Non-Traditional Admission Policies

Military-Affiliated and GED Recipients

Some students may qualify for special admission consideration under the provisions of non-traditional admissions. In order to be considered under this policy, students must be classified into one of the categories described below. Once classified as non-traditional applicants, prospective students must apply and submit all credentials no later than the stated deadlines for admission. Military-Affiliated and GED applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have sufficient skills to be admitted to TU. If a student does not have a sufficient academic history, they may be recommended to attend a community college or other degree-granting institution to ensure adequate preparation before transferring to TU.

Military-Affiliated

For admissions purposes, active duty refers to full-time duty in the active military, including members of the Reserve Components on full-time training duty. It does not include full-time National Guard duty. A veteran may be defined as a former member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services who has served over 30 days or more of active duty. 

TU waives the application fee for students who are currently in the military or have served (not waived for dependents). Students may send a copy of military orders or a DD-214 form to Admissions by email, fax or mail. Active military and veterans may be eligible for admission under the Non-Traditional Admissions policy which allows consideration for admission based on placement testing rather than SAT/ACT scores. If you would like to be considered for placement testing, please email admissions@towson.edu. Students are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to ensure adequate processing time for the evaluation of the placement tests. Referrals for testing cannot be made until your formal application has been filed, complete with all appropriate academic credentials in transcript form. The Joint Services Transcript (JST) provides a description of military schooling and work. This transcript should be submitted to Admissions so it can be evaluated for credit at the time of enrollment.

GED Recipients

For admission purposes, the high school equivalence (General Education Development) examination standards established by the Maryland State Department of Education (or other similar agencies in other states) may be used as an alternative to high school graduation.