Westfield State University: Enrollment Figures And Trends

Westfield State University is a public university located in Hampden County, Massachusetts. Founded in 1839, the university has a total enrollment of about 5,000 students, with 3,943 students enrolled in the fall of 2022. The campus size is 256 acres, with 24 buildings, mountain views, and tree-lined streets. The student body is diverse, with 55% female and 45% male students, and 23% students of color. The university offers a range of academic programs and is known for its business, education, criminal justice, psychology, communication, and nursing programs.

Westfield State University's student population

Westfield State University is a public university located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, that combines big-school features with small-school advantages. The university has a total land area of 256 acres and is situated just west of Springfield in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. It is surrounded by mountain views and tree-lined streets.

The university has a total enrollment of about 5,000 students, with 4,300 and 4,702 students enrolled in 2020 and 2022, respectively. In 2022, the university received 6,625 undergraduate applications, with 5,400 accepted for enrollment, representing an 81.5% acceptance rate. The gender distribution of the student population is almost equal, with 55% female and 45% male. Westfield State University has a diverse student body, with 23% students of color, including 12% Latin and 5.5% Black. The average high school GPA of the students is 3.20.

The university offers a wide range of programs, with 50+ majors and 50 minors, as well as 30+ graduate programs. It is known for its programs in business, education, criminal justice, psychology, communication, and nursing. Westfield State University also provides flexible learning formats, allowing students to choose between online, on-campus, or hybrid learning options. The university has a vibrant student community, with 60% of students living on campus, which is the highest percentage among public universities in Massachusetts.

The student life at Westfield State University is active and engaging, with over 70 clubs and organizations. About 46% of students participate in intramural sports, and 19% participate in Division III athletics in 20 varsity sports. The university also has the largest Student Government Association in Massachusetts, with 80 senators.

The gender ratio of students

Westfield State University has a total enrollment of around 5,000 students, with a gender ratio of 58% women to 42% men. This translates to approximately 3,116 female students and 2,279 male students. The university has a slightly lower gender diversity than other US colleges and is considered slightly less inclusive of males.

The gender breakdown varies slightly between the undergraduate and graduate student populations. The full-time undergraduate population is made up of 55% women and 45% men, while the graduate student population is 71% women and 29% men.

In 2022, 62.9% of degrees awarded across all undergraduate and graduate programs were awarded to women, and 37.1% were awarded to men. This equates to 365 more degrees being awarded to women than men.

Racial diversity of students

Westfield State University has a total enrollment of around 5,000 students, with about 3,800 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. The full-time undergraduate population is made up of 55% women and 45% men, while the graduate student population is about 71% women and 29% men. Overall, there are about 3,100 female students and 2,300 male students.

In terms of racial diversity, 23% of students are racial or ethnic minorities, including 12% Latin and 5.5% Black. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients is white (1,082 degrees awarded), which is 8.8 times more than the next closest group, Hispanic or Latino (123 degrees). The enrolled student population is 69.1% White, 11.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.68% Black or African American, 3.32% Two or More Races, 2.17% Asian, 0.298% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0425% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

While the university has a majority of White students, there is still a significant representation of students from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. The university offers a variety of programs and courses that promote cultural diversity and inclusion, such as the Ethnic and Gender Studies (EGST) program, which is the only major of its kind in New England to integrate race, class, and gender. The EGST program includes courses such as African/American/Africana Studies, Latino/a Studies, LGBT/Queer Studies, and Transnational Feminist Studies.

The university has been described as having a below-average racial-ethnic diversity by College Factual, and some students have mentioned that they would like to see more diversity in the student body and faculty. However, Westfield State University is actively working to create an anti-racist and inclusive social justice education for its students and has expressed its commitment to empowering an anti-racist, inclusive social justice environment for all.

Tuition fees and financial aid

Westfield State University is committed to providing a quality education at an affordable price. The tuition fees for the 2024-2025 academic year are $12,179 for in-state students and $18,259 for out-of-state students. These figures are inclusive of fees that fund services such as libraries, student gym facilities, student centres, technology resources, and campus health centres.

The total cost of attendance, which includes tuition, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses, is $29,778 for in-state students and $35,858 for out-of-state students. After factoring in aid and scholarship funds, the average net price is $20,699 for in-state students and $29,517 for out-of-state students receiving need-based aid.

Westfield State University offers various forms of financial aid, including need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants, federal loans, and work-study programs. 84% of full-time undergraduate students receive some type of financial aid, with 32% being Pell Grant awardees. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $10,060, while the average non-need-based scholarship or grant is $2,507. Westfield State University met 62% of its students' financial aid needs.

The average yearly cost of room and board at Westfield State University was $12,197 in 2022, while the average yearly cost of books and supplies was $1,070. The university offers on-campus housing and a meal plan for students, with a total dormitory capacity of 2,980.

Work-study programs are available for eligible students demonstrating financial need, allowing them to earn up to the federal work-study award amount per academic year. On-campus employment opportunities are also available for all students, with positions in various departments such as the library, dining services, and the career centre. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 37.5 hours per week during the summer.

Student accommodation

Westfield State University offers a variety of student accommodation options to cater to different needs and preferences. Here is an overview of the accommodation choices available:

Traditional Residence Halls

The traditional residential halls at Westfield State University provide a classic on-campus living experience. Students can choose between fully furnished double, triple, or quad dorm rooms, sharing communal amenities such as kitchens, dining areas, study lounges, gathering spaces, and laundry facilities. This option promotes a sense of community and offers a hassle-free living arrangement for students.

Some of the notable traditional residence halls include Countney Hall, Davis Hall, Dickinson Hall, and Lammers Hall. Davis Hall and Dickinson Hall primarily accommodate first-year students, offering single, double, and quad rooms, while Lammers Hall is open to students of all class years.

Apartment, Suite-Style, and Graduate Living

For those seeking more privacy and independence, Westfield State University provides apartment-style accommodation. This option offers students their own kitchen, living/lounging space, and in-suite bathrooms. The apartment complex consists of three residence halls, Welch, Seymour, and Conlin, forming a "horseshoe" shape around a cosy greenspace.

Graduate housing is also available in Welch Hall for graduate students who wish to reside on campus while focusing on their studies.

12-Month/Year-Round Housing

Westfield State University accommodates students who need housing during breaks and offers 12-Month/Year-Round Housing. Students opting for this arrangement will be placed in the Apartments Complex or New Hall, ensuring they have access to a full kitchen throughout the year. This option is particularly convenient for those who cannot return home during breaks or have commitments on campus.

Early Arrival & Break Housing

The university understands that some students may need to arrive on campus early or stay during breaks due to various commitments. Residential Life provides interim housing during these periods, including Winter Break, Spring Break, and Summer Break. Students must register and complete the appropriate forms to take advantage of this option.

Off-Campus Housing

While the university encourages on-campus living, it also provides resources for students who choose to reside off-campus. The website offers information on off-campus housing options, and the Residential Life Office can be contacted for further assistance.

Frequently asked questions