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 gives you a mid-range financial return. A median $53,874 salary ten years out against a net price near $15,000 a year is workable, but the 52.7% graduation rate is the number to worry about most. Almost half of students don't finish, and if you're one of them you carry debt without the degree that pays it back.
Your major decides everything here. Nursing pays $66,897 and computer science pays $63,005, both well above the school median and enough to clear the roughly $24,000-$27,000 in debt these programs carry within a few years. Business administration sits at $41,246, and the general computer and information sciences track pays $46,087 while loading up more debt than the higher-earning computer science degree. If you enroll in nursing or computer science, the math works. If you land in the general business or lower-tier tech programs, you're paying similar money for a much weaker payoff.
The main risk is completion. A 72.77% retention rate means over a quarter of first-year students leave, and dropping out with loans is the worst outcome this school produces. Nursing debt runs highest of the top programs at $26,810, so that path only pays if you finish and pass licensure.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48,000 in family income puts your cost near $10,500 a year, while families over $110,000 pay more than double that at $22,603. If your family earns under $48,000 and you head into nursing or computer science, this is a strong-value public option. If you're paying the top-tier price for a general business degree, look harder at the return before you commit.
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.