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PublicSuburban

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg State

Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420-2697

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

SuburbanGreek life

Known for health sciences — excellent value

Fitchburg State University is a public institution in Fitchburg with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1114, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A mid-sized campus of 2.8K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.

53% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $53,874 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,432.

Established
1894
Motto
Perseverantia
Mascot
Falcon
Type
Public university
Division
Division III

Campus Visits

111 upcoming visits · Next: Fri, May 29 · Campus Visit

Plan Your Visit

Admission Office

Anthony Student Service Center 102, 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420

800-705-9692[email protected]
90%Acceptance
1114SAT Avg
2,825Students
11:1Student:Faculty
53%Grad Rate
$53,874Earnings 10yr
$15,432Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate89.9%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1114

Reading & WritingMid: 540
520620
MathMid: 540
510600

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 22
1925

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Admissions

Test-OptionalTracks InterestOn-Campus Interviews

Application Platforms

Fitchburg State ApplicationCommon ApplicationMassTransfer

Early Action

November 15

Regular Decision

March 1

Financial Aid

Merit Scholarships

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$11,046
Tuition (out-of-state)$17,126
Room & Board$14,225
Books & Supplies$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance$24,517
Average Net Price$15,432
Median Debt at Graduation$24,239
Monthly Payment (10yr)$257

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$10,430
$30–48K$10,705
$48–75K$15,224
$75–110K$19,690
$110K+$22,603

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

50.0%

Avg Tuition Increase

1.2%/yr

Median Debt at Grad

$18,220

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

21

Peer Average

13

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones

Incident Breakdown (2024)

5

Burglary

1

Aggravated Assault

1

Robbery

2

Motor Vehicle Theft

2

Sex Offenses

0

Arson

6

Drug Arrests

4

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Academics

semester
Majors
65
Avg class size
20
Student-faculty ratio
15:1

Programs (76)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

73%

Mixed

Campus Life

Division IIIMassachusetts State Collegiate Athletic ConferenceGreek Life

Housing & Residential Life

freshman year

Housing Styles

traditional residence hallssuite-styleapartments

Dining

Student Body

Undergrads
2,825
Gender Split
53% / 47%
Women / Men
First Generation
36%
Pell Grant Recipients
31%

Race & Ethnicity

White 62%
Black 13%
Hispanic 16%
Asian 3%
Two+ 3%
Int'l 1%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate52.7%
Freshman Retention72.8%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$41,999
10 Years$53,874

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#85
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports — Falcons

BaseballSports offered

History & Fun Facts

  • History The State Normal School in Fitchburg Fitchburg State University was founded as the "State Normal School in Fitchburg" in 1894 by the Massachusetts General Court.
  • Initially a secondary-education school for women, the Normal School was not authorized to grant bachelor's degrees until 1930, after the presidency of William D.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

136Very High

Estimated from MA state average + suburban adjustment

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Bostonpop. 675K
40 mi(69 min)
New Yorkpop. 8.3M
173 mi(300 min)
Philadelphiapop. 1.6M
253 mi(439 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MHT Manchester-Boston30 mi
BOS Boston Logan43 mi
PVD Providence TF Green63 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA40 mi · ~1h 9m drive
New York, NY173 mi · ~5h drive
Hartford, CT73 mi · ~2h 7m drive
Providence, RI56 mi · ~1h 37m drive
Albany, NY100 mi · ~2h 53m drive
Syracuse, NY223 mi · ~6h 27m drive
Rochester, NY297 mi · ~8h 35m drive
Buffalo, NY360 mi · ~10h 24m drive
Philadelphia, PA253 mi · ~7h 19m drive
Pittsburgh, PA450 mi · ~13h drive
Harrisburg, PA309 mi · ~8h 56m drive
Newark, NJ178 mi · ~5h 9m drive
Trenton, NJ224 mi · ~6h 28m drive
Central (cold winters, warm summers)

Visit Planning

Nearby Attractions

Downtown Fitchburgwalkable

Historic downtown with shops, restaurants, and the Fitchburg Art Museum

Wachusett Mountain

Ski resort and hiking destination

Rollstone Boulderwalkable

Historic natural landmark with hiking trails

Transfer Admission

Minimum credits
12 semester hours

International Students

Countries
35

Deadline Calendar

Fitchburg State University Application Checklist

Decision Notifications