Framingham, MA — Framingham State University has been recognized as one of the top institutions in Massachusetts for women, earning a No. 5 statewide ranking in Newsweek’s inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges for Women (2026).

The new ranking highlights colleges and universities that excel in creating a safe, supportive, equitable, and opportunity-rich environments for women students. For Framingham State, the recognition underscores long-standing commitments to access, affordability, leadership development, and student success - priorities that resonate strongly with the Commonwealth’s students and families.

“Framingham State was founded nearly 200 years ago as the nation’s first public normal school, with a bold and enduring commitment to expanding educational opportunity - particularly for women at a time when access to higher education was far from guaranteed. For generations, the University has helped women build meaningful lives, careers, and leadership pathways, and for more than 60 years we have proudly extended that same mission of excellence and opportunity to men. This recognition reflects a legacy rooted in access, equity, and public purpose - values that continue to shape an outstanding educational experience for all of our students.”

A Massachusetts-Focused Distinction

While the Newsweek ranking evaluates colleges nationally, Framingham State’s top-five placement in Massachusetts is particularly meaningful. The vast majority of Framingham State students come from within the Commonwealth, and the University regularly serves as an academic and economic engine for the region.

The ranking places Framingham State ahead of several peer and competitor institutions, reinforcing its role as a leading public option for women seeking a high-quality, affordable education close to home.

How the Ranking Was Determined

The Newsweek list was developed in partnership with Gender Fair, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing gender equity. The organization evaluated U.S. bachelor’s degree-granting institutions with enrollments of at least 1,000 students using federal data sources and equity-focused indicators across four key categories:

• Leadership — representation of women in senior leadership and faculty roles
• Pay and Policies — equity-focused policies and practices
• Safety — campus safety indicators
• Opportunity — access, affordability, and outcomes for women students

A Campus Built on Opportunity

Women have long played a central role in Framingham State’s history and present-day campus community, comprising a majority of the student body. They are deeply represented across academic programs, student leadership roles, and campus initiatives. The culture reflected in this recognition - one grounded in equity, safety, opportunity, and student support - benefits all Framingham State students, regardless of gender. The University’s emphasis on mentoring, experiential learning, and career preparation helps ensure graduates are well positioned for success in the workforce and beyond. 

“Rankings come and go, but our commitment to our students is constant,” Niemi says. “We’re proud to see that commitment reflected in a way that matters to the women and families we serve here in Massachusetts and beyond.”