Framingham State University: 87.4% Acceptance Rate

87.4%Acceptance

$11,630Tuition

2,556Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$52,349Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Framingham State University

Framingham State traces its roots to 1839 as a teacher training school and maintains that focus on undergraduate education today. The university enrolls 2,556 students on a compact campus in suburban Framingham, known for strong programs in education, business, and liberal arts. With an 87% acceptance rate, Framingham State welcomes students with mid-range academic credentials, typically scoring around 1105 on the SAT. The school emphasizes small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

Students pay an average net price of $16,698 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Massachusetts higher education. Graduates earn a median of $52,349 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a manageable burden relative to earning potential. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's role serving working-class families.

Nearly 95% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Rams compete in 14 Division III sports with 320 student-athletes. However, the 49.5% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees, though 93% of graduates find employment.

Academics & Faculty

Framingham State started as a normal school in 1839 and maintains its reputation for producing teachers alongside strong business and liberal arts programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates small class sizes typical of a full state university focused on undergraduate education. However, the 49.50% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. About 95% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The education department remains a cornerstone program, while business and psychology have grown in popularity. Students benefit from close faculty mentorship but may need extra academic support to stay on track for graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 57.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.5%
Retention Rate: 71.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $52,349
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Bioethics/Medical Ethics.	Master	$94,408
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$76,460
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language.	Master	$63,005
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Master	$58,673
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$52,107
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$48,041
Marketing.	Bachelor	$45,529
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$43,426
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$42,682
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$38,289

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Framingham State sits 20 miles west of Boston, giving students easy access to internships and weekend activities in the city via commuter rail. With housing for 1,520 students and total enrollment of 2,556, about 60% of students live on campus. New England winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for the campus quad.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit community where professors know students by name. With 94% of students from Massachusetts, many go home on weekends, but campus life centers around the 14 Division III sports teams and the Rams athletic culture. The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference brings regular competition to campus. Students frequently take the train into Boston for internships, shopping, or Red Sox games. The diverse student body includes 16.8% Black students and 20.6% Hispanic students, reflecting the changing demographics of the MetroWest region. Campus traditions and residence hall programming keep students engaged, though the commuter-friendly location means weekends can feel quieter than at more residential colleges.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,520 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1839

Campus Safety (2023)

28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Fondling	6	6	1
Aggravated Assault	0	0	4
Burglary	4	0	0
Dating Violence	0	0	3
Domestic Violence	0	0	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	2

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–35°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.3"
Annual Snowfall: 45.7"

Student Demographics

Framingham State draws heavily from Massachusetts communities, with 94% of students staying close to home for college. The student body reflects the demographic diversity of the greater Boston area, with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside white students. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with the university's strong education and social work programs that traditionally attract more female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation college students from working-class families. This creates a practical, community-minded campus culture focused on career preparation rather than prestige.

Men: 45.7%
Women: 54.3%
White: 52.8%
Black: 16.8%
Hispanic: 20.6%
Asian: 3.5%
In-State Students: 94.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.5%

Location

Framingham State University sits in Framingham, Massachusetts, about 20 miles west of Boston. The campus occupies 50 acres in this small city of roughly 70,000 residents in the MetroWest region. Framingham serves as a suburban community with easy access to both Boston's urban opportunities and New England's natural areas. The city blends residential neighborhoods with commercial districts, offering students a quieter college experience while remaining connected to major metropolitan resources. Public transportation links the campus to Boston through the MBTA commuter rail system. The area provides internship opportunities in business and education without the intensity of a major city. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Framingham State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Framingham, Massachusetts 01701-9101

Dwight Hall - Framingham State University - DSC00353

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,349
Median Earnings (5 years): $59,034
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 70.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Framingham State University?

Framingham State accepts 87.41% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010 and 1200 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on providing opportunities for a diverse range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Framingham State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $16,698 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,802 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $23,914, reflecting the state university's commitment to affordability.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Framingham State University?

Framingham State maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. The university has built its reputation on strong undergraduate teaching across education, business, and liberal arts programs since its founding in 1839.

What are the graduation rates at Framingham State University?

About 52% of students graduate within four years, while 49.5% complete their degrees within six years. Graduates earn a median salary of $52,349 ten years after enrollment, with 92.7% finding employment after graduation.

Where do most students at Framingham State University come from?

Nearly 95% of the 2,556 students are Massachusetts residents, creating a strong local community feel. The student body is diverse, with 52.8% white students, 20.6% Hispanic students, and 16.8% Black students, reflecting the changing demographics of the greater Boston area.

Does Framingham State University offer athletic scholarships?

Framingham State competes in NCAA Division III and does not offer athletic scholarships, as is standard for this division. The Rams field 14 varsity sports with 320 total athletes competing in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.