Western New England University
Western New England University is a private nonprofit university in Springfield, MA ranked #1776 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 2,508 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 83.3%. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Computer Science.
Academically, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 74.9% first-year retention, and 63.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $31,170, about $14,172 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -58.5%, roughly 143.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $51,771. That's about $8,083 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Western New England University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Western New England University graduates 63.9% of students within six years and keeps 74.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Western New England 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 | $46,430 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,900 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,060 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $58,933 |
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 25.0% of Western New England University students receive Pell Grants — 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 $28,987 to $33,983 depending on family income. Use Western New England University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $30,277/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $33,983/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $51,771
- 10-Year Median Earnings $51,771
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 75.3%
- Employment Rate 16.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Western New England 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.
Western New England University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Western New England University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Western New England University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Western New England University graduates earn $51,771 median, the -58.5% 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 570-650
- SAT Math 560-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-27
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 2,508
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 74.9%
- Graduation Rate 63.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Western New England University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Western New England 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 83.3%, Western New England 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 83.3% acceptance rate, Western New England 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 1130 and 1310 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Western New England University undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Marketing, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 8.2%
- Marketing 8.1%
- Psychology, General 7.6%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.3%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 7.0%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.4%
See more majors
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administrat 5.1%
- Civil Engineering 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. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $83,808
- 2. Computer Science $79,990
- 3. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $69,326
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Civil Engineering $67,726
- 5. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $58,437
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $54,474
- 7. Business/Commerce, General $50,921
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $41,564
- 9. Psychology, General $33,825
- 10. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $26,544
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $125,746
- 2. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $114,008
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $96,747
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $93,038
- 5. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $90,273
- 6. Psychology, General (Master's Degree) $88,914
- 7. Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Doctoral Degree) $85,147
- 8. Law (Doctoral Degree) $69,919
- 9. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $66,796
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $63,251
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $83,808—216% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($26,544). Graduate: Engineering-Related Fields programs lead with $125,746 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Western New England 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
- Management Information Systems and Services (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 135 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 89 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 66 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 52 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 51 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 (47 programs)â–¼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Marketing
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Accounting and Related Services
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Civil Engineering
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Biology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Political Science and Government
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Computer Engineering
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Chemistry
- English Language and Literature, General
- Social Work
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Mathematics
- International Business
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Communication and Media Studies
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- History
- Sociology
- Journalism
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Sustainability Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International/Global Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Criminology
- Area Studies
Online Master's Degrees (11 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Psychology, General
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Engineering-Related Fields
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (2 programs)â–¼
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 2,508
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 57.3%
- Female Students 42.7%
- Caucasian 70.9%
- Asian 3.2%
- Hispanic 11.6%
- Black 5.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 25.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Western New England University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Western New England University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Western New England 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 Western New England University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 70.9% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Western New England 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 Western New England University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Western New England University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -58.5% ROI. Ranked #1776 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $31,170 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $51,771 median earnings. With 63.9% graduating within six years and 74.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Western New England University's Positioning
With a C grade and #1776 ranking, Western New England University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $31,170 annually, Western New England University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 74.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $21,819 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -58.5% ROI and $51,771 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $21,170+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Western New England University ranks #1776 of 6272 institutions, with 1375 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 63.9% six-year graduation rate sits 1.4 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.9% first-year retention is 1.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -58.5% return on investment is 143.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $51,771 run about 19% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $31,170 is roughly $14,052 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 16.2% employment rate within three years sits 52.0 points below national outcomes.
- Average net price of $31,170 is about $14,052 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 25.0% trails the national share by 13.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Western New England University, a private nonprofit university in Springfield, MA, secures a C grade in our latest review. It appears at #1776 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (B), Support (B), Career Outcomes (D+), and Affordability (C).
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.
74.9% of learners come back after year one while 63.9% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is -58.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $31,170 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $58,933.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,763 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 25.0% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $51,771 at the median. That sits about 19% above the national median.
Roughly 16.2% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -58.5% 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
83.3% 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 Western New England 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 Springfield, MA 01119-2684
- Website wne.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$59.5M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate25.0%