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Fitchburg State University vs Bay Path University: which has better ROI?

Public, Fitchburg MA · vs · Private nonprofit, Longmeadow MA

The verdict

Bay Path University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $57,084 in 8.1 years versus 10.3 years at Fitchburg State University, on median earnings of $55,383 vs $53,874 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureFitchburg State UniversityBay Path University
Net price / yr$14,262$14,271
Total net cost$57,048$57,084
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,874$55,383
Median debt$24,239$24,901
Payback10.3 yrs8.1 yrs
20-year net return$53,232$83,376

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Fitchburg State University or Bay Path University?

Fitchburg State University, at $14,262 a year after aid versus $14,271 — a gap of $9 a year, or $36 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Fitchburg State University or Bay Path University graduates earn more?

Bay Path University graduates report a median $55,383 ten years after entry, $1,509 more than the $53,874 at Fitchburg State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Fitchburg State University or Bay Path University?

Fitchburg State University: its completers carry a median $24,239 in federal loans versus $24,901 at Bay Path University, a difference of $662. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Fitchburg State University, against 44% at Bay Path University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Fitchburg State University vs Bay Path University: frequently asked questions

Is Fitchburg State University or Bay Path University a better value?
Bay Path University. It clears its $57,084 net cost in about 8.1 years versus 10.3 years at Fitchburg State University, on median earnings of $55,383 vs $53,874 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Fitchburg State University or Bay Path University?
Fitchburg State University: $14,262/yr net price after aid versus $14,271/yr at Bay Path University — a difference of $9 a year, or about $36 over four years.
Do Fitchburg State University or Bay Path University graduates earn more?
Bay Path University graduates earn a median $55,383 ten years after entry, versus $53,874 at Fitchburg State University — a $1,509 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.