About Westfield State University
Westfield State University started as a teacher-training school in 1838 and still carries that practical, career-focused spirit today. With 3,481 students spread across a large suburban campus in western Massachusetts, this is a place where you get personal attention without the small-school limitations. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, and the 81.51% acceptance rate shows they're looking for motivated students rather than just top test scores.
The money story here is straightforward and reasonable. Students pay an average net price of $18,561 after aid, which drops to just $11,168 for families making under $30,000. Ten years after graduation, the median salary hits $57,346, making the typical debt load of $22,457 manageable with monthly payments of $238. That's a solid return on investment for a public university education.
About 91% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight community feel where many students stay connected after graduation. The 70.71% retention rate suggests students are generally happy once they arrive, though the 54.90% six-year graduation rate shows this isn't the right fit for everyone. With 16 Division III sports teams and 457 athletes, the Owls compete without the pressure of athletic scholarships, keeping sports fun and accessible.
The money story here is straightforward and reasonable. Students pay an average net price of $18,561 after aid, which drops to just $11,168 for families making under $30,000. Ten years after graduation, the median salary hits $57,346, making the typical debt load of $22,457 manageable with monthly payments of $238. That's a solid return on investment for a public university education.
About 91% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight community feel where many students stay connected after graduation. The 70.71% retention rate suggests students are generally happy once they arrive, though the 54.90% six-year graduation rate shows this isn't the right fit for everyone. With 16 Division III sports teams and 457 athletes, the Owls compete without the pressure of athletic scholarships, keeping sports fun and accessible.
Academics & Faculty
Westfield State University operates as a full public university that focuses heavily on education and liberal arts programs. The school has built a strong reputation for teacher preparation, with many graduates becoming educators throughout Massachusetts and New England. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, students get more personal attention than at larger state universities, though the 54.90% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their programs. The university offers solid programs in criminal justice, business, and social work alongside its education majors. As a teaching-focused institution rather than a research university, professors prioritize classroom instruction and working directly with undergraduates on their academic development.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 67.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.9%
- Retention Rate
- 70.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,346
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,331 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Psychology, Other. | Master | $63,997 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $57,318 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $49,019 |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,170 |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $44,021 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,754 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
Campus Life
Westfield State sits in a classic New England college town about 20 miles west of Springfield and 100 miles from Boston. The campus houses 2,396 students in dorms, which means most of the 3,481 enrolled students live on campus and create a tight community feel. You'll definitely need a winter coat here, with snowy Massachusetts winters that can last into March, but fall brings gorgeous foliage that makes the campus feel like a postcard.
With 90.67% of students coming from Massachusetts, weekends often see students heading home or staying put for campus activities. The 457 student athletes across 16 Division III sports teams help drive school spirit, especially during basketball and football seasons when students pack the gym to cheer on the Owls. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at bigger schools. Students often hang out in downtown Westfield, which has enough coffee shops and restaurants to feel lively without being overwhelming. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, creating a small college atmosphere despite being a public university.
With 90.67% of students coming from Massachusetts, weekends often see students heading home or staying put for campus activities. The 457 student athletes across 16 Division III sports teams help drive school spirit, especially during basketball and football seasons when students pack the gym to cheer on the Owls. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at bigger schools. Students often hang out in downtown Westfield, which has enough coffee shops and restaurants to feel lively without being overwhelming. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, creating a small college atmosphere despite being a public university.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,396 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1838
Campus Safety (2023)
29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–33°F
- July Avg
- 60°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 51.7"
Student Demographics
Westfield State draws mostly Massachusetts students who want a solid public education close to home. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, making this a place where middle-class families can afford college without crushing debt. The student body is more diverse than many regional schools, with growing Latino enrollment reflecting the changing demographics of western Massachusetts. Women slightly outnumber men, which fits the university's strong programs in education, nursing, and social work. These are students who value practical degrees that lead to steady careers in their home state.
- Men
- 46.1%
- Women
- 53.9%
- White
- 69.6%
- Black
- 6.7%
- Hispanic
- 14.0%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 90.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.4%
Location
Westfield sits in western Massachusetts, about 100 miles west of Boston and 15 miles north of Springfield. The city has around 41,000 residents and feels like a classic New England college town, with tree-lined streets and historic buildings dating back to the 1800s. The Pioneer Valley region offers a mix of small cities, farmland, and rolling hills, with the Berkshire Mountains visible to the west. About 90.67% of students come from Massachusetts, many drawn to the affordable in-state tuition of $11,882. The area has that small-town feel where students can walk downtown for coffee or dinner without the hustle of a major city. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Westfield State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Westfield, Massachusetts 01086-1630
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,346
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,717
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $238/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,457
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Westfield State University?
Westfield State University admits 81.51% of applicants, making it relatively accessible for students seeking a public university education. The school draws primarily from Massachusetts, with 90.67% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Westfield State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Westfield State University is $18,561 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,168 after aid, while those from higher-income families earning over $110,000 pay $24,459.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Westfield State University?
Westfield State University maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,481 total students. The university has built a reputation for teacher preparation and liberal arts education since its founding in 1838.
What do graduates of Westfield State University earn after graduation?
Westfield State graduates earn a median salary of $57,346 ten years after graduation. The 97.6% employment rate reflects the university's focus on practical career preparation across its programs.
Does Westfield State University offer athletic scholarships?
Westfield State University offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The Owls compete in 16 varsity sports with 457 total athletes participating in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.
Is Westfield State University a good value for education?
Graduates leave with a median debt of $22,457 and make monthly loan payments of $238. The 71.66% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates can manage their debt burden with their post-graduation earnings.
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