Why Towson?
- Nov 8, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
Welcome to our very first blog post! We’re so excited to share a little bit about who we are and what brought us here. The four grad girls each chose Towson University for graduate school for different reasons, but all with the same goal to grow, learn, and make the most of this next chapter together.
People choose to go to grad school for many reasons: career advancement, personal growth, mentorship, financial opportunity, or simply a love of lifelong learning. Coming from both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate experiences, our unique journeys ultimately led us to the same classroom.
Read below to learn more about each of our stories and why we chose to pursue our Master’s in Marketing Intelligence at Towson University.
After pursuing my undergrad degree out of state, I knew that post-graduation I wanted to move back to Maryland. When I moved back, I started exploring grad school options in the state. I looked at a variety of different programs including MBA programs, but I knew I wanted to mainly focus on marketing. My undergraduate degree in marketing was broad and covered a lot of topics in marketing, so I wanted to advance my education and gain more specialized knowledge in the field. I chose Towson University because it offered a program that fits my interests in marketing and building technical skills for my future career. The program includes coursework and certifications that are relevant to current industry practices. I also liked the fact that it’s closer to home, so I can be near family and friends. I was also intrigued by the opportunity to be a Graduate Assistant, which would allow me to pursue my degree while getting the majority of my tuition covered. Overall, Towson checked my boxes with the things that I was looking for when pursuing higher education, so I knew I had to apply. Towson also has a strong alumni network in the Baltimore area and provides valuable chances to connect with industry professionals during and after my studies. Ultimately, my goal in pursuing this program is to become a more well-rounded marketer with a strong analytical mindset, ready to succeed in today’s data-driven marketing world.
-Destiny
One of the biggest reasons students can’t wait to go to college? Freedom. The word that sparkles in every high school senior’s imagination. No curfews, no constant check-ins, just you, your independence, and a dorm key to your new life. My story isn’t too different though it came with a little extra pressure. I’m the eldest daughter and a first-generation college student double the expectations, double the responsibility. There was always this unspoken rule: set the standard, make the family proud, no mistakes allowed. Trust me, it’s a lot. I grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland, always saying the same thing: “When I go to college, I’m going far away.” I wanted the full college fantasy “new city, new people, new chapter.” So… how did I end up at Towson? Now imagine applying to colleges in the middle of a global pandemic. The world felt like it was on pause masks, lockdowns, and constant uncertainty. Every news update brought new questions: Would campuses even reopen? Would classes stay online? Was it worth paying all that money to attend college from my bedroom?
It was overwhelming. The future I had pictured moving into a dorm, meeting new people, starting fresh suddenly felt out of reach. Online classes made me rethink everything I thought I wanted. The idea of paying out-of-state tuition while sitting behind a laptop at home? Let’s just say that didn’t sound like the college experience I had imagined.
Life loves a good surprise. So, reality kicked in fast. I had to be practical. I needed a school that made sense financially, academically, and emotionally. And that’s when Towson came into the picture. Out of all the in-state schools I applied to, Towson struck the perfect balance. Far enough to feel like I had my own world, close enough for the occasional home-cooked meal. Plus, they gave me the best financial aid offer and let’s be real, that’s the kind of love language a first-gen student understands. But the real magic wasn’t in the distance, or the dollar signs, it was in the opportunities. Towson became the place where I learned who I was and who I wanted to be. And to be honest, I'm still learning. I found myself in spaces that challenged me, inspired me, and sometimes humbled me. I met people who saw potential in me before I even saw it myself. And now here I am back again for my master's. The relationships, the growth, the experiences, they all became part of my story. Some might call it a full circle. I call it fate.
-Umu
Choosing a college is never an easy decision. I’ll be honest, Towson wasn’t originally my top choice for undergrad. But now, I can’t imagine my life without it. Living close to home, maintaining financial freedom, and attending a strong business school were all key reasons why I initially chose Towson. What I didn’t realize then was how much this place would change me. Once I arrived, I grew as a leader, built friendships with people from all walks of life, and found mentors who shaped my journey. As I approached graduation, I thought more about how I’ve always enjoyed school, and the idea of stepping into the “real world” felt daunting. After weighing the pros and cons, I came down to a few key factors: I have the opportunity to earn my master’s degree for free as a Graduate Assistant, at a university I deeply cherish, close to my family and friends, and in a program that perfectly blends my two undergraduate majors. It also allows me to continue growing as a marketing professional in a supportive learning environment, expanding my analytical skills, exploring new strategies, and applying what I learn to real-world projects. Everything about it feels like a win-win.
-Sarah
Being so close to home, Towson University allowed me to connect with my family while pursuing an education; but this quickly became more than just convenience. During my undergraduate studies, I found people from unique backgrounds with different perspectives that intellectually and personally helped me grow. I joined organizations that shaped my leadership skills to become a more well-rounded individual. My academic career was supported by professional staff and professors. So, when it came time to choose where I wanted to go for my master’s degree, I knew TU’s Marketing Intelligence program aligned with my goals, helping me further develop my professional skills. Attending the same school for my grad school was not due to familiarity, but rather an opportunity to gain real-world experience in a Marketing and Communications Graduate Assistantship for TU’s Student Health and Well-being. Towson has helped me grow professionally, academically, and personally.
-Nevaeh
Xoxo,
4 Grad Girls
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