Framingham State University: Courses, Admission, Cost

Founded in the year 1839, Framingham State University (FSU) is a publically-owned institution for higher education and research in Framingham city. It was initially set up as Normal School in Lexington and began operating with 25 female students. The institution went through several names and structural changes through the years, with finally receiving the university status under its current name in 2010. It is a constituent of the 400-member American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). FSU has accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education. It holds sports affiliations from NCAA Division III and Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The university has a 78-acre campus that consists of well-maintained buildings housing administrative offices, classrooms, recreational centers, and residence halls. The Henry Whittemore Library houses about 200,000 printed volumes and 60,000 e-journals. Archives and Special Collections can be accessed using free Wi-Fi. The university renders on-campus accommodation to over 80% of the students in its 7 residence halls. The campus features several dining points that serve a wide range of cuisines and drinks. Other on-campus facilities include a store, health and wellness center, interfaith prayer center, multi-disciplinary theatre called ‘The Planetarium’, and high-tech laboratories. The university is highly convenient for the students as it is in proximity to various amenities.

FSU offers 39 bachelor's degrees with 80 concentrations 59 minors, and 28 master degree programs. At present, the university has about 6500 students, which includes 4,600 undergraduates, and 1,900 postgraduates. International students make up about 36% of the total enrolment. The academic staff of the university includes 347 members, who are highly knowledgeable and experienced. With 72% of the classes having less than 30 learners, the student-teacher ratio at FSU is 14:1. There are around 90 student groups at FSU. It maintains 10 men and women varsity teams of basketball, baseball, cross country, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, softball, field hockey, soccer, and volleyball.

FSU maintains a comprehensive list of its alumni and takes pride in celebrating their accomplishments. Few notable names in the alumni list are Anna Brackett (Educator and Philosopher), Brian J. Moran (American Politician), Christa McAuliffe (Astronaut), Olivia A. Davidson (Tuskegee Institute's Co-founder), Paul J. LeBlanc (Southern New Hampshire University's President), Richard Thompson (American Politician), Ruth Graves Wakefield (Chocolate Chip Cookie's Inventor), Rebecca Pennell (United States' First Woman College Professor) and Electa Nobles Lincoln Walton (Lecturer, Author, and Suffragist).