Framingham State Partners with MassBay to Offer MetroWest’s Most Affordable Pathway to A Bachelor’s Degree

Framingham State Partners with MassBay to Offer MetroWest’s Most Affordable Pathway to A Bachelor’s Degree

Jan 25, 2016

MassBay Community College and Framingham State University are pleased to announce the launch of a new partnership, FSU@MassBay, to offer MetroWest’s most affordable path to a bachelor’s degree, starting at $28,000* for the total cost of tuition for four years of full-time study.Through FSU@MassBay, students can earn both an associate’ and bachelor’s degree in either liberal arts or business programs for less than the cost of one year’s tuition at most private institutions across the country. In addition, all coursework for both degrees can be completed entirely on MassBay’s Wellesley Hills campus.

“This is a major partnership where the two public higher education institutions in MetroWest are collaborating to contain the rising costs of higher education,” said Yves Salomon-Fernandez, Interim President of MassBay Community College, calling this agreement a “significant step forward for the region.”

“A college degree is necessary for success in the Commonwealth’s innovation economy,” said Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos. “We are excited to partner with MassBay Community College to offer these very affordable pathways to a bachelor’s degree.”

Students who enroll in FSU@MassBay will begin their studies at MassBay Community College to complete the associate’s degree programs for Liberal Arts or Business Administration. Students will be eligible for guaranteed acceptance and seamless transfer to Framingham State University to complete their bachelor’s degree programs in Liberal Studies or Management.

MassBay alumni who have already earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts or Business Administration are also eligible to complete their Bachelor’s Degree requirements through this program and earn a degree from Framingham State University.

Students have the flexibility to finish the degree at a flexible pace and schedule, but would gain the most financial advantage if they complete the degree in four years. The total cost of tuition and fees over four years for both programs at MassBay and FSU is projected to be about $28,000.

All courses for both degrees will be taught entirely on MassBay’s Wellesley Hills campus, with MassBay acting as a “satellite” campus for Framingham State University. While classes would take place on MassBay’s campus, the students completing upper-level courses for a bachelor’s degree through this partnership will be considered FSU students with full access to the University’s support services, facilities, and other resources.

With the average tuition for four years of private higher education around $120,000 and the cost of in-state tuition and fees for public colleges and universities at about $9,100 a year, students who take advantage of the new partnership would benefit from significant cost savings.

“It’s crucial for those of us in higher education to expand access to a college education by finding creative ways to lower costs and by reaching out to non-traditional students and underserved populations,” said President Cevallos. “I believe our partnership has the potential to do both.”

MassBay and FSU plan to leverage their jointly developed MetroWest College Planning Center in Framingham to help recruit underserved and typically under-represented populations and provide them an affordable path to college through this new partnership.

*Costs are based on current year’s rates and are subject to change annually. Students are not required to complete their degrees in four years, but would enjoy the most cost savings if they complete both degrees in that time frame.

About Framingham State University

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 as the nation’s first public university for the education of teachers. Since that time, it has evolved into a vibrant, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering small, personalized classes on a beautiful New England campus. Today, the University enrolls more than 6,000 students with 58 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences and professional fields. As a State College and University (SCU), Framingham State prides itself on quality academic programs, affordability, and commitment to access for all qualified students.