MassBay, Framingham State Partner For Affordable Degree Programs

FRAMINGHAM, MA - MassBay Community College and Framingham State University announced the launch of a new partnership to offer a more affordable path to an associate’s and bachelor’s degree.

Through FSU@MassBay, students can earn both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree in either liberal arts or business programs starting at $28,000, less than the cost of one year’s tuition at most private institutions across the country.

All coursework for both degrees can be completed entirely on MassBay’s Wellesley Hills campus.

“This is a major partnership where the two public higher education institutions in MetroWest are collaborating to contain the rising costs of higher education,” said Yves Salomon-Fernandez, Interim President of MassBay Community College, calling this agreement a “significant step forward for the region.”

“A college degree is necessary for success in the Commonwealth’s innovation economy,” said Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos. “We are excited to partner with MassBay Community College to offer these very affordable pathways to a bachelor’s degree.”

Students who enroll in FSU@MassBay will begin their studies at MassBay Community College to complete the associate’s degree programs for Liberal Arts or Business Administration. Students will be eligible for guaranteed acceptance and seamless transfer to Framingham State University to complete their bachelor’s degree programs in Liberal Studies or Management.

MassBay alumni who have already earned an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts or Business Administration are also eligible to complete their Bachelor’s Degree requirements through this program and earn a degree from Framingham State University.

Students have the flexibility to finish the degree at a flexible pace and schedule, but would gain the most financial advantage if they complete the degree in four years. The total cost of tuition and fees over four years for both programs at MassBay and Framingham State is projected to be about $28,000. (Costs are based on current year’s rates and are subject to change annually. Students are not required to complete their degrees in four years, but would enjoy the most cost savings if they complete both degrees in that time frame.)

All courses for both degrees will be taught entirely on MassBay’s Wellesley Hills campus, with MassBay acting as a “satellite” campus for Framingham State University. While classes would take place on MassBay’s campus, the students completing upper-level courses for a bachelor’s degree through this partnership will be considered FSU students with full access to the University’s support services, facilities, and other resources.

The average tuition for four years of private higher education around $120,000 and the cost of in-state tuition and fees for public colleges and universities are at about $9,100 a year.

“It’s crucial for those of us in higher education to expand access to a college education by finding creative ways to lower costs and by reaching out to non-traditional students and underserved populations,” said President Cevallos. “I believe our partnership has the potential to do both.”

MassBay and FSU plan to leverage their jointly developed MetroWest College Planning Center in Framingham to help recruit underserved and typically under-represented populations and provide them an affordable path to college through this new partnership.