WSU-Worcester vs Fitchburg State

Worcester State University and Fitchburg State University, both esteemed public universities in Massachusetts, offer distinct educational experiences. Worcester State boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while Fitchburg State maintains a slightly smaller student population. When it comes to academics, Worcester State excels in fields like Business, Education, and Health Professions, while Fitchburg State shines in areas such as Engineering, Technology, and Hospitality. Both universities offer a supportive learning environment, with Fitchburg State having a slightly higher graduation rate. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these universities' unique strengths and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Fitchburg State University	Worcester State University
Overview
Location	Fitchburg, Massachusetts	Worcester, Massachusetts
Campus setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Midsize
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	68.0%	73.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	85.3%	89.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	980 - 1180	1030 - 1193
ACT range	18 - 25	23 - 24
Students submitting SAT score	18.0%	13.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%
Total number of applicants	3,414	3,446
Total number of admissions given out	2,911	3,078
Admitted students who chose to enroll	567	756
Yield rate	19.5%	24.6%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,330 Out of state: $30,410	In state: $19,554 Out of state: $25,634
Average net price	$16,862	$12,853
Tuition	In state: $970 Out of state: $7,050	In state: $970 Out of state: $7,050
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,990 Meal plan: $3,770	Room/dormitory: $8,573 Meal plan: $3,995
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	88.0% Average amount $6,170	94.0% Average amount $4,529
Students receiving federal student loan	62.0% Average amount $4,912	58.0% Average amount $4,816
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $12,352	12.0% Average amount $10,578

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,349 Men 46.3% Women 53.7%	4,640 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Graduate students	3,325 Men 30.7% Women 69.3%	777 Men 17.8% Women 82.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	2.1%	1.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	1,737	1,584
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Mississippi Connecticut New Hampshire Florida New York	Mississippi Connecticut Rhode Island New Hampshire Vermont

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Education Health Professions Visual & Performing Arts Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Education Health Professions Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	57.1%	60.9%
Dropout rate	14.3%	13.1%
Transferred out	27.0%	24.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $66,667 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $80,428 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,430 Year 2: $66,897 Year 3: $73,957 Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,071 Year 2: $57,882 Year 3: $63,852 Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $51,546 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $54,097 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,151 Year 2: $45,715 Year 3: $52,237 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,607 Year 2: $38,048 Year 3: $51,244 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,965 Year 2: $41,246 Year 3: $49,224 Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,991 Year 2: $42,682 Year 3: $47,433 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,178 Year 2: $34,793 Year 3: $44,801 Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,593 Year 2: $36,166 Year 3: $42,141	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,399 Year 2: $68,821 Year 3: $76,249 Biotechnology (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $55,547 Year 3: $67,589 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,868 Year 2: $56,776 Year 3: $61,253 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $60,590 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,554 Year 2: $54,974 Year 3: $59,253 Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $49,644 Year 3: $56,781 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,231 Year 2: $46,087 Year 3: $55,176 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $56,792 Year 2: $53,775 Year 3: $53,760 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,556 Year 2: $40,501 Year 3: $51,886 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $39,699 Year 2: $42,580 Year 3: $51,212

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Worcester State University and Fitchburg State University?

Worcester State University, located in a more urban setting, tends to have a stronger focus on liberal arts and health sciences, particularly nursing. Fitchburg State University, while also offering a strong liberal arts foundation, is known for its programs in communications media, technology, and education. Consider your academic interests when deciding which school aligns best with your goals.
How do the campus environments compare?

Worcester State University offers a more urban campus experience, being located in the city of Worcester. This provides students with access to a wider range of cultural and social opportunities. Fitchburg State University has a more traditional, self-contained campus environment in the smaller city of Fitchburg, fostering a close-knit community feel.
Which university is more affordable?

Generally, both Worcester State University and Fitchburg State University offer similar tuition rates as public universities within Massachusetts. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like room and board, fees, and personal expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules and to explore available financial aid options.
What are the popular majors at each university?

Worcester State University is well-regarded for its Nursing, Education, and Business programs. Fitchburg State University is known for its Communications Media, Criminal Justice, and Education programs. Both universities offer a variety of other majors, so explore their academic catalogs to find the best fit for your interests.
How do the student populations differ?

Both universities primarily serve students from Massachusetts, but Worcester State University tends to draw a slightly larger and more diverse student body due to its location in a larger city. Fitchburg State University, while also diverse, may have a higher percentage of students from the surrounding North Central Massachusetts region.
What kind of extracurricular activities are available at each school?

Both Worcester State University and Fitchburg State University offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports teams, and student government. Worcester State's urban location provides access to city-based activities, while Fitchburg State's campus environment fosters strong student-led organizations. Check each university's website for a comprehensive list of current offerings.
How do the athletic programs compare?

Both Worcester State University and Fitchburg State University are members of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). They both offer a variety of NCAA Division III sports. Check each university's athletic website for specific sports offered and team schedules.
What are the career services like at each university?

Both Worcester State University and Fitchburg State University offer career services to help students with internships, job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. Take advantage of these resources to prepare for your future career.
What is the surrounding area like for each university?

Worcester State University is located in Worcester, the second-largest city in Massachusetts, offering a vibrant urban environment with diverse cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options. Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, a smaller city with a more relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by natural beauty and offering a close-knit community feel.
Do both universities offer on-campus housing?

Yes, both Worcester State University and Fitchburg State University offer on-campus housing options for students. Living on campus can enhance your college experience by providing opportunities for social interaction and easy access to campus resources. Explore the housing options available at each university to find the best fit for your needs.

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