Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — excellent value
Worcester State University is a public institution in Worcester with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1145, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
56% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $60,624 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,738.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
Admission Office
Administration Building, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602
News & Alerts
Worcester State University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1145
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Action
November 15
Regular Decision
March 1
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
52.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,916
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
31
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (56)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
77%
- •77% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Lancers
History & Fun Facts
- •1890 Founded in 1874 as the Massachusetts State Normal School at Worcester, WSU was the fifth of nine teacher training colleges in the state.
- •By 1900, the campus included a president's house, the "Stoddard Terrace" residence hall, and a turreted gymnasium annex.
- •This site would serve WSU for nearly sixty years until the current Chandler Street campus opened in 1932.
- •The first "principal" of WSU, Elias Harlow Russell (1874–1909), shaped the school's early curriculum.
- •Russell was later succeeded by Francis Randsom Lane (1909–1912).
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Worcester Art Museumwalkable
Major art museum with extensive collections
EcoTariumwalkable
Science and nature museum with planetarium and wildlife center
Mechanics Hallwalkable
Historic concert hall with performances year-round
DCU Center
Arena hosting sports, concerts, and events
Transfer Admission
International Students
Schools Like This
Salem State University
Salem, MA · Suburban · Public
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA · Suburban · Public
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA · Suburban · Public
Westfield State University
Westfield, MA · Suburban · Public