“Everyone here has a smile for you,” says Framingham State University Art Education student Paige. “Everyone has a high five, a fist bump, or a handshake for you. I’ve learned how to do good high fives here!” 

Paige didn’t just choose Framingham State for the high fives though. Because of its location, Framingham is an easy commute for them when they want to return from living on campus to their hometown of Douglas, Massachusetts. Other factors about FSU that contributed to Paige’s decision were the small class sizes and the tasty food at the dining hall.  

“I was really scared that a state school wouldn’t have food that I could eat, because I have a lot of allergies,” they say. “But there are so many options!” 

Paige needs all the energy they can get from their meals on campus because of how busy they stay. Outside of classes, they are also the President of the Art Club, a Student Orientation Leader, a RAMS 101 Peer Mentor, a student worker at the Danforth Art Museum and School, and a co-captain for the Suit Jacket Posse improv troupe. 

“Auditioning every semester makes me so proud of myself,” Paige says of the troupe. “It really brings together finding out who I am at Framingham State.” 

Paige can keep busy with all these campus activities because of the financial aid opportunities they have here. Gifted both an Honors Program Scholarship and the Massachusetts Pell Grant, they say that their decision to attend Framingham State was also informed by its public status, which provided them with further aid.  

“I’m going to be a teacher, and I plan on having a family someday,” they say. “I don’t want to be paying off those loans when I have three kids of my own.” 

The support Paige receives at Framingham State is a perfect example of how the university lives to the truth by providing affordable, high-quality education to all qualified students, while maintaining a commitment to student involvement, engagement, and academic excellence. 

“Just walking up State Street brightens my day, every single day,” they say. “I love being here and making all the connections I can.”