Prepared, diverse and impressive: Meet TU's freshman class

Towson University’s incoming freshman class is expected to increase the educational and social atmosphere on campus.

By Jan Lucas and Sean Welsh on August 24, 2018

Towson University freshmen form a TU
Towson University freshmen form a TU on Burdick Field after Thursday's move-in day.

They're diverse. They're smart. And there are a lot of them.

Towson University's freshman class is the largest, most diverse and most academically prepared incoming class in university history.

"To hit those three together, it’s the trifecta," TU President Kim Schatzel said. "And it warms a president’s heart. Because it basically says we have quality enrollment growth."

President Schatzel says the bonafides for this Class of 2022 "is tangible evidence that we have a quality education and a terrific, engaged community."

Here are some facts we've learned about TU's incoming freshmen:

  • Applications: 12,767

  • Admitted: 9,436

  • Enrolled: 3,012

  • Average Weighted GPA: 3.61

  • Average SAT (Reading, Math): 1137

  • Average ACT composite score: 23

  • Approximately 46 percent of the incoming class is composed of racial/ethnic minorities; 25 percent are African-American, the highest percentage ever for an incoming class.

  • In State: 81%

  • Out-of-State: 19%

  • Nearly one in five (19 percent) incoming freshmen is a first-generation college student.
  • The youngest incoming freshman is 16; the oldest is 34.
  • The freshman class includes 12 sets of twins. 
  • Approximately 2,730 of the freshmen will live in on-campus housing.

Some other facts to know for the start of the 2018-2019 school year:

  • Approximately 3,000 freshmen, 2,200 students transferring in, and 750 graduate students will arrive on campus for the start of the fall term.
  • TU projects a total fall 2018 headcount of 22,750, including 19,596 undergraduates and 3,115 graduate students.
  • TU will welcome new students from 28 other states and 18 foreign countries.
  • The Residence Tower has reopened after a two-year $32.5 million renovation.
  • The Residences at 10 West Burke Avenue (formerly the Towson University Marriott Hotel) has opened to house newly enrolled students transferring into TU.   
  • In all, approximately 5,656 students will live in on-campus housing this fall.
  • TU’s 329-acre campus includes 27 academic buildings, 18 residence halls and 18 dining locations.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel's priorities for Towson University: Lifelong Career Center. Diverse and Inclusive Campus. TIGER Way.