WESTFIELD — Westfield State University will receive nearly $1.53 million as part of a statewide initiative to boost college completion rates.
The funding is part of the State University SUCCESS program, which awarded $13 million to nine public universities to help students stay on track to graduate.
The grants will pay for services such as supplemental tutoring for students who are at-risk of not completing their degrees and will pay for case workers to connect high need students with social service providers and programs.
Grant funds will be used to help students and families with college-going costs beyond tuition and fees, such as those related to transportation, childcare and food needs.
Higher education helps people build careers, support their families and grow the economy, said Linda Thompson, chair of the Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents and president of Westfield State University.
“In our complex and evolving world, targeted support for students helps them focus on their studies and complete their degrees, contributing to the overall betterment of society,” she said in a statement. “SUCCESS funds provide our universities with the resources needed to deliver smarter support and better serve our campus communities.”
The Healey-Driscoll administration said the state has restored college enrollment to pre-pandemic levels by doubling its investment in state financial aid.
The awards aim to help students finish their programs so they can get the full benefits of college.
Officials say state data shows that graduates of public colleges earn $20,000 to $30,000 more per year, five years after graduation, than people who only finished high school.
“The return on investment is clear – graduates of state universities are more likely to stay in Massachusetts, join our workforce and contribute to our economy and our communities. That’s why we’re investing in their success,” Healey said in a statement.
The program uses a case management approach to advising that has reportedly worked well at universities and colleges around the nation, as well as closer to home at the City University of New York and State University of New York campuses.
Recipients say they plan to use the money for services like mental health support, tutoring, financial advice, career counseling, transportation help, emergency grants, success coaches, housing assistance and credit recovery.
The money will help lower advisor caseloads to about 150 students each, officials said.
State universities have been strong partners in a program that follows national best practices, while meeting each school’s needs, Noe Ortega, the state’s higher education commissioner, said in a statement.
“We have seen how investing in higher education creates a foundation for a better future, and we are confident these critical investments will boost graduation rates, leading to a stronger Commonwealth for generations to come,” Thompson said.
The program is funded through the fiscal 2026 budget. Combined with the Community College SUCCESS program, the FY26 state budget includes $28 million for student success efforts.
