At $16,698/yr net price, Framingham State University graduates earn $52,349/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,349/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,698 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,349/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,349/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,802/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,399/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,863/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,658/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,914/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $25,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $45,529 | $24,454 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $26,000 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $42,682 | |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $22,500 |
The Risk Factor
49.5% of students at Framingham 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
Framingham State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings barely doubling the annual cost of attendance. The 49% graduation rate means half of students leave without a degree but often with debt.
Your major choice makes or breaks the financial equation here. Bioethics graduates earn nearly $95,000 annually, while nursing majors pull in $76,000. These programs justify the investment. Education majors see more modest returns around $59,000, which works given the lower debt load. Computer science graduates earn just $52,000 despite carrying the full median debt of $25,000, making this program a poor bet compared to similar offerings elsewhere.
The biggest risk at Framingham State is not graduating. With retention hovering at 72%, many students transfer or drop out, often carrying debt without the degree needed to service it. Public sector employment dominates the local job market, which caps earning potential for most graduates.
You should consider Framingham State if you can get into nursing or bioethics programs and plan to work in Massachusetts healthcare systems. Education majors benefit from the strong regional teacher pipeline. Skip this school if you want computer science or business degrees, where stronger programs exist at similar costs elsewhere in the state system.
Financial aid coverage remains limited, with only 34% of students receiving aid. Merit scholarships are sparse, so expect to pay close to the full net price. Massachusetts residents get the best deal here, but even in-state students should carefully evaluate program strength before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Framingham State University worth the cost?
Framingham State offers decent value for students who choose high-paying programs like nursing ($76,460) or bioethics ($94,408). However, the overall 10-year earnings of $52,349 and 49.5% graduation rate suggest many students struggle to complete their programs and see strong returns.
What are the best paying majors at Framingham State University?
Bioethics/Medical Ethics graduates earn $94,408 annually, while nursing program graduates average $76,460. Education and computer science programs show more modest returns around $52,000-$63,000, closer to the school average.
How much debt do Framingham State University graduates have?
The median debt load is $25,000, which is manageable for nursing and bioethics graduates but creates financial strain for those in lower-paying education tracks. With nearly half of students not graduating, debt without a degree becomes a real risk.
Does Framingham State University have a good graduation rate?
Only 49.5% of students graduate from Framingham State University, meaning roughly half who enroll never finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly undermines the school's value proposition, especially for students taking on debt.