About Westfield State University
Westfield State University is a coeducational, public, four-year institution of higher education located in the city of Westfield, Massachusetts. The university first opened in 1838 as the first public coeducational institution in the United States that provided teacher education. In 2010, the school achieved university status. The mission statement of Westfield State University is as follows: “Westfield State University fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages critical thinking, inspires civic engagement, and promotes a global perspective.”
The University awards bachelor’s and master’s degrees and postgraduate certificates. Westfield State University supports online degree programs for qualifying students who have completed associate’s degrees through a Massachusetts community college or who are enrolled in the Mass transfer compact. Westfield State University online degrees make it easier to earn your degree while balancing your work and family.
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Accreditation & Licensing
Westfield State University is accredited by:
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Post-master's certificateReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
1,157Fully Online Graduate Students:
14%Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$22,457Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
62%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$9,220Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesWestfield State University offers a clear path to finish your degree. Students can often complete general education classes in the first year. That early structure makes it easier to plan each term and stay on track for graduation.
Cost is another strength. Annual tuition is listed at $18,259. Aid and campus work options can lower what students pay.
Course timing still matters. Some required major classes may not run online every term. That can extend your timeline and increase total cost, so a steady plan is important.
Westfield State University offers strong day-to-day support. Professors are approachable and professional. Staff are friendly and ready to help with common school needs. Students can usually find clear help when questions come up.
Some parts of planning can feel less steady, especially early on. Building connection can take extra effort for commuters. In some programs, key major courses are not offered online on a regular timeline. That can make it harder to plan credits, time, and cost.
Online classes can work well here when sections run on time. Classes are manageable, with a clear pace. Small class sizes support direct contact with instructors.
The key online issue is course rotation. Some required courses were not offered online regularly, even in a totally online degree path. That can disrupt schedule and delay completion. When online sections are available, the class experience is personal and structured.
Classes at Westfield State University are engaging and challenging in a good way. The work pushes students to grow without feeling like nonstop overload. Class sizes are often small enough to support real connections with professors.
Teaching is a clear strength. Professors know their subjects, run class well, and stay approachable. Students can reach instructors when they need help, which makes day-to-day learning smoother.
The academic pace feels steady, not chaotic. That structure helps students stay on track and keep making progress. Social life can feel different from person to person, but the classroom experience stays strong and reliable.
Westfield State University offers strong teaching at a cost many families can manage. Professors are approachable and professional, and smaller classes help students get support. Courses are challenging, but the workload is usually manageable.
Cost is a clear strength. Students can lower costs with aid and campus roles, and tuition is often seen as reasonable for a public university.
For online learners, course timing matters. Some required major classes are not offered online on a steady schedule. Planning your course sequence early can help you stay on pace and avoid extra time or cost.
Westfield State University offers strong teaching at a cost many families can manage. Professors are approachable and professional, and smaller classes help students get support. Courses are challenging, but the workload is usually manageable.
Cost is a clear strength. Students can lower costs with aid and campus roles, and tuition is often seen as reasonable for a public university.
For online learners, course timing matters. Some required major classes are not offered online on a steady schedule. Planning your course sequence early can help you stay on pace and avoid extra time or cost.
Online Programs offered by Westfield State University
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Frequently Asked Questions About Westfield State University
Is Westfield State University accredited?
Yes. Westfield State University is institutionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
How many online programs does Westfield State University offer?
Westfield State University offers 8 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Westfield State University offer?
Westfield State University offers bachelor's-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Westfield State University?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Westfield State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Westfield State University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Westfield State University?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Westfield State University first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Westfield State University military friendly?
Westfield State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Westfield State University through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Westfield State University applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Westfield State University accept life experience credit?
Westfield State University does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Westfield State University programs fully online or mixed?
Westfield State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Westfield State University offer?
Westfield State University has online program options in areas such as Business, Art & Liberal Arts, Psychology & Human Services, and Criminal Justice, Safety & Law; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Westfield State University?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Westfield State University programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Westfield State University?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Westfield State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Westfield State University programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Westfield State University program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Westfield State University is located in Massachusetts
Massachusetts at a Glance:
Top Majors in Massachusetts:
Top Incentives in Massachusetts:
- MASSGrant: Up to $3,100 annually
- John and Abigail Adams Scholarship: Full tuition at state institutions
- Gilbert Matching Student Grant: Up to $2,500 annually
Top Career Pathways in Massachusetts:
- Entry Level: Research Associate ($65,000)
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- Senior Level: Research Director ($180,000+)
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- Entry Level: Software Engineer ($85,000)
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- Entry Level: Clinical Innovation Specialist ($70,000)
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- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, PMP, CPHIMS