Framingham State University vs College of Our Lady of the Elms: which has better ROI?
Framingham State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $64,456 in 16.2 years versus 22.1 years at College of Our Lady of the Elms, on median earnings of $52,349 vs $51,540 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Framingham State University | College of Our Lady of the Elms |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,114 | $17,545 |
| Total net cost | $64,456 | $70,180 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,349 | $51,540 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 16.2 yrs | 22.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $15,324 | -$6,580 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Framingham State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Framingham State University, at $16,114 a year after aid versus $17,545 — a gap of $1,431 a year, or $5,724 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Framingham State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates earn more?
Framingham State University graduates report a median $52,349 ten years after entry, $809 more than the $51,540 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. 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, Framingham State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Completers at both borrow a median $25,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
68% of students finish at College of Our Lady of the Elms, against 48% at Framingham State 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.