Facts & Figures

Framingham State University opened its doors in 1839 as the Lexington Normal School, from the French École Normale, or model school. The first public institution for the education of teachers in the United States, it was established under the direction of the great education reformist, Horace Mann, the first secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education. Today, FSU is a comprehensive University serving more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students across a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, sciences and professional fields. Rooted in reform and more relevant than ever, Framingham State's mission has always been to democratize access to a first-rate education. We offer an eye-opening, life-changing experience to all who are chasing a dream. Unapologetically defined by our public status, our ethos to serve the public good is as vital today as it was when we first opened our doors. It’s the power of a being a public university that allows us to impact our students in a way that dramatically changes who they are and who they can become.

A power that creates a ripple effect from our students to their families and beyond. A power that allows us to truly serve the unique Framingham community we live and learn in – and allows that community to provide a rich learning landscape and endless network of opportunities for our students.

Governance

Framingham State is governed by an 11-person volunteer Board of Trustees. Nine trustees are appointed by the governor for five-year terms, renewable once; one alumni trustee is elected by the alumni association for a five-year term, renewable once; and a student trustee is elected by the student body for one year. The board is dedicated to advancing the mission of public higher education at Framingham State University.

Framingham State University is located on a 78-acre, picturesque New England campus just 20 miles outside of Boston in the thriving MetroWest economic corridor.  

The University has six residence halls, including two built within the last 15 years, with all the features and amenities you will find at more expense private school. About half of Framingham State undergraduate students choose the convenience of living on campus, and half commute from nearby cities and towns. The University is dedicated to sustainability and environmental stewardship and has been recognized as a Green College by the Princeton Review 15 times. 

Framingham State is home to several modern facilities, including Hemenway Labs, a state-of-the-art laboratory building serving students studying Chemistry, Food Science, Biology and more. The Christa McAuliffe Center, named in honor of the FSU Alumni Christa McAuliffe ’70 who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster, includes a Planetarium and interactive Mission Control and Spacecraft rooms. 

FSU is also home to the Danforth Museum & School, a comprehensive cultural destination serving the community for 50 years. The Danforth Museum includes a permanent collection that focuses on American art from the 19th century to the present day as well as changing exhibitions featuring both historic works and the works of regional, contemporary artists.

The University offers comprehensive student support through the Center for Academic Support and Advising; a dynamic Student Experiences Office, and Career Development employees who help students land internships during school and jobs after graduation.