At Westfield State, we have many things to be proud of. Our commitment to excellence in education has been recognized through various rankings and accolades. For instance, we are honored to be ranked #25 among the āBest Colleges in Massachusetts,ā credited for offering top-notch programs across a variety of subjects. Our masterās program in elementary education is ranked #7, showcasing our dedication to training future educators. Additionally, our undergraduate programs in history (#14), business administration (#21), and criminal justice (#27) have also been recognized for their exceptional quality. Additional rankings can be found below.
A College of Distinction
Westfield State University has been named a College of Distinction for the 2026-2027 academic year, marking its commitment to providing a high-quality undergraduate education that focuses on hands-on learning, strong student-teacher relationships, a vibrant campus life, and successful outcomes.
Westfield State University Colleges of Distinction recognitions for 2026-2027, including Public Colleges, Massachusetts, æŪæŪ“«Ć½, Education, and Nursing.
Top 10 Best College Food in Massachusetts
Westfield State has received recognition for the top 10 best college food in Massachusetts, as ranked by NICHE in 2025.
Affordability
Westfield State University has earned recognition as one of the most affordable colleges in Massachusetts, according to the College Affordability Guide 2024 rankings. A new study by SmartAsset also ranks the University among the best value colleges in the state, highlighting its affordability and strong student outcomes.
Excellence in Academic Programs
Westfield State University stands out in many areas according to College Factual's 2022 rankings. Programs like social work and history (education) are #1 for best value in graduate studies. Undergraduate programs in health sciences and sociology also earn the #1 spot for best value. Plus, our criminal justice program ranks #10 nationwide. These rankings show that Westfield State is dedicated to providing top-notch education and helping students succeed.
Best Online Bachelor's Programs
Westfield State University is ranked among the top 100 colleges in the country offering online bachelorās programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. In the publicationās ā2022 Best Online Bachelorās Programsā ranking, released Jan. 25, 2022, the University is tied for #87 overall and is the only institution among its peer comprehensive Massachusetts state universities among 272 nationwide to be ranked and scored.
Top Public Universities in U.S.
Westfield State University ranks among Massachusetts' top public universities in the 2022 U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges" list. It's tied as the highest-ranking public university in New England for the second consecutive year and is positioned at 85th among 171 institutions in the "Regional UniversitiesāNorth" category, jumping five spots from last year. Additionally, it's ranked #24 in the "Top Public Schools" list and 72nd in "Best Value Schools" among regional universities, surpassing its peer Massachusetts state universities.
Honored as a Military-Friendly University
Westfield State University earned a spot on the prestigious 2022 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges list, and has been awarded the 2025ā2026 Military Friendly School designation with Gold Status in the Small Public category, as well as recognition as a 2025ā2026 Military Spouse Friendly School, showcasing our commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. The University has also been designated as a 'Top Military-Friendly College' by Advanced Military Education Magazine and as a military-friendly school by Viqtory Media.
online programs according to
Read Press Release
At Westfield State, our dedication to excellence extends beyond academic rankings. We take pride in our numerous distinctions that highlight our commitment to student success and community engagement:
