Fitchburg State University Launches Free College Program for Local High Schoolers

Fitchburg State University (FSU) has taken a significant step towards making higher education accessible by announcing a new initiative aimed at high school students in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. On September 3, 2023, President Donna Hodge unveiled a direct admissions initiative that promises to eliminate financial barriers and simplify the college application process for students from four local high schools.

Beginning in the 2024 academic year, any resident of Fitchburg enrolled in one of the city’s four high schools who maintains a minimum GPA of 2.25 will be guaranteed admission to FSU. This program not only provides automatic admission but also waives tuition and fees for students in good academic standing. This initiative represents a potential savings of approximately $14,350 for commuting students, making college education more attainable.

The direct admissions initiative involves partnerships with local educational institutions, including Fitchburg High School, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, St. Bernard’s High School, and Sizer School, a public charter school. For students who choose to live on campus, FSU will offer a scholarship of $1,500 toward housing costs, which can reach around $12,600 for the academic year.

Hodge emphasized the initiative’s transformative potential, stating, “It’s a supported pathway to college… This is economic development in action. Together, we are building a future where every Fitchburg student knows: College isn’t just possible — if you’ve got the will and the commitment, it’s promised.”

The announcement was celebrated with a ceremonial signing attended by local educators, including Fitchburg Public Schools Superintendent Jon Thompson and various school principals. Thompson expressed the collaborative spirit behind the initiative, saying, “Whatever opportunity we can give kids in order for them to be successful in college, we’re going to do it.”

The sentiment was echoed by Robert Carlin, Principal of St. Bernard’s High School, who highlighted the program’s impact on students who previously viewed college as an unattainable goal. “Now that we can have our students make this transition without having to worry about money or getting into places… they have this opportunity guaranteed to them,” Carlin stated.

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Superintendent Thomas Browne also praised the initiative, noting the importance of having FSU nearby and the significant impact of offering free education. “This program is going to be fantastic and have a big impact,” Browne remarked.

The initiative aligns with Hodge’s vision for the university, which she described as the “year of momentum,” aimed at accelerating progress and building on existing efforts to enhance educational access. The current enrollment at FSU is nearly 6,000 students, including 740 new undergraduates and 44 international students from various countries.

Hodge reinforced the university’s commitment to serving not just the local community but also positioning itself as a statewide and national asset. “Fitchburg State is proud to serve this city and this region… We are a statewide solution. A national asset. A public good,” she asserted.

With FSU’s direct admissions initiative, the university aims to empower local youth, particularly first-generation college students, by providing a clear and accessible pathway to higher education. This program marks a notable advancement in the ongoing effort to make college education a reality for all students in Fitchburg.