Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, MA ranked #1720 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 2,825 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 89.9%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 72.8% first-year retention, and 52.7% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $15,432, about $1,566 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -32.0%, roughly 117.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $41,999. That's about $1,689 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Fitchburg State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Fitchburg State University graduates 52.7% of students within six years and keeps 72.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Fitchburg State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,046 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,225 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,100 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,517 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.0% of Fitchburg State University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $10,430 to $22,603 depending on family income. Use Fitchburg State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,690/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $22,603/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $41,999
- 10-Year Median Earnings $41,999
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,220
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.7%
- Employment Rate 8.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Fitchburg State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Fitchburg State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Fitchburg State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Fitchburg State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Fitchburg State University graduates earn $41,999 median, the -32.0% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-620
- SAT Math 510-600
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,825
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 72.8%
- Graduation Rate 52.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Fitchburg State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Fitchburg State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 89.9%, Fitchburg State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 89.9% acceptance rate, Fitchburg State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Fitchburg State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.5%
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General 11.3%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 11.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.4%
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 8.2%
- Biology, General 5.4%
See more majors
- Design and Applied Arts 5.4%
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $88,660
- 2. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $77,888
- 3. Biology, General $70,713
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $67,680
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations $62,928
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $61,088
- 7. Human Services, General $53,170
- 8. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $52,167
- 9. Computer and Information Sciences, General $47,508
- 10. Psychology, General $47,387
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $102,691
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $79,347
- 3. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $77,836
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $69,942
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $59,727
- 6. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree) $56,771
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $88,660—87% more than Psychology, General ($47,387). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $102,691 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Fitchburg State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 78 graduates)
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 76 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 50 graduates)
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences (Bachelor's Degree, 38 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (32 programs)â–¼
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biology, General
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Human Services, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- History
- Political Science and Government
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer Science
- Communication and Media Studies
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- English Language and Literature, General
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Chemistry
- Geography and Cartography
- Economics
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Education, General
Online Master's Degrees (10 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (11 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Administration
- Psychology, General
- Education, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Special Education and Teaching
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,825
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.9%
- Female Students 53.1%
- Caucasian 61.7%
- Asian 3.1%
- Hispanic 16.0%
- Black 12.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Fitchburg State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Fitchburg State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Fitchburg State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Fitchburg State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Fitchburg State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Fitchburg State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Fitchburg State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1720 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $15,432 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $41,999 median earnings. The 52.7% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 72.8% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Fitchburg State University's Strengths
Ranked #1720 with a C grade, Fitchburg State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Fitchburg State University excel at providing affordable education ($15,432 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Fitchburg State University's 72.8% retention and 52.7% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($41,999 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Fitchburg State University and $15,432 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 52.7% six-year graduation rate sits 9.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 72.8% first-year retention is 4.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -32.0% return on investment is 117.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $41,999 run about 4% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,432 is roughly $4,478 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 72.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 8.4% employment rate within three years sits 59.8 points below national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 31.0% trails the national share by 2.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Fitchburg State University, a public university in Fitchburg, MA, secures a C grade in our latest review. It appears at #1720 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion B-, Support B, Career Outcomes D-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
72.8% of learners come back after year one while 52.7% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -32.0%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $15,432 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,517.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,085 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,220 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $41,999 six years after entry. This is roughly 4% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 8.4% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -32.0% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
89.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Fitchburg State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697
- Website www.fitchburgstate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$18.9M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.6%