The transition from local student to Fitchburg State Falcon began on Tuesday.
For 75 seniors from neighboring high schools, the Accepted Student Visit Day offered more than just a campus tour at Fitchburg State University—it was a chance to dive into the sights, sounds, and academic opportunities waiting for them right in their own backyard.
“Your hard work, persistence, and potential have brought you to this moment,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge, who addressed students from Fitchburg High, Goodrich Academy, Sizer School and St. Bernard’s in Hammond Hall’s Main Lounge. “You are here today because you have already proven that you possess the talent and drive to succeed at the collegiate level. It is my distinct honor to invite you to join a community that doesn't just recognize your potential—we are investing in it, and we are investing in you.”
The Fitchburg Promise is a new direct admissions initiative for Fitchburg residents. Launched by President Hodge in September during her State of the University address, the program aims to broaden opportunities for students across the city.
The agreement complements the university’s new direct admissions initiative, designed to remove barriers, simplify access, and guarantee admission to students in good standing at their high schools.
Starting in the 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 and may attend tuition and fee-free, so long as they remain in good standing.
“It’s a great opportunity for people in Fitchburg and around to use this and utilize this,” said Fitchburg High senior Lillyan Marquez. “I think it’s a good idea.”
Fitchburg State 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.
“We are so pleased to partner with these students in their journey,” said Fitchburg State Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Pam McCafferty. “A bachelor's degree opens the door to a brighter future by providing the skills that employers are seeking, as well as increased earning potential over a lifetime.”
The Direct Admissions program, which extends to non-city residents at these schools, eliminates application fees and stress from the start. This pathway allows future students to begin exploring college life early by participating in Direct Admissions Discovery Days, where they can be part of fun on-campus events, meet professors, and actively discover their future educational path. The process is streamlined and simple, as students simply fill out an online opt-in form as early as their freshman year of high school. The program also delivers significant financial benefits, including $0 in-state tuition and fees for participants who reside in Fitchburg, and an annual $1,500 housing scholarship for those who decide to live on campus.
“I’ve always been low income, so I’m going to take advantage of this because I would have never been able to go to college without that,” said Goodrich Academy senior Luka Paskell.
Ben Lor and Molly Demeo, high school seniors at Fitchburg High School and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, were officially the first two direct admission students who placed deposits and committed to becoming Falcons in the fall of 2026.
Luis Laboy, a senior at Fitchburg High, said that the staff at Fitchburg State are extremely helpful.
“They are really nice,” said Laboy, who is undecided on living on campus or commuting as a freshman and hopes to play collegiate baseball. “You ask them a question and they give you all the information you need. I feel like you don’t have to ask too many questions because they lay it all out for you and make it easy.”
Fitchburg High senior Nilianys Santos Torres is committed to Fitchburg State and will enter the prestigious nursing program in the fall as a commuter student.
“I’ve always wanted to work with something in medicine since I was little, and nursing is what really intrigues me,” said Santos Torres. “I want to help people.”
Marquez will also commute, and wants to pursue a career in exercise science or physical therapy.
“I thought Fitchburg State would be a good combination to achieve that,” said Marquez.
Paskell will also live at home and major in criminal justice.
“I always wanted to be a police officer, and I want to give back to the community,” said Paskell. “I feel like it’s a good opportunity with the Fitchburg Promise.”
Fitchburg High senior Bianelis Pena is contemplating working after graduation, attending community college or enrolling at Fitchburg State. The low cost of Fitchburg State is appealing, however.
“You don’t want to be in debt,” said Pena. “You don’t want to graduate and have to pay money for the rest of your life.”
Learn more about Fitchburg State at fitchburgstate.edu.