Real Value for the Real World
As Western New England University (WNE) continues to stake its claim as a New Traditional University, not only is the institution garnering national attention, but the data from several sources shows that WNE is a national leader in return on investment (ROI) measures.
In a second study conducted by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, colleges and universities were ranked based on their students’ return on investment (ROI). Using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and the methodology outlined in the report Ranking 4,600 Colleges by ROI (2025), Georgetown evaluated 4,600 institutions nationwide. Western New England University ranked in the top 6% of colleges and universities for ROI, placing #1 in Springfield and third among private schools in the Pioneer Valley behind Williams College and Amherst College.
Drawing data from Harvard's Opportunity Insights project, The New York Times ranked WNE 10th from a field of over 575 selective private institutions in the country, measuring factors that contribute to significant economic advancement (students rising from the bottom fifth of incomes to the top fifth as adults). This is supported by the latest U.S. News and World Report, which ranks the University as a Top Performer on Social Mobility, placing WNE in the top 10 National Universities in Massachusetts for this category. Additionally, an independent evaluation of the median starting salary of alumni in the U.S. News & World Report's (2022) Top 100 National Universities determined that the median starting salary for Western New England University graduates is higher than 52 of the top 100 institutions in the country.
Already honored by the Colleges of Distinction for its high-impact approach to education, the Kevin S. and Sandra E. Delbridge Career Center at Western New England University has been recognized by the Colleges of Distinction as a 2022-2023 Best College specializing in the area of Career Development—preparing students to be adaptable in an ever-changing career landscape.
"Western New England University offers resources and provides unparalleled support throughout every stage of career exploration, development, and application," said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. "Western New England University brings career readiness into the classroom, making intentional connections between students of all majors and the careers they pursue after graduation. It's this kind of innovative, ingrained career preparation strategies that make Western New England University's outstanding Career Center worthy of praise."