Westfield State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Westfield State University?

Westfield State University has a graduation rate that can be characterized as average, with 55% of students completing their degrees within six years. This rate places the university in the lower half nationally, ranking around the 46th percentile, indicating that nearly half of comparable institutions have higher graduation rates. When examining graduation by gender, male students graduate at a slightly lower rate of 49%, ranking in the bottom 45%, while female students graduate at a rate of 59%, also in the lower 45th percentile.

Looking specifically at the four-year graduation rate, Westfield State University performs somewhat better, with 44% of students finishing within this timeframe. This positions the school just above the midpoint nationally, within the top 52%, showing a stronger outcome for on-time degree completion compared to its six-year average. Nevertheless, the overall student retention rate is 71%, which is considered average but falls in the bottom 40% percentile, suggesting challenges in maintaining student enrollment year to year.

The university does not provide graduation rates broken down by specific majors or degree types. Consequently, prospective students should consider that while the general graduation outcomes are average, individual experiences might differ based on the chosen field of study. Understanding these graduation statistics can help future students set realistic expectations about their academic timelines at Westfield State University.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Westfield State University?

Graduates from Westfield State University experience a varied earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Degrees in technology and healthcare tend to offer the highest returns. For instance, those with a degree in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing earn an average of $71,590, making it one of the most lucrative pathways at the university. Similarly, graduates in Computer Science report an average annual earning of $61,646, reflecting strong demand in the technology sector.

Other degrees with competitive salaries include Information Science/Studies, where alumni make around $44,839, and Mathematics, which offers median earnings near $40,968. Economics graduates also see favorable outcomes, earning approximately $39,050, closely followed by students of Special Education and Teaching with an average of $39,543.

Fields such as City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning ($37,435), Criminal Justice and Corrections ($36,915), and Social Work ($36,660) also demonstrate respectable post-graduation incomes, highlighting a range of practical career-oriented programs at Westfield State University.

Graduates in Humanities disciplines such as Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities make around $34,152 annually, while those in Communication and Media Studies earn about $33,563. Teacher Education and Professional Development at specific levels offer earnings close to $31,270, comparable to degrees in Natural Resources Conservation and Research, where graduates average $31,555.

Majors in Biology and Psychology yield earnings of $30,352 and $30,569 respectively, showing modest returns for students interested in the life sciences. Physical Education and Fitness graduates make about $31,057 annually, indicating steady but lower income opportunities compared to technical and healthcare fields.

Fields in the arts show the lowest average earnings among the data provided. Fine and Studio Arts graduates report average earnings of $25,590, while those studying Music earn around $19,242, revealing a narrower financial outlook in these creative disciplines.