Rankings, Awards & Distinctions

WSU campus in the spring with flowering trees and light post with blue owl spirit mark flag.

Recognizing Excellence: Celebrating 黑料网's Ranking Achievements

At 黑料网, 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 鈥淏est Colleges in Massachusetts,鈥 credited for offering top-notch programs across a variety of subjects. Our master鈥檚 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

黑料网 has been named a College of Distinction for the 2024-2025 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. 

黑料网 Receives National Acclaim as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction

Colleges of Distinction 2024-2025 Awards

Top 10 Best College Food in Massachusetts

黑料网 has received recognition for the top 10 best college food in Massachusetts, as ranked by NICHE in 2025.

Learn more about WSU Dining

Dining services Mexican food station featuring lettuce, cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and meat.

Affordability

黑料网 has earned recognition as one of the most affordable colleges in Massachusetts, according to the College Affordability Guide 2024 rankings.

View our Cost & Aid at a Glance

University flag with mascot logo.

Excellence in Academic Programs

黑料网 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 黑料网 is dedicated to providing top-notch education and helping students succeed.

黑料网 recognized by 2022 College Factual among 鈥楤est Colleges鈥 rankings for excellence of academic programs

Graduation cap that says "It's a great day to be an owl"

Best Online Bachelor's Programs

黑料网 is ranked among the top 100 colleges in the country offering online bachelor鈥檚 programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. In the publication鈥檚 鈥2022 Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs鈥 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.

黑料网 ranked among top 100 in U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 2022 Best Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs rankings

Learn more about our online degrees

Student in front of laptop next to another student looking on. Yellow striped background behind them,

Top Public Universities in U.S.

黑料网 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 Universities鈥揘orth" 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.

黑料网 among top public universities in U.S. News & World Report鈥檚 college rankings

Campus in the Fall
  • #1

    10 Top New England Region Schools for a Bachelor's in Social Work ()

  • TOP

    online programs according to .
    Read Press Release

Celebrating 黑料网's Additional Distinctions

At 黑料网, 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:

  • One of the highest six-year graduation rates among the Massachusetts universities.
  • One of the largest producers of new teachers among the Massachusetts state universities.
  • Commonwealth Honors Program.
  • LEAD Scholars Program (Formerly known as the Urban Education Program)
  • Only public university in New England offering a Bachelor of Science in Regional Planning.
  • Only 4-year state institution west of Boston to offer a BFA in Graphic Design.
  • Highest percentage of undergraduate students who choose to live on campus among the state universities.
  • One of the largest employers in the City of Westfield.
  • Only four-year public university in 鈥淣ew England鈥檚 Knowledge Corridor."
  • Participant in New England Regional Program for tuition adjustment for students from adjacent states.
  • Designated as a 鈥淭op Military-Friendly College鈥 by Advanced Military Education Magazine.
  • Designated as a military-friendly school by Victory Media.