Westfield State University
Westfield, Massachusetts · Public · 81.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 63/100 · Fair Value
Westfield State University earns a 63 ROI score (Fair Value)--solidly in mid-tier territory and stronger than most regional public peers in this batch. The composite is held up by a 0.334 earnings premium (sub-score 73) and 80.1% three-year repayment rate (sub-score 71)--Massachusetts's higher wage levels and strong labor market drive the earnings advantage. In-state tuition is $12,179 with average net price of $16,721 and total four-year cost around $66,884. Median earnings of $37,500 at six years climb to $57,346 at ten--strong long-run growth reflecting the Springfield/Hartford/Boston metro reach. Median debt of $22,457 produces a $238/month payment, a 0.599 debt-to-earnings ratio, and a 9.3-year payback period (sub-score 66). The completion rate of 54.4% (sub-score 49) is the principal weakness--less than half of the cohort finishes within 150% of normal time. For Massachusetts in-state students who finish, the math works clearly.
Westfield State University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $12,179/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $18,259/yr |
| Average net price | $16,721/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $66,884 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,346 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,457 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $238 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 54.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,615 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Westfield State University is $12,179/year ($18,259/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 $16,721/year, or roughly $66,884 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,751/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,286/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,457 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $238 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $57,346 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.60 - 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 | $10,751 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,517 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,199 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,201 |
| $110,001+ | $23,286 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families at $0-$30,000 pay $10,751 net (~$43K over four years) and $30,001-$48,000 pay $11,517. Total four-year cost in this bracket is genuinely affordable. Pell plus MASSGrant and other state aid does meaningful work. Many low-income students will graduate with debt well below the $22,457 median. The math is workable here.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
$48,001-$75,000 households pay $14,199 and $75,001-$110,000 pay $18,201. Total four-year cost ranges $57K-$73K. Bracket structure rises smoothly through tiers (no inversions). For middle-income Massachusetts families, this is a defensible value play--especially for students aiming at nursing, CS, business, or criminal justice careers in the regional economy.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $23,286 (~$93K over four years). At that price, Westfield State competes with UMass Amherst (stronger outcomes, slightly higher cost) and other Massachusetts state universities. High-income families typically choose Westfield State for fit, location, or specific programs over headline ROI.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Westfield State University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $67,363 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $51,730 | D |
| Psychology | $54,484 | D |
| Business Administration and Management | $66,889 | C |
| Teacher Education | $51,049 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $93,248 | B+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $55,828 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,349 | D |
| Biology | $64,904 | C |
| Social Work | $55,699 | D |
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 posts a B+ grade with 61 graduates. First-year earnings of $81,136 climb to $93,248 by year four against $26,900 debt (0.332 ratio). The Boston/Springfield/Hartford hospital systems drive these strong figures, and Massachusetts nursing wages are among the highest in the country. This is the clearest high-confidence ROI path at Westfield State.
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal justice is by far the largest program at 143 graduates with a C grade. First-year earnings of $42,228 grow to $67,363 by year four against $24,422 debt (0.578 first-year ratio). Massachusetts state and municipal law-enforcement salaries are nationally elite, and the year-four earnings recovery reflects that. Solid C-grade for a non-STEM track.
Computer Science
Computer science delivers a B grade with 12 graduates: $66,349 first-year earnings climb to $95,932 by year four against $27,000 debt (0.407 ratio). The cohort is small but Massachusetts tech employers (especially those with Springfield/Hartford operations or remote-friendly Boston-area firms) absorb graduates well. Strong outcome for prepared students.
Business Administration and Management
Business management enrolls 82 graduates with a C grade. First-year earnings of $41,862 rise to $66,889 by year four against $26,000 debt (0.621 first-year ratio). Reasonable mid-tier outcomes; Hartford insurance and Boston financial services markets support graduates well.
Psychology
Psychology pulls 84 graduates with a D grade. First-year earnings of $31,179 against $27,000 debt yields a 0.866 ratio. As at most schools, the credential under-earns the cost without graduate school. Year-four earnings of $54,484 suggest substantial graduate-school finish among the cohort. Plan the pathway clearly.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 74.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 80.1% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 76.9% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 81.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 81.4% |
| Enrollment | 3,615 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 33.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,555 |
Westfield State admits 81.4% of applicants. SAT and ACT mid-ranges are not reported in current Scorecard data, consistent with the school's test-optional admissions posture (most Massachusetts state universities went fully test-optional in recent cycles). The 54.4% completion rate is consistent with a school that admits a wide preparation range. Prepared in-state students with clear majors finish at materially higher rates than the headline number.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among peers, Westfield State's 63 ROI is roughly comparable to Bridgewater State University and Fitchburg State University--all three are Massachusetts state universities with similar profiles. UW-River Falls and SUNY Plattsburgh share the small-public regional profile but tend to have weaker earnings outcomes due to lower-wage labor markets. Vermont State University is similar. Within Massachusetts, Westfield State is mid-pack against Bridgewater and Fitchburg; UMass campuses deliver stronger outcomes but at higher cost.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westfield State University (this school) | 63 | $16,721 | $57,346 |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | 66 | $14,054 | $54,458 |
| Bridgewater State University | 59 | $16,383 | $57,466 |
| State University of New York at Plattsburgh | 59 | $17,156 | $56,403 |
| Fitchburg State University | 58 | $14,262 | $53,874 |
| Vermont State University | 55 | $18,212 | $50,331 |
Who Thrives Here
Westfield State fits Western Massachusetts in-state students--especially those from the Pioneer Valley, Springfield area, and the broader I-91 corridor. Pell rate of 33% reflects a working-to-middle-class student body. Enrollment of 3,615 keeps things mid-sized. The strongest individual outcomes cluster in nursing (B+ grade, 61 graduates), computer science (B), information science, criminal justice (143 graduates per cohort, the largest program), and business. Liberal-arts (124 grads), psychology (84 grads), and teacher education (78 grads) cohorts face structurally weaker ROI despite the modest cost.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Westfield State University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $16,721 per year leads to $66,884 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $57,346 a decade out. The payback period of 9.3 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Median debt of $22,457 against $57,346 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.