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Worcester State College
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Media Relations

Members of the media should direct all inquiries about Worcester State College, including those about the Opportunity for a Lifetime campaign, to Lea Ann Scales, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, at 508-929-8018 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Campaign-Related News

Worcester State College Campaign Raises Record $12.3M
WSC Begins Renovations to Learning Resource Center
WSC Dedicates the Helen G. Shaughnessy Administration Building
Shaughnessy Building Dedication Set for May 15
WSC Awarded $206K NIH Grant for Cancer Research
Fuller Foundation Trustees Praised for Theater's Transformation
Worcester State College Campaign Meets $10M Goal
Princeton Review Names WSC 'Best in Northeast' for Sixth Year
Trustees to Name Administration Building after Esteemed Alumna
Grant Funds Baby Manikin for Clinical Nursing Lab
Fairlawn Foundation Clinical Skills Nursing Lab Dedicated 
Human Rights Fund and Scholarship Announced
Alumnus Makes Largest Gift in Worcester State College's History

WSC's Thomas McNamara Discusses Historic $2M Gift on WTAG
$10M Campaign Seeks Even Stronger Alumni Support
Initiative to Address Nursing Faculty Shortage
WSC Receives $200,000 Green Chemistry Grant
Fairlawn Extends Scholarship Program for Nursing Students

TD Banknorth Contributes to WSC Upward Bound
Historical Reunion Weekend at WSC
Dr. Margaret Kerr Receives George I. Alden Excellence in Teaching Award

A Brief History of Worcester State College

Worcester State College was founded as the Worcester Normal School in 1874, the fifth state-funded normal school in Massachusetts and one of dozens of teacher-training schools established during the 19th century. In 1932, all of the state’s normal schools were re-christened "teachers colleges" and the old Normal School became Worcester State Teachers College. That same year, the College moved to its present location on Chandler Street. By 1963, the former teachers college had evolved into a liberal arts and sciences college. The Board of Education that year voted to drop the word “teachers” from the College’s name. Despite many changes over its long history, the College’s mission remains the same as it was in 1874: to enrich the lives of its students and strengthen communities through the benefits of accessible, quality higher education.

Key Facts about Worcester State College

Annual Revenue (2007-2008)

State Appropriations: $29,809,731
Student Tuition & Fees: $24,322,946
Other Sources: $13,756,063

Worcester State Foundation Activity (2007-2008)

Market value of portfolio: $12,191,536
Endowment: $8,750,553

Total Amount Distributed:
$1,004,769
Scholarships & Awards: $466,413
Equipment: $131,736
Programs: $259,323
Support of Faculty: $111,719
Campus Improvements: $35,578

Total Gifts Received: $1,783,510
Undergraduate & Graduate Alumni Support: $391,153
Corporation Support: $366,945
Foundation Support: $484,762
Friends of WSC: $180,422

Student Enrollment (Fall 2008)

Undergraduate (full-time): 3,377
Undergraduate (part-time): 1,266
Graduate (full-time): 103
Graduate (part-time): 632
Total: 5,378

Student Characteristics

Women (undergraduate): 59%
Men (undergraduate): 41%
Residential students: 30%
Average age (undergraduate): 24
Average High School GPA: 3.06
Average SAT score: 1011
Retention (Fall ’07, 1st yr): 76%
Graduation rate (6th yr): 44%

Cost of Attendance

Undergraduate tuition: $970
Undergraduate fees: $5,200
Room and board (avg.): $8,527

Financial Aid (2007-2008)

Students receiving financial aid: 2,897
Average size of award: $7,666
Students with WSC scholarships: 1,026

Class Size/Faculty

Faculty to student ratio: 1:16
Average undergraduate class size: 19
Full-time faculty: 185
Part-time faculty (day): 145
Part-time continuing ed. faculty: 82

Academic Programs

Undergraduate majors: 24
Undergraduate minors: 29
Graduate programs: 20
Study Abroad programs: 44

Largest Major (1st major only)

Business Administration: 830
Psychology: 410
Criminal Justice: 322
Nursing: 253
Communication: 244

Student Life

Student Clubs & Organizations: 42
Honor Societies: 15
Intercollegiate sports: 10 women, 10 men