Fitchburg State Announces New Direct Admissions Program for High School Students

Fitchburg State University has announced the launch of the Fitchburg Promise, a direct admissions initiative to expand college access for Fitchburg students and North Central Massachusetts residents.

The initiative removes traditional application barriers, waives application fees, and offers Discovery Days to help prospective students explore college life and programs. University leaders describe the program as one that democratizes higher education, fuels regional economic development, and aligns with state and federal funding priorities.

According to a Sentinel & Enterprise report, beginning next fall, any Fitchburg resident enrolled at one of the city's high schools who maintains a 2.25 GPA will be guaranteed admission to Fitchburg State. They may attend tuition-free and fee-free, so long as they remain in good academic standing.

To participate, students complete an online opt-in form as early as their first year of high school. The program also delivers significant financial benefits, including an annual $1,500 housing scholarship for students who choose to live on campus.

Fitchburg State has established these new agreements with Fitchburg High School — including Goodrich Academy — Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, St. Bernard's High School, and the Sizer School.

Two high school seniors, Lor Ben of Fitchburg High School and Molly Demeo of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, are taking advantage of this new initiative. They are the first two direct-admission students to have placed deposits and committed to Fitchburg State next fall. Lor, a first-generation college student, plans to pursue a degree in business marketing. Molly plans to major in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Beyond simply providing admissions, the program connects students with faculty experts in classes designed to spark their curiosity, their love of learning, and their personal and professional aspirations,” said Fitchburg State University Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Franca Barricelli in a statement shared with the Sentinel & Enterprise. “Fundamentally, it represents a transformative commitment to democratizing higher education and changing students' lives.”