Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

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

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

The verdict

Westfield State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,884 in 7.4 years versus 8.1 years at Bay Path University, on median earnings of $57,346 vs $55,383 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureWestfield State UniversityBay Path University
Net price / yr$16,721$14,271
Total net cost$66,884$57,084
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,346$55,383
Median debt$22,457$24,901
Payback7.4 yrs8.1 yrs
20-year net return$112,836$83,376

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

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

Bay Path University, at $14,271 a year after aid versus $16,721 — a gap of $2,450 a year, or $9,800 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

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

Westfield State University graduates report a median $57,346 ten years after entry, $1,963 more than the $55,383 at Bay Path 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, Westfield State University or Bay Path University?

Westfield State University: its completers carry a median $22,457 in federal loans versus $24,901 at Bay Path University, a difference of $2,444. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Westfield 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.

Westfield State University vs Bay Path University: frequently asked questions

Is Westfield State University or Bay Path University a better value?
Westfield State University. It clears its $66,884 net cost in about 7.4 years versus 8.1 years at Bay Path University, on median earnings of $57,346 vs $55,383 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Westfield State University or Bay Path University?
Bay Path University: $14,271/yr net price after aid versus $16,721/yr at Westfield State University — a difference of $2,450 a year, or about $9,800 over four years.
Do Westfield State University or Bay Path University graduates earn more?
Westfield State University graduates earn a median $57,346 ten years after entry, versus $55,383 at Bay Path University — a $1,963 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.