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 gives you a solid financial return without much risk. You pay $18,561 a year and carry about $22,457 in debt when you finish, and median earnings hit $57,346 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is comfortable, meaning your loan payments won't swallow your paycheck.
The payoff depends heavily on your major. Nursing is the clear winner here: you graduate earning $68,331 while borrowing $21,000, one of the lowest debt loads on campus paired with the highest pay. Computer Science pays well too at $64,493, but you take on $27,000 in debt to get there, the highest of any listed program. Economics, business, and math all land in the low-to-mid $40,000s. Business borrowers carry $23,250 in debt for a $42,754 salary, so that degree earns back slower than the others.
The main risk is finishing at all. Only 54.9% of students graduate, and about 29% don't return after freshman year. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome, and that gap is real here.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay $11,168 a year. over $110,000, you pay $24,459. That's a $13,000 annual spread, so this school stays affordable if you qualify for need-based aid.
This is a good fit for you if you want nursing or a hands-on health or tech field and you're confident you'll finish. If you're leaning toward general business or math, weigh whether the mid-$40,000s salary justifies your borrowing. If you're not sure you'll stick around past the first year, the graduation odds make this a gamble worth thinking hard about before you enroll.
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.