TU named No. 6 university worldwide for gender equality initiatives

Times Higher Education 2024 Impact Rankings place TU No. 1 in America for gender equality, No. 6 globally

By Kailey Adams on July 30, 2024

women in lab
(Alexander Wright / Towson University)

Towson University has a global reputation for inclusive excellence. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, TU is rated as the sixth-best university in the world—and No. 1 in America—when it comes to gender equality in education.  

Each year, Times Higher Education rates universities across the globe on their contribution to each of the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in addition to providing an overall Impact Ranking. Each category has its own requirements for consideration, meaning the total number of universities rated within each ranking varies based on those that meet all qualifications.

TU's No. 6 global ranking for SDG 5: Gender Equality was out of 1,361 colleges from 114 countries. Rankings were based on an assessment of six key metrics: ongoing gender equality research, number of first-generation female students, student access measures, number of senior female academics, proportion of women receiving degrees and women’s progress measures. 

TU rose 20 spots in SDG 5: Gender Equality rankings this year, up from No. 26 in 2023. This marks the fourth-straight year that TU has placed within the top 35 globally.  

In THE’s overall Impact Rankings, TU was named No. 20 in the United States and within the top 400 worldwide, placing in the top 20% of nearly 2,000 global universities.

TU was also included in rankings for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities (top 200), SDG 13: Climate Action (top 200), SDG 14: Life Below Water (top 200), and SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals (top 300).  

TU's 2024 Impact Rankings

TU ranks 6th out of 1361 universities worldwide for SDG 5: Gender Equality. These universities excel in eliminating forms of discrimination and violence against women, enhancing women’s access to reproductive rights and ensuring their effective participation in leadership and public life. Through dedicated research, comprehensive policies and inclusive practices, these institutions play pivotal roles in empowering women and advancing gender equality across global communities. 

TU ranks 101–200 out of 1026 universities worldwide for SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. These institutions excel in integrating sustainability into urban development, enhancing access to basic services, and improving the quality of public spaces and the take-up of public transport. Through targeted research and practical initiatives, they address the environmental impacts of cities and work toward building resilient urban environments—making communities that are inclusive, safe and sustainable for all. 

TU ranks 101–200 out of 924 universities worldwide for SDG 13: Climate Action.  These universities are recognized for their efforts in addressing climate-related hazards, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing adaptive capacity through robust research and effective campus policies. This includes educational programs, commitments to becoming carbon neutral and other community engagement initiatives. 

TU ranks 101–200 out of 628 universities worldwide for SDG 14: Life Below Water. These leading universities are at the forefront of developing strategies that support the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Through focused research, educational initiatives and direct action, they address challenges such as unregulated fishing, impacts of ocean acidification and the preservation of marine biodiversity. 

TU ranks 201–300 out of 2031 universities worldwide for SDG17: Partnership for the Goals. These top institutions excel in forging strong international partnerships that support sustainable development across various sectors. Through collaborative research, shared knowledge and the mobilization of resources, these universities are tackling global challenges such as climate change, inequality and poverty.