FSU Accolades – A Tradition of Excellence

Rankings, Awards & Recognitions

You might not expect that a regional public university like Framingham State would consistently be recognized for its exceptional academic programs and support services. But at FSU, innovation and excellence are baked into our DNA – a part of our identity since our founding in 1839 as the nation’s first public college established for the education of teachers.

Today, we continue to innovate, providing students with a 21st-century education that opens the door to successful careers and fulfilling lives, while remaining true to our public mission of equity and access. We have a lot to be proud of.

Below are some of our more recent rankings, awards and recognitions. If you are in the college search process, we hope you will consider joining Framingham State, and become part of our tradition of excellence.

U.S. News & World Report

Framingham State University was once again ranked as a top Regional University in the North for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report in their “Best Colleges” rankings.

FSU moved up 6 spots to #74 in the ranking of all public and private regional universities in the North, which includes New England plus Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Framingham State also placed #28 among public regional universities in the North. In addition, Framingham State was recognized in the categories of

• Best College for Veterans (#33)
• Top Performer for Social Mobility (#76)

College of Distinction 

Framingham State University is proud to announce its recognition as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor that highlights its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education. The award reflects FSU’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes.

In addition to being recognized for overall excellence, Framingham State was also highlighted for the in the following categories:

• Public Colleges
• Career Development 
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Business
• Education

Princeton Review’s  Guide to Green Colleges

Framingham State University is featured in the Princeton Review’s 2025 Guide to Green Colleges, which profiles schools that foster a culture of environmental responsibility and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

Framingham State has been included in the annual ranking each year dating back to 2010.

“This distinction reflects our deep commitment to environmental sustainability and the collective efforts of our campus community,” says Framingham State President Nancy S. Niemi.  “From integrating green practices into our facilities and operations to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among students, faculty, and staff, sustainability is central to who we are and what we stand for. Our goal is not only to minimize our ecological footprint but also to empower the next generation of leaders to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. These efforts also align with our strategic priority of being a leading force for good within our greater MetroWest community."

Learn more about our Climate & Sustainability efforts here.

Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award

Framingham State University has been recognized with the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. 

As a recipient of the annual HEED Award—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—Framingham State will be featured, along with 113 other recipients, in the November/December 2024 issue of Insight Into Diversity magazine. This marks the 7th time Framingham State has been a HEED award recipient.