PublicUrbanWorcester State University
Worcester, Massachusetts 01602-2597
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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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
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Transfer Admission
International Students
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.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
52.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
2.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,916
Academics
Programs (56)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
77%
Campus Life
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from MA state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Admission Office
Administration Building, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602
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
Days out near Worcester
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Worcester, from real bookable tour times.
- Merrimack College · Southern New Hampshire UniversityTwo states46 days
- Gordon College · Northeastern UniversityBig and small44 days
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst CollegeBig and small25 days