Worcester State University
Worcester State University is a public university in Worcester, MA ranked #1658 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C, enrolling about 3,963 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 89.9%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Biotechnology.
Day to day, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, 76.5% first-year retention, and 55.5% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $14,738, about $2,260 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -14.8%, roughly 100.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,233. That's about $6,545 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Worcester 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
Worcester State University graduates 55.5% of students within six years and keeps 76.5% 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 Worcester 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 | $11,286 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,368 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,999 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,892 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $21,586 |
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 28.9% of Worcester 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 $9,035 to $19,939 depending on family income. Use Worcester State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,378/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,939/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,233
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,233
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,916
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.5%
- Employment Rate 8.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Worcester 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.
Worcester State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Worcester State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Worcester State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Worcester State University graduates earn $50,233 median, the -14.8% 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 505-635
- SAT Math 503-645
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,963
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.5%
- Graduation Rate 55.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Worcester State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Worcester 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%, Worcester 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, Worcester 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 1008 and 1280 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Worcester State University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.1%
- Psychology, General 11.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.9%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.6%
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Profe 5.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.3%
See more majors
- Biology, General 5.2%
- Sociology 4.7%
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 $89,927
- 2. Biotechnology $87,125
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General $79,279
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $77,384
- 5. Chemistry $69,948
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $68,157
- 7. Biology, General $67,630
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $66,498
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $61,578
- 10. Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions $55,146
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $76,480
- 2. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $72,190
- 3. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $57,523
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $89,927—63% more than Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions ($55,146). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $76,480 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Worcester 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 183 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 133 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 113 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Graduate/Professional Certificate, 67 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 64 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 (28 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biotechnology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Physical Sciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Business/Commerce, General
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Education, General
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- History
- Biotechnology
- Marketing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (9 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Education, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,963
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.6%
- Female Students 60.4%
- Caucasian 60.9%
- Asian 5.6%
- Hispanic 17.9%
- Black 8.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 28.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Worcester State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Worcester State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Worcester State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Worcester State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 60.4% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Worcester State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate 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 Worcester State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Worcester State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1658 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $14,738 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $50,233 median earnings. The 55.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 76.5% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Worcester State University's Strengths
Ranked #1658 with a C grade, Worcester State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Worcester State University excel at providing affordable education ($14,738 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: Worcester State University's 76.5% retention and 55.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($50,233 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Worcester State University and $14,738 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 55.5% six-year graduation rate sits 7.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.5% first-year retention is 0.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -14.8% return on investment is 100.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,233 run about 15% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $14,738 is roughly $5,172 lower than the national median of $19,910.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 8.9% employment rate within three years sits 59.3 points below national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 28.9% trails the national share by 4.5 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
Worcester State University, a public university in Worcester, MA, secures a C grade in our latest review. It appears at #1658 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.
76.5% of learners come back after year one while 55.5% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -14.8% for this program.
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 $14,738 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $21,586.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,848 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,916 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 28.9% 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
Median earnings come in near $50,233 six years after enrollment. That sits about 15% above the national median.
Roughly 8.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -14.8%, offering a quick read on value.
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 Worcester 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 Worcester, MA 01602-2597
- Website www.worcester.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$21.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate26.8%