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Worcester State University (WSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings

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About Worcester State University

Set in a city that's equal parts grit and brainpower, Worcester State is known for practical academics with a strong liberal-arts core. Students lean into health and human services, education, business, the sciences, and the arts, guided by faculty who actually make time for them. Modern labs, studios, and a light-filled library sit alongside tutoring, advising, counseling, and career planning. There's thoughtful support for commuters and first-generation students, too.

Campus life feels friendly and busy without being overwhelming. Intramurals, student media, cultural groups, performances, and plenty of Lancers pride keep things moving. And the vibe is down-to-earth, service-minded, and collaborative. Career prep shows up in hands-on projects and internships across Worcester's hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and a growing life-sciences corridor, with regional alumni networks opening doors. Off campus, murals, indie restaurants, the ballpark, and local theatres make weekends easy. It's a place that rewards initiative and shows up for its community.

Key Institutional Details

Contact & Profile

Location
486 Chandler St, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01602, USA
Unit ID
168430

Academic & Institutional

Control
Public institution (funded by state or local government)
Accreditation
NECHE
Length of Study
Programs under 2 years (e.g. certificate or diploma)
Calendar System
Semester system (two main terms per year)
Award Levels
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Post-Master's
Other Award
Campus Setting
Located in a midsize city (population between 100,000 and 249,999)
Carnegie Classification
Master's - Large programs
Tuition & Fees
In-State
$11,286
Tuition $970 + Fee $10,316
Out-of-State
$17,366
Tuition $7,050 + Fee $10,316
Student Profile
Total Students 5,611
Undergraduate 3,963
Graduate/Other 1,648
Male: 2,060 Female: 3,551
Applications
Total Applicants 4,745
Admitted 4,264
Enrolled 909
Acceptance: 89.9% Yield: 21.3%
Staff
Total Staff 885
Full-time 554
Part-time 331
Full-time: 62.6% Part-time: 37.4%

Academic Programs & Fields of Study

Worcester State University (WSU) offers 49 degree programs across 18 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,284 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (14 programs, 295 graduates), Health (10 programs, 220 graduates), Business (2 programs, 185 graduates), Psychology (2 programs, 153 graduates) and Security & Safety (1 programs, 84 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.

Education (14 programs, 295 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Elementary Education 79
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1202
Early Childhood Education 44
Bachelor's
Master's
13.1210
Special Education Teaching 36
Master's
13.1001
Educational Leadership and Administration 28
Master's
13.0401
Multiple Level Teacher Education 25
Postbac Cert.
13.1206
Special Education Teaching 22
Postbac Cert.
13.1099
General Education 19
Bachelor's
Master's
13.0101
Secondary Education and Teaching 11
Master's
13.1205
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teaching 11
Postbac Cert.
Master's
13.1401
Kindergarten and Preschool Education 7
Postbac Cert.
13.1209
Mathematics Teacher Education 5
Postbac Cert.
13.1311
Middle School Education and Teaching 3
Master's
13.1203
Reading Teacher Education 3
Master's
13.1315
Foreign Language Teacher Education 2
Postbac Cert.
13.1306
Health (10 programs, 220 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Occupational Therapy 47
Bachelor's
Master's
51.2306
Community Health Counseling 46
Bachelor's
51.1504
Registered Nursing 45
Bachelor's
51.3801
Clinical Nurse Specialist 26
Master's
51.3813
Speech-Language Pathology 22
Master's
51.0203
Communication Sciences and Disorders 16
Bachelor's
51.0201
Nursing Practice 10
Master's
51.3818
Health Professions and Related Sciences 4
Bachelor's
51.9999
Nursing Education 2
Post-Master's
51.3203
Adult Health Nursing 2
Bachelor's
51.3803
Business (2 programs, 185 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Business Administration and Management 179
Bachelor's
Master's
52.0201
Nonprofit and Organizational Management 6
Master's
52.0206
Psychology (2 programs, 153 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Psychology 131
Bachelor's
42.0101
School Psychology 22
Master's
Post-Master's
42.2805
Security & Safety (1 programs, 84 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Criminal Justice and Safety Studies 84
Bachelor's
43.0104
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 78 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Biology and Biological Sciences 54
Bachelor's
26.0101
Biotechnology 24
Bachelor's
Master's
26.1201
Communication (2 programs, 53 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 44
Bachelor's
09.0101
Mass Communication and Media Studies 9
Bachelor's
09.0102
Social Sciences (5 programs, 50 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
Sociology 24
Bachelor's
45.1101
Economics 9
Bachelor's
45.0601
Political Science and Government 7
Bachelor's
45.1001
Urban Studies and Affairs 6
Bachelor's
45.1201
Geography 4
Bachelor's
45.0701
English (2 programs, 32 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
English Language and Literature 31
Bachelor's
23.0101
English Language and Literature 1
Master's
23.9999
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 32 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
Program Name Graduates Gender Distribution Award Levels CIP Code
General Studies 32
Bachelor's
24.0102

Admission Requirements & Test Scores

Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Worcester State University (WSU).

