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Western New England University

Springfield, MA Private ยท Urban Est. 1919 wne.edu
Accept Rate
83.26%
Grad Rate
65.6%
Enrollment
2,508
Avg SAT
1231
Tuition
$46,430
Median Salary
$73,157
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Western New England University feels like a tight-knit, hands-on community where you're not just a number in a lecture hall. The urban campus in Springfield has a practical, career-focused energy, blending historic New England charm with modern facilities where students collaborate closely with professors and peers.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

83.26%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 123175th Pctl
11301310
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2875th Pctl
2527
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your interest in WNE's signature hands-on learning in your essay, mentioning specific programs like engineering or criminal justice. Since the acceptance rate is high, ensure your application shows a solid academic fit and consider applying early to maximize scholarship consideration. Connect with an admissions counselor to demonstrate your genuine interest.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1231
40080012001600
School range: 1130โ€“1310

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

WNE is known for strong, accredited programs in engineering, business, and health professions that emphasize real-world application. The university prides itself on accessible professors who prioritize teaching and mentorship, with research opportunities available for undergraduates through faculty collaborations and state-of-the-art labs.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
34.7%
Engineering
10.4%
Health Professions
7.8%
Psychology
7.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6.7%
Criminal Justice
5.8%
Computer Science
5.2%
Biology & Biomedical
4%
Social Sciences
2.8%
Legal Studies
1.6%
Physical Sciences
1.2%
Public Administration
1.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

65.6%
Graduation Rate
74.9%
Retention Rate
2,508
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$46,430
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$31,170
After financial aid
Total Cost
$58,933
Cost of attendance/year
25%
Receive Pell Grants
80.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Springfield

Springfield offers a mix of urban experiences, from catching a Springfield Thunderbirds hockey game to exploring the Basketball Hall of Fame. Students enjoy the city's growing food scene, parks, and proximity to Boston and Hartford for weekend trips, while campus events keep social life active.

Local Rent Check

$1,115 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Springfield
Explore Springfield

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$185,720
$0Est. 4 Years: $185,720

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($73,157):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is considered safe with its own police force and well-lit pathways, though students should stay aware of their surroundings in the urban setting. Springfield has typical city challenges, but the university provides safety escorts and emergency alert systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong co-op and internship programs integrated into majors like engineering and business
  • โœ“ Personalized attention with small class sizes and accessible faculty
  • โœ“ Prime location in Springfield offers urban opportunities with a supportive campus bubble
  • โœ“ Solid outcomes in mid-career earnings relative to cost

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 65.6% is below the national average for private universities
  • โœ— Urban setting may not appeal to those seeking a traditional college town
  • โœ— Limited national brand recognition outside the Northeast

Notable Alumni

John L. Hennessy
Former CEO of the Stanley Works and a prominent figure in business leadership
James A. Winnefeld Jr.
Retired U.S. Navy Admiral who served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Michael R. Buser
Notable engineer and executive in the aerospace industry with significant contributions to defense technology

Frequently Asked Questions

WNE is particularly known for its strong, accredited programs in engineering, business, and health professions, with a focus on experiential learning through co-ops and internships. It also has notable strengths in psychology, parks and recreation, and criminal justice, all within a close-knit, urban campus environment that emphasizes hands-on education and mentorship from accessible faculty.

No, it is not highly selective with an acceptance rate of 83.26%, making it accessible for many students. The average SAT score is around 1231, and the university values a holistic review, so applicants with a strong GPA and demonstrated interest have a good chance of admission.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with a blend of urban and suburban feel in Springfield. Students can join over 70 clubs and organizations, participate in Division III athletics, and enjoy city amenities like sports events, museums, and restaurants, while campus events keep social life vibrant on a manageable 2,500-student campus.

Yes, for many students, especially given the average net price of $31,170 after aid and strong earnings potential of $73,157 median after 10 years. The investment pays off in fields like engineering and business, though the 65.6% graduation rate suggests some students may need support to complete their degree and maximize ROI.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company Baystate Health Smith & Wesson Travelers General Electric
Smart Start Score
73

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1919
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,578
  • In-State Tuition $46,430
  • Zip Code 01119

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 57.3% โ™€ 42.7%

The Money Talk

At a sticker price of around $46,430, the net price of $31,170 after aid makes it more accessible, especially for in-state students. With median 10-year earnings of $73,157, the ROI is solid for a private university, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and business.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Mercyhurst University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $46,430
Housing (12 mo) $13,380
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $67,010
With avg financial aid:
$31,170/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.