Worcester State University graduates have among the highest average earnings of all Massachusetts public colleges and universities five years after graduation, according to new data released by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. Even more impressively, Worcester State graduates leave with the lowest college debt among Massachusetts public colleges and universities, making Worcester State the best value for high-quality, affordable education.
“We’re incredibly proud of our graduates and what these data represent,” said Dr. Ryan Forsythe, vice president for Enrollment Management at Worcester State. “It demonstrates our high-quality academic programs are doing an exceptional job of preparing students for long-term career success, and we are doing it without burdening families with debt. That combination of quality, affordability, and career success is what sets Worcester State apart as the state’s top value for a four-year degree.”
The earnings data for every public college and university was compiled for the first time by the DHE for its new report, The Earnings Outcomes of Public Postsecondary Education in Massachusetts, and reported by The Boston Globe. Worcester State ranks in the Top 10 public colleges and universities for 5-year graduate earnings of $70,691, on par with the earnings of most UMass graduates. Ninety-eight percent of Worcester State graduates are employed, enrolled in graduate school, or both within 6 months of graduation.
The university prioritizes helping students build a competitive advantage that helps them stand out when they enter the workforce. With the university’s MajorPlus academic framework, students complete two academic programs in four years at no additional cost. Additionally, the university offers generous financial support and opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through internships, service learning, research, academic conferences, and study abroad.
The DHE report demonstrates that individuals who complete a bachelor’s degree on average earn $30,000 more annually five years after graduating compared to those with a high school diploma. The report also shows that bachelor’s degree graduates see higher average earnings than those with an associate’s degree. And, the earnings gap between associate and bachelor’s degree completers grows over time, reaching roughly an $11,000 difference five years after graduation.
“The DHE’s report underscores how valuable a bachelor’s degree is, both in immediate earning potential and over a lifetime,” Forsythe said. “We know firsthand from our many alumni that finishing a bachelor’s degree is transformational, not just for the graduate, but for their entire family.”
With a mission to make higher education accessible for the community, Worcester State is among the lowest cost options for a four-year degree in Massachusetts. In some cases students can attend for free. Worcester State’s ValuePlus covers 100% of tuition, fees, and books for Massachusetts commuter students whose families earn $75,000 or less.
More than 75% of students receive financial aid with an average award of $10,000. The university awards over $1 million in merit scholarships each year, and has numerous initiatives to support students in reducing the overall cost burden of attending college.
“With high earnings, low debt, and innovative academics that expand opportunity,” Forsythe said, “Worcester State continues to deliver one of the best value propositions in Massachusetts public higher education.”
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