At $18,561/yr net price, Westfield State University graduates earn $57,346/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,346/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,561 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,346/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,346/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,457 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,168/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,563/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,154/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,803/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,459/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,331 | $21,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $64,493 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, Other. | Master | $63,997 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $49,019 | $20,000 |
| Social Work. | Master | $47,260 | $35,461 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,170 | |
| Psychology, General. | Master | $44,021 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $42,754 | $23,250 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
The Risk Factor
54.9% of students at Westfield 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
Westfield State University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $18,561 annual net price keeps costs reasonable for a four-year degree, but the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students never finish their programs.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $68,331 annually against just $21,000 in debt. Computer Science also pays off well at $64,493, though debt loads run higher at $27,000. Psychology majors surprisingly earn $63,997, beating the school's overall median by $6,651. Criminal Justice graduates hit the median exactly at $57,318.
Economics presents a concerning picture at $49,019 in earnings, falling $8,327 below the school median despite similar debt levels. This gap suggests weak regional demand for economics graduates or program limitations you should investigate before enrolling.
Your biggest risk lies in the retention and graduation rates. The 71% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially after freshman year. If you're not prepared for the academic demands or lack strong study habits, you could join the 45% who leave without degrees but still carry debt.
Westfield State works best for Massachusetts residents seeking affordable nursing or computer science training. The low net price makes it accessible for middle-income families, and strong programs in these fields justify the investment. However, if you're considering economics or struggling academically, you should explore other options with better support systems and outcomes.
With only 33% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Focus on completing your degree quickly to minimize total costs and maximize your return on this investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Westfield State University worth the cost?
Westfield State University offers decent value for students who complete their degrees, with graduates earning $57,346 annually against median debt of $22,457. However, the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying majors at Westfield State University?
Nursing programs at Westfield State University provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning $68,331 annually. Computer Science ($64,493) and Psychology ($63,997) also offer solid returns that justify the cost.
How much debt do Westfield State University graduates have?
Westfield State University graduates carry median debt of $22,457, which is manageable given the average starting salary of $57,346. This debt-to-income ratio allows most graduates to repay loans without major financial strain.
Does Westfield State University have good financial aid?
With a net price of $18,561 annually, Westfield State University keeps costs relatively low for a four-year degree. The school's affordability makes it accessible, though students should focus on high-demand programs to maximize their investment.