At $15,432/yr net price, Fitchburg State University graduates earn $53,874/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,874/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,432 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,728 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,874/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,874/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,239 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,430/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,705/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,224/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,690/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,603/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $77,536 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,518 | $18,703 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,897 | $26,810 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $57,882 | $17,119 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $50,856 | $21,659 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $48,823 | $25,020 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,715 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $42,682 | $27,215 |
The Risk Factor
52.7% of students at Fitchburg State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fitchburg State University delivers solid financial value for a Massachusetts public university, with a $15,432 annual net price producing median earnings of $53,874 ten years after graduation. Your return depends heavily on your major choice and career goals.
Educational Administration pays off strongest at $77,536 annually, making this school particularly attractive if you plan to pursue school leadership roles. Business Administration graduates earn $75,518 with relatively low debt at $18,703, creating one of the better risk-reward profiles. Nursing provides steady returns at $66,897, though you'll carry slightly higher debt at $26,810.
Computer Science offers decent earning potential at $63,005, positioning you well for the growing tech sector around Boston. Education majors in Curriculum and Instruction see more modest returns at $57,882, but benefit from lower debt loads at $17,119.
The 52.7% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. Nearly half of students don't finish, leaving them with debt but no degree. The 72.8% retention rate suggests many students struggle to adjust during their first year.
This school works best if you're committed to education, business, or nursing careers and value staying in Massachusetts. The regional job market supports these programs well. Avoid Fitchburg State if you're undecided about your major or considering fields outside their strongest programs.
With only 31% of students receiving financial aid, merit scholarships may be limited. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning majors and completing your degree on time to maximize the return on your $15,432 annual investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fitchburg State University worth the cost?
Fitchburg State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $15,432 per year and graduates earning $53,874 annually after 10 years. However, the 53% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly reduces ROI for those who drop out.
What are the best paying majors at Fitchburg State University?
Educational Administration graduates from Fitchburg State earn the highest salaries at $77,536, followed by Business Administration at $75,518. Nursing and Computer Science also provide solid returns at $66,897 and $63,005 respectively.
How much debt do Fitchburg State University graduates have?
Fitchburg State graduates carry a median debt of $24,239, which is manageable given the school's low tuition costs. With average earnings of $53,874, most graduates can handle this debt load.
What is the job market like for Fitchburg State University graduates?
Fitchburg State graduates earn $53,874 on average 10 years after graduation, which is modest but reasonable for the low cost of attendance. The school's education and business programs tend to produce the strongest earning outcomes.