Fitchburg State University
About Fitchburg State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. It offers affordable programs in business, nursing, criminal justice, and film production, with a growing reputation for its game design and interactive media offerings.
Founded
1894
Location
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Students
5,617
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
86.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
55.1%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$11,346
Out-of-state: $17,426
Avg Net Price
$14,262
After financial aid
SAT Average
1150
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$53,874
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Fitchburg State University accepts the majority of applicants at 86.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1150/ 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
55.1% complete their degree within six years
Retention
69.5%
4-Year Grad
37%
6-Year Grad
57%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
49.5%
$/Student
$11.1K
Class Size
Medium
The 37% graduation rate is below average, but 69.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$11,346
In-State
$17,426
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,452
Books & Supplies
$1,500
Total Cost of Attendance
$25,555
After Financial Aid
$14,262
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,204
Receive Grants
32.8%
Take Loans
46.8%
The full cost of attendance is about $25,555/yr for in-state students, including $15,452 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $14,262. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $17,426.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Fitchburg State University fund their education.
While in School
32.8%
Get Grants
Free money
46.8%
Take Loans
Must repay
$56,249
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,239
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$257/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,239 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Fitchburg State University.
Gender
52.7%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
2,752
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,865
Graduates
35.9%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
19.8%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 47% men). 35.9% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
2,752
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Fitchburg State University fields 12 varsity teams with 445 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
MASCAC
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
445
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
62% / 38%
278
Men
167
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Fitchburg State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$53,874
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$80K
150 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$50K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$43K
58 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$38K
42 grads
1yr Earnings
Film/Video and Photographic Arts
—
38 grads
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
$40K
35 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $42K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fitchburg State University
What is the acceptance rate at Fitchburg State University?▾
How much does Fitchburg State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Fitchburg State University?▾
How much do Fitchburg State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.