At $14,738/yr net price, Worcester State University graduates earn $60,624/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,624/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,738 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,952 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,624/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,624/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,035/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,061/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,665/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,378/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,939/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. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,821 | $19,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,776 | |
| Biotechnology. | Bachelor | $55,547 | $17,455 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $54,974 | $21,166 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,775 | |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $49,644 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,673 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $20,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,580 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
55.5% of students at Worcester 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
Worcester State University gives you a solid, low-risk financial return. You pay $14,738 a year and carry a median debt of $19,500 at graduation, which is less than a single year's earnings for most graduates. With median earnings of $60,624 ten years out, the math works in your favor if you finish.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays $68,821 while carrying the same $19,500 debt load as the school-wide median, so you earn the most without borrowing more. Biotechnology and chemistry pair Worcester with the region's life sciences and pharma employers around Boston and central Massachusetts, and biotech grads leave with lower debt ($17,455) than nursing. Computer and information sciences pays $46,087 but comes with the highest debt on this list at $20,500, so it returns less per dollar borrowed than nursing or biotech. Chemistry and economics land in the mid-$40,000s.
The real risk at Worcester is finishing at all. The graduation rate is 55.5% and only 76.5% of students return after their first year. If you borrow and leave without a degree, you carry the debt without the earnings that justify it. That drop-off is the single biggest threat to your return here.
This school fits you if you want nursing, biotech, or chemistry and plan to work in the Massachusetts region after graduating. It fits lower-income families especially well: if your family earns under $30,000, you pay $9,035 a year, less than half the $19,939 charged to families over $110,000. The higher tiers still stay under $20,000, so no income group faces a punishing price.
Look elsewhere if you want a major outside the sciences with weaker regional demand, or if you doubt you'll finish, since the payoff depends entirely on crossing the finish line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Worcester State University worth the cost?
Worcester State University offers decent value with a low net price of $14,738 and moderate debt levels at $19,500. However, the 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at Worcester State University?
Nursing programs at Worcester State University lead earnings with graduates making $68,000-$84,000 annually. Education and communication disorders follow at around $55,000-$57,000, while other programs typically earn less than the school's overall average of $60,624.
How much debt do Worcester State University graduates have?
Worcester State University graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to the national average. The relatively low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the job market like for Worcester State University graduates?
Worcester State University graduates earn $60,624 ten years after graduation, which is modest but reflects the school's focus on public service careers like teaching and nursing. Job prospects vary significantly by major, with healthcare programs offering the strongest earning potential.