Analysis
Worcester State's Health Professions program shows encouraging earnings growth, but the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. With that caveat in mind, the trajectory looks decent: graduates start at $39,234 and reach $54,267 by year four, a 38% jump that outpaces many bachelor's programs. The $25,000 debt load is manageable, creating a first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64—not spectacular, but workable given the strong earnings progression.
Among Massachusetts Health Professions programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, which is solid given Worcester State's accessibility (90% admission rate) and relatively low tuition. You're paying less upfront and getting outcomes that beat the state median of $38,078. Nationally, it's middle-of-the-pack at the 52nd percentile, but that comparison matters less if you're staying in-state for cost reasons.
The real limitation here is uncertainty: with such a small graduating cohort, one or two high earners or career-changers could swing these numbers dramatically. If your student is committed to health professions and Worcester State offers in-state tuition, the combination of low debt and upward earnings trajectory makes this a reasonable choice—just understand you're working with incomplete information about how typical these outcomes really are.
Where Worcester State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health professions bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Worcester State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester State University | $39,234 | $54,267 | +38% |
| Excelsior University | $52,631 | $83,502 | +59% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $36,819 | $70,368 | +91% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus | $47,570 | $69,530 | +46% |
| Curry College | $36,921 | $40,865 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Health Professions bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (4 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Worcester State UniversityWorcester | $11,286 | $39,234 | $54,267 | $25,000 | 0.64 |
 Curry CollegeMilton | $46,220 | $36,921 | $40,865 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $38,492 | — | $26,000 | 0.68 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Worcester State University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 25 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.