Western New England University
Western New England University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Western New England University at a Glance
Western New England University is a private university in Springfield, Massachusetts. Academic programs are provided through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, School of Law, and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
1919
107 years old
$60M
$60.2 million (2024)
3,674
2,616 undergrad · 1,058 grad
215 acres
Identity
Is Western New England University Worth It?
Western New England University offers moderate value at $27,290/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $73,157, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Western New England University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #45 of 114 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 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Ohio Northern University | 62 | $24,478 | $80,928 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #45 | Western New England University | 43 | $27,290 | $73,157 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Western New England 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 Western New England University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Western New England University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $27,290/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
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Springfield, MA
- Student Body
- 2,603 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $27,290
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $73,157
- Median Student Debt
- $25,500