Westfield State University Receives National Acclaim as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction

Westfield State University is proud to announce its recognition as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor that highlights its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education. The award reflects Westfield State University’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes.

Since its founding in 2000, Colleges of Distinction has awarded schools and universities for their successful implementation of high-impact educational practices and hands-on learning. Unlike traditional ranking systems based on numerical data, its rigorous selection process involves extensive research and detailed interviews with the institutions, accepting only those that adhere to the Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Westfield State University has demonstrated exceptional performance in each of these areas, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment that equips students for future academic and career success.

“A college degree opens the door to many opportunities,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “But a truly worthwhile education prepares students to thrive once they walk through that door. Westfield State University’s curriculum encourages meaningful student-faculty collaboration through experiential learning that is relevant and applicable to the real world.”

Schritter also highlighted the importance of evaluating an institution’s impact by the demonstrated ways a college or university can enhance the student experience. “We’ve never ranked our schools,” he added. “No student is alike, so there can’t be a number-one school for everyone. We are much more focused on the innovative ways that colleges are offering their own brand of a truly rich undergraduate education.”

Schritter continued to elaborate on the University’s unique identity and how it continues to be a pillar of higher education for all. "We are so impressed to see how Westfield State University brings life to the traditional undergraduate experience,” he continued. “With a welcoming community, an immersive curriculum, and strong support networks, Westfield State University is undoubtedly nurturing the growth of tomorrow’s leaders.”

More information about Westfield State University’s profile can be found here.

About Colleges of Distinction:

Since 2000, Colleges of Distinction has been committed to honoring schools with a dedicated focus on the undergraduate experience. Its website provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, and to learn how to become a College of Distinction, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.