Ana Julia Lives to the Truth. Do You?
Pre-Med major Ana Julia says she used to be a quiet person who lacked assertiveness before she attended Framingham State University. A first-generation student who immigrated from Brazil to Framingham, MA when she was 12, Ana Julia originally found America to be a different environment from what she was used to.
“I thought college would be so scary and professors would be mean to you,” she says. “What surprised me was how supportive and caring the community is here.”
Finding Her Community
When she started connecting with clubs at Framingham State, Ana Julia saw the “college magic” that’s preparing her for life itself. She says the community she found here equips her with skills like teamwork, critical thinking, time management, and problem-solving in her day-to-day life.
Her family continues to support her nearby, so despite her proximity to Boston, Ana Julia chose Framingham State because she wanted a calmer, peaceful, smaller college experience that would give her the support she needs.
In addition to her learning, Ana Julia participates in both student government and the Salvation Youth Group, an art group on campus. Despite studying for Pre-Med, she likes to paint, write poetry, and take photos to express her artistic side.
She also loves that FSU’s community is accepting of diversity.
“I thought that being an immigrant from another country, no one would ever understand my struggles,” she says. “What I experienced was something that got to my heart and mind and built so much understanding, seeing diversity on campus. It made me grow as a student, a person, and a woman of color.”
Financial Relief
Despite the accepting and supportive community, her first year as a student was difficult because she struggled to pay tuition as a non-citizen without financial aid. Even with a scholarship, she still worked, and her parents picked up second jobs to cover the bill.
“I remember being frustrated and praying and crying to God, because every bit of my paycheck would go to my tuition,” she says.
But by the end of her first year, Ana Julia was awarded MA state-funded financial aid by completing the MASFA application. This application is available to MA residents who meet the eligibility requirements. This year, Ana Julia joined the Honors Program, proving that her studies and efforts paid off.
LIVE TO THE TRUTH
At Framingham State, “Live to the Truth” isn’t just our motto, it’s a mindset. In an age of misinformation and blurred lines, truth demands courage, curiosity, and compassion. It means staying true to yourself - questioning assumptions, engaging with others, and not just knowing the truth, but acting on it. At FSU, you’ll embody this every day - in the classroom, in the community, and in the world beyond.
- Ana JuliaI thought college would be so scary and professors would be mean to you. What surprised me was how supportive and caring the community is here.”
You are a first year applicant if you are still in high school and will be graduating this academic year or you graduated from high school (or earned a GED/HiSET) and have not taken any college courses since you completed high school. If you are a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces you should apply as a Transfer.
You are a transfer applicant if you have taken college level courses after you completed high school OR you are a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces OR you are applying for a second bachelor’s degree.
You are an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
You are a graduate applicant if you plan to pursue a master’s degree, a graduate certificate, or a new teaching license after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Apply as a continuing education student if you plan to enroll as an undergraduate in a certificate program or attend in the evenings or online.
You are a Readmit if you are returning to FSU after previous enrollment as a degree or certificate student.
The Program You Need for the Future You Want
Framingham State University offers more than 45 outstanding undergraduate programs, from Fashion Design, Psychology, and Business Management, to Health & Nutrition, Artificial Intelligence and Pre-Med.
What’s it going to cost?
When it comes to planning for college, you’re probably thinking what is this going to cost me? At Framingham State, the answer is often a whole lot less than you might think. In fact, 50% of Framingham State students pay nothing in mandatory tuition and fees (not including housing and food if you live on campus).
We’ve created a helpful page you can use to get a better sense of what Framingham State would cost you, depending on your family’s circumstances. You can find our tuition and fees broken down here, just remember that most students who apply for financial aid do not pay full price.
Location, location, location
One of the advantages of Framingham State is our location, just 20 miles outside of Boston, on a beautiful, safe New England campus. We often hear from students that we are far enough from home to provide a level of independence, but close enough to swing back on a weekend to connect with friends and family and get a homecooked meal! Whether you are looking to live on campus or commute, Framingham State offers the ideal environment to learn and socialize. You’ll find hundreds of large and small businesses minutes from our campus for job and internship opportunities and public transportation for those treks into Boston and quick trips around the MetroWest area for shopping, eating and entertainment!
Want to Learn More?
Reach out to connect with an admissions counselor who can provide you with details on our diverse range of bachelor's degree programs.