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Westfield State University vs Simmons University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Simmons University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $101,060 in 6.7 years versus 7.4 years at Westfield State University, on median earnings of $63,494 vs $57,346 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWestfield State UniversitySimmons University
Net price / yr$16,721$25,265
Total net cost$66,884$101,060
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,346$63,494
Median debt$22,457$24,840
Payback7.4 yrs6.7 yrs
20-year net return$112,836$201,620

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

Which is cheaper, Westfield State University or Simmons University?

Westfield State University, at $16,721 a year after aid versus $25,265 — a gap of $8,544 a year, or $34,176 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 Simmons University graduates earn more?

Simmons University graduates report a median $63,494 ten years after entry, $6,148 more than the $57,346 at Westfield 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, Westfield State University or Simmons University?

Westfield State University: its completers carry a median $22,457 in federal loans versus $24,840 at Simmons University, a difference of $2,383. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

72% of students finish at Simmons University, against 54% at Westfield 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.

Westfield State University vs Simmons University: frequently asked questions

Is Westfield State University or Simmons University a better value?
Simmons University. It clears its $101,060 net cost in about 6.7 years versus 7.4 years at Westfield State University, on median earnings of $63,494 vs $57,346 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Westfield State University or Simmons University?
Westfield State University: $16,721/yr net price after aid versus $25,265/yr at Simmons University — a difference of $8,544 a year, or about $34,176 over four years.
Do Westfield State University or Simmons University graduates earn more?
Simmons University graduates earn a median $63,494 ten years after entry, versus $57,346 at Westfield State University — a $6,148 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.