Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Westfield State University

Westfield State's nursing program delivers strong early outcomes at a manageable price point, though it sits in the middle tier among Massachusetts nursing schools. First-year graduates earn $81,136—above the national median but slightly below Massachusetts' state median of $79,780, placing it around the 60th percentile statewide. With debt under $27,000, new nurses here face payments equal to just one-third of their first-year salary, making this a financially comfortable launch into a profession known for stable employment.

The earnings trajectory is modest but steady, rising to nearly $85,000 by year four. While this growth trails the explosive salary jumps seen at top programs like Framingham State ($95,426), it reflects the reality that many nursing salaries in Massachusetts plateau relatively quickly as they hit union scales and standard pay grades. The debt load here is actually slightly lower than both the state and national averages, which matters when you're comparing similar earning outcomes.

For families seeking an affordable path to nursing in Massachusetts, particularly those who qualify for in-state tuition at this 81% acceptance rate school, Westfield State represents solid value. You're not getting top-tier Massachusetts outcomes, but you're getting reliable professional credentials without the debt burden that comes with some private nursing programs in the state.