preferable.
Towson emphasized its role in workforce development — producing high numbers of teachers and health‑care workers for Maryland — and noted gains in graduate enrollment tied in part to the Towson Learning Network. The president said the university will continue initiatives to boost transfer enrollments, including a statewide task force on transfers co‑chaired by the president and Prince George’s Community College leadership.
No formal subcommittee votes were recorded on Towson’s presentation; DLS’s analysis informed discussion of enrollment trends, affordability and state support.
