At $31,170/yr net price, Western New England University graduates earn $73,157/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,157/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $31,170 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $124,680 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,157/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,157/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $28,987/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $26,284/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,102/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $30,277/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,983/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $117,572 | |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $90,412 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,858 | |
| Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies. | Doctoral | $63,005 | |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Law. | Doctoral | $46,869 | $97,835 |
The Risk Factor
63.9% of students at Western New England University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Western New England University delivers solid returns for specific majors but presents significant financial risks for others. The $31,170 annual net price creates a manageable debt load at $25,500 median, but your program choice determines whether you'll earn enough to justify the cost.
Pharmacy students see strong returns with $117,572 median earnings, making the investment worthwhile despite the higher program costs. Engineering graduates earn $90,412, providing strong returns in Springfield's manufacturing and defense contractor market. Business and accounting majors hit $71,015 and $68,858 respectively, reasonable given the regional economy but not spectacular.
Legal studies graduates face concerning prospects at $63,005 median earnings. This barely covers loan payments and living expenses for most graduates, making law-related programs risky investments at this price point.
The 64% graduation rate signals retention problems that could leave you with debt but no degree. The 75% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles force many students to transfer or drop out.
You should consider Western New England if you're entering pharmacy, engineering, or established business programs with clear career paths. The school works best for students who can afford the net price without excessive borrowing or who receive substantial merit aid.
Look elsewhere if you're considering liberal arts, undecided majors, or legal studies. The combination of moderate earnings potential and significant costs makes these paths financially dangerous. Only 25% of students receive need-based aid, so middle-income families often face the full sticker price with limited relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western New England University worth the cost?
Western New England University offers mixed value depending on your major. Pharmacy graduates earn $117,572 annually, making the $31,170 net price worthwhile, but business and accounting majors earn around $70,000 with similar debt loads. The 88% acceptance rate and 64% graduation rate suggest academic standards that may not justify costs for lower-paying programs.
What majors at Western New England University have the best ROI?
Pharmacy and engineering programs at Western New England University provide strong returns, with pharmacy graduates earning $117,572 and engineering graduates earning $90,412 annually. Business and accounting majors earn significantly less at around $70,000, making these programs harder to justify at current tuition rates.
How much debt do Western New England University graduates typically have?
Western New England University graduates leave with a median debt of $25,500. This debt load is manageable for pharmacy and engineering graduates who earn $90,000-$117,000, but creates financial strain for business majors earning around $70,000 annually.
Does Western New England University provide good financial aid?
Western New England University's net price of $31,170 represents significant aid from the full sticker price, but this still requires substantial borrowing for most families. The financial aid helps but doesn't fully address affordability concerns for programs with lower earning potential.