Worcester State University
Worcester State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Worcester State University at a Glance
Worcester State University (WSU) is a public university in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. The fourth largest of the Commonwealth’s nine Universities, WSU enrolls over 4800 undergraduates and nearly 900 graduate students in more than 80 undergraduate majors and minors and 32 graduate programs.
1874
152 years old
$61M
$60.8 million (2025)
5,611
4,892 undergrad · 880 grad
191
Identity
How to Apply to Worcester State University
Official admissions pageFee waiver
Is Worcester State University Worth It?
Worcester State University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $13,381/year, it's priced 34% below average, while graduates go on to earn $60,624 — 13% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 58% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Worcester State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier in MA
Ranked #10 of 99 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 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #2 | Bellingham Technical College | 92 | $5,997 | $49,748 |
| #3 | Bates Technical College | 86 | $6,292 | $50,051 |
| #4 | University of Illinois Springfield | 83 | $9,833 | $57,103 |
| #5 | California State University-Channel Islands | 83 | $9,849 | $62,152 |
| #6 | Sonoma State University | 76 | $12,885 | $65,986 |
| #10 | Worcester State University | 66 | $13,381 | $60,624 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Worcester State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in MA.
Best Programs at Worcester State University
The highest-earning program at Worcester State University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $66,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is English Language and Literature, General at $28,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Worcester State University earns $66,600, while a English Language and Literature, General graduate earns $28,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $13,381/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,600 | $66,600 | $25,500 |
| Biotechnology | $45,600 | $45,600 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $44,200 | $44,200 | N/A |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,800 | $40,800 | $17,715 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,200 | $37,200 | $17,979 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $34,600 | $34,600 | $19,992 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $34,200 | $34,200 | $18,089 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,300 | $33,300 | $21,308 |
| Biology, General | $32,300 | $32,300 | $19,788 |
| Sociology | $31,600 | $31,600 | N/A |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $31,400 | $31,400 | $23,523 |
| Psychology, General | $31,100 | $31,100 | $19,500 |
| History | $30,700 | $30,700 | N/A |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $28,900 | $28,900 | $20,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $28,500 | $28,500 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Worcester, MA
- Student Body
- 3,930 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 58%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $13,381
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $60,624
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500