Application Requirements

Secondary School GPA
Required
Secondary School Rank
Neither required nor recommended
Secondary School Record
Required
College Preparatory Program
Required
Formal Demonstration of Competencies
Neither required nor recommended
English Proficiency Test (TOEFL)
Required
Standardized Test Scores
SAT Scores
The SAT is a standardized college admission test measuring reading, writing, and math skills. Scores range from 400-1600 (combined Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math sections).
Composite Score Range
1008 - 1280
25th-75th percentile
Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 505 - 635
Median: 570
Math 503 - 645
Median: 575
ACT Scores
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions assessing English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Scores range from 1-36 (composite of all sections).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.

Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs

Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students

Estimated Total Cost
(In-state)
$27,545
Estimated Total Cost
(Out-state)
$33,625
In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$11,286
Tuition and fees for students residing in-state
Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$17,366
Tuition and fees for non-resident students
Room & Board
$12,999 (on) / $9,368 (off)
Housing and meal plan expenses
Books & Supplies
$1,368
Average yearly cost of books and study materials
Other Expenses
$1,892 (on) / $2,190 (off)
Miscellaneous personal and institutional expenses
Other Expenses (with family)
$2,190
Estimated cost for students living with family
Graduate In-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,093
Graduate tuition rates for in-state students
Graduate Out-of-state Tuition (incl. fees)
$6,093
Graduate tuition rates for non-resident students

Financial Aid & Student Support

Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students

18%
FTFT Aid Recipients
Avg. Grant
$7,332
Avg. Loan
$4,994
Avg. Federal Loan
$4,873
Additional
Students with Any Grant
594
Students who received any type of grant aid
Students with Any Loan
478
Students who received any type of loan-based aid
Students with Federal Grant
304
Students who received a federal grant
Avg. Institutional Grant
$1,916
Average amount of institutional grant awarded

Student Success Metrics

Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.

56%
Graduation Rate
Percentage of students who successfully graduate from the institution
77%
First-Year Retention Rate
Percentage of first-year students who continue for a second year
Median Earnings Over Time
$38,887 – $89,010
Salary Range (25th–75th Percentile, 10 Years)
$38,887 (25th %) $89,010 (75th %)
*Median Salary After 10 Years: $60,624
Median Salary After 6 Years
$50,233
Average annual earnings of former students six years after starting college.
Median Salary After 10 Years
$60,624
Average annual earnings of former students ten years after starting college.

Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes

Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.

3-Year Loan Repayment Rate
65.5%
Share of borrowers who repaid loans within 3 years
Repayment Rate (Graduates Only)
77.4%
Repayment rate among students who completed their program
Median Student Loan Debt
$19,500
Median federal loan debt of undergraduate completers at time of graduation.
Repayment by Income
Low 58.0%
Middle 65.6%
High 71.1%
Repayment by Dependency
Dependent 67.7%
Independent 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Worcester State University (WSU)

How much does it cost to attend Worcester State University (WSU)?

The annual tuition at Worcester State University (WSU) is $11,286 for in-state students and $17,366 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $27,545 for in-state students and $33,625 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $12,999 (on) / $9,368 (off) and books and supplies $1,368.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.

What academic programs and degree levels does Worcester State University offer?

Worcester State University (WSU) offers 49 academic programs across 18 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Other Award.

Most popular program areas include:

  • Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (14 programs)
  • Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (10 programs)
  • Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
  • Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (2 programs)
  • Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (1 programs)

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.

What is the acceptance rate for Worcester State University?

Worcester State University (WSU) has an 89.9% acceptance rate and a 21.3% yield rate, making it moderately selective.

Admission statistics breakdown:

  • Total applicants: 4,745
  • Students admitted: 4,264
  • Students enrolled: 909

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.

What financial aid and scholarships are available at Worcester State University?

Worcester State University (WSU) provides financial aid to 18% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,332 and average loans of $4,994.

Average financial aid amounts by type:

  • Pell grants: $4,926
  • State/Local grants: $3,949
  • Institutional grants: $1,916
  • Federal loans: $4,873

The university supports 594 students with grants and 478 students with loans annually.

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for Worcester State University graduates?

Worcester State University (WSU) graduates earn a median salary of $50,233 after 6 years and $60,624 after 10 years.

The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $38,887 (25th percentile) to $89,010 (75th percentile).

Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.

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