Each college places a special emphasis on teaching and lifelong learning, and promotes a campus life that fosters intellectual, social and ethical development. Committed to excellence in instruction and to providing responsive, innovative and educational programs of high quality, they seek to develop each student's critical thinking, quantitative, oral and written communications skills, and practical appreciation of the arts, sciences and humanities as they affect good citizenship and an improved quality of life. The state colleges provide a campus environment where the ideas, values, perspectives and contributions of all students are respected.

Massachusetts state colleges are strategically located to facilitate access to baccalaureate and master's degree programs for Commonwealth residents who meet their high standards for admission. In recognition of their responsibilities to Massachusetts taxpayers to manage their resources efficiently and to maintain tuition and fees at a level as low as possible, each college has a distinctive academic focus based upon its established strengths and regional and state needs. Each college is a leader and resource for the community and contributes to the region's cultural, environmental and economic development.

Framingham State College draws the majority of its students from within Massachusetts and the New England region. Traditional college-age students, as well as non-traditional students seeking higher education on either a full- or part-time basis, are served and are accorded opportunities to participate in campus life through a variety of co-curricular programs and activities, and to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to compete in a global and technological society.