Framingham State University
Framingham State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Framingham State University at a Glance
Framingham State University (Framingham State or FSU) is a public university in Framingham, Massachusetts. The university, previously known as the Normal School in Lexington was founded in 1839 as the first state-supported normal school in the United States before becoming a full-fledged university. It offers undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs, including MBA, MEd, and MS.
1839
187 years old
$35M
$35 million (2020)
3,529
2,640 undergrad · 889 grad
301
143 acres
Identity
Is Framingham State University Worth It?
Framingham State University offers moderate value at $16,114/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $52,349, which is 3% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 49% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Framingham State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #53 of 111 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #2 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #3 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #4 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #5 | Northwest Florida State College | 88 | $4,571 | $39,664 |
| #6 | Bates Technical College | 86 | $6,292 | $50,051 |
| #53 | Framingham State University | 40 | $16,114 | $52,349 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Framingham State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in MA.
Best Programs at Framingham State University
The highest-earning program at Framingham State University is Criminology at $37,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $25,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminology graduate from Framingham State University earns $37,700, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $25,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminology graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $25,745 for English Language and Literature, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,114/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology | $37,700 | $37,700 | $25,000 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $35,900 | $35,900 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $35,800 | $35,800 | $24,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $33,600 | $33,600 | $25,000 |
| Apparel and Textiles | $32,400 | $32,400 | $25,497 |
| Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other | $32,300 | $32,300 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $31,400 | $31,400 | $25,000 |
| Geography and Cartography | $31,400 | $31,400 | $26,000 |
| Sociology | $29,800 | $29,800 | $24,973 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $25,200 | $25,200 | $25,745 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Framingham, MA
- Student Body
- 2,566 students
- Admission Rate
- 84%
- Graduation Rate
- 49%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,114
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,349
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000