Framingham State University
Framingham, Massachusetts · Public · 83.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 51/100 · Below Average Value
Framingham State University scores 51 (Below Average Value) — a middling result for a Massachusetts public university charging $11,920 in-state tuition. The school's most significant problem is completion: only 47.8% of students graduate, the lowest rate in the Massachusetts State University system. Median 6-year earnings of $38,100 and an 11.8-year payback are mediocre. Median debt of $25,000 with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.656 is elevated. The 82.2% repayment rate after three years is among Framingham State's better metrics. Nursing is a standout program with A-grade ROI. Most other programs produce C or D outcomes, and the low completion rate means a significant fraction of enrolled students bear debt without a degree.
Framingham State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $11,920/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $18,000/yr |
| Average net price | $16,114/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $64,456 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,349 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 47.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,566 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Framingham State University is $11,920/year ($18,000/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $16,114/year, or roughly $64,456 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,934/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,962/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $52,349 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.66 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,934 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,233 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,879 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,551 |
| $110,001+ | $21,962 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $11,934 net per year — nearly identical to the in-state tuition rate, suggesting very limited need-based aid for the lowest-income students. This is a notably poor aid model for a public university with a high Pell rate. Low-income students who can access UMass or UMASS Boston with better aid packages should compare carefully.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $48,001-$75,000 bracket pays $13,879 net and the $75,001-$110,000 bracket pays $18,551. These are reasonable in-state public prices for middle-income families. At CS or nursing earnings, the payback is acceptable. For most other programs, middle-income families will face 10-15 year paybacks.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $21,962 net per year — about $88,000 over four years. At $38,100 median earnings, this is a poor investment at full higher-income net price unless the student is in nursing or CS.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Framingham State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $62,467 | C+ |
| Psychology | $53,937 | D |
| Political Science and Government | $59,857 | C |
| Biology | $59,676 | C |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $59,202 | C |
| Apparel and Textiles | $57,124 | D |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $82,590 | B |
| Marketing | $68,603 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $50,600 | D |
| Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other | $59,555 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing (12 graduates) earns $95,426 at year one and $96,620 at year four — dramatically higher than every other program at Framingham State — with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.241 (ROI grade A) and $23,000 median debt. Nursing is Framingham State's unambiguous ROI winner. Year-one earnings near $95k at a net price of $16,114 produces rapid payback. The small cohort limits reliability, but healthcare wages in the Boston metro are structurally high and this trajectory is credible.
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences (31 graduates) earns $63,538 at year one and $82,590 at year four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.404 (ROI grade B) and $25,673 median debt. For in-state students at Framingham State's price point, CS is a solid ROI choice. Boston-area tech employers provide strong demand for Massachusetts CS graduates regardless of institution.
Business Administration and Management
Business Administration and Management (59 graduates) earns $50,775 at year one and $62,467 at year four with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.512 (ROI grade C+) and $26,000 median debt. Returns are adequate but unexciting. Framingham State business graduates enter the MetroWest/Boston regional market where competition from UMass and private school graduates is substantial.
Psychology
Psychology (58 graduates) earns $34,353 at year one with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.780 (ROI grade D) and $26,810 median debt. Most psychology bachelor's graduates in Massachusetts enter social services, human resources, or administrative roles at modest wages. Graduate school is necessary for meaningful career advancement. Near-term financial performance is poor.
Fine and Studio Arts
Fine and Studio Arts (9 graduates) earns $28,843 at year one with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.936 (ROI grade D) and $27,000 median debt. Entry-level arts employment in Massachusetts is competitive and low-paying. Graduates owe nearly a full year's salary at graduation. This program does not produce favorable financial outcomes at this price structure.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 80.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 80.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 83.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 570-650 |
| Enrollment | 2,566 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 36.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,240 |
An 83.6% acceptance rate with SAT 530-630 Math makes Framingham State broadly accessible. Admission is not a barrier. The school competes with Bridgewater State, Fitchburg State, and Salem State for similar Massachusetts student populations.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Framingham State's listed peers are Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Indiana University Southeast, SUNY Fredonia, and Wayne State College. Among Massachusetts state universities, Bridgewater State carries a somewhat stronger reputation and similar profile. Fitchburg State has comparable outcomes and similar completion challenges. Indiana University Southeast and Wayne State College are Midwest regional publics with similar access missions. Framingham State's completion rate of 47.8% is below all of these peers and is the primary drag on its overall ROI score.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framingham State University (this school) | 51 | $16,114 | $52,349 |
| Bridgewater State University | 59 | $16,383 | $57,466 |
| Fitchburg State University | 58 | $14,262 | $53,874 |
| Indiana University-Southeast | 52 | $7,888 | $47,596 |
| SUNY at Fredonia | 51 | $15,897 | $54,247 |
| Wayne State College | 46 | $15,360 | $47,075 |
Who Thrives Here
Framingham State admits 83.6% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 530-630 Math and 570-650 Reading. The 2,566-student enrollment is mid-sized for a Massachusetts state university. The 36.9% Pell rate indicates a significant lower-income population. Framingham State serves commuter students and working adults in the MetroWest Boston area. Students planning to enter nursing, business, or computer science will find solid programs at in-state public prices. Students who can transfer to UMass Amherst, Lowell, or Boston for their specific program should weigh the completion and outcomes data carefully. The 47.8% graduation rate is a red flag that should factor prominently into any enrollment decision.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for Framingham State University is mixed. At $16,114 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $52,349 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11.8 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Key strengths include high loan repayment success. However, the data also shows a 47.8% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn.
Median debt of $25,000 against $52,349 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.