Brandeis University vs. Fitchburg State

Comparable Facts

Compare Brandeis University in Waltham, MA with Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fitchburg State University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brandeis University is located in Waltham, MA (Small City setting); Fitchburg State University is in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Brandeis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brandeis University 10:1; Fitchburg State University 11:1.

Brandeis University vs. Fitchburg State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Brandeis University or Fitchburg State? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Fitchburg State University than Brandeis University ($15,340 vs. $43,550).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 22.5% lower than at Brandeis University ($15,452 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 500% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $56,734 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 290.7% higher at Brandeis University than at Fitchburg State University (about $50,654 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fitchburg State University than at Brandeis University (92% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 271.3% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($42,841 vs. $11,539).

Brandeis University vs. Fitchburg State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brandeis University or Fitchburg State? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Fitchburg State and Brandeis University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 310 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 1390/1520; Fitchburg State University 1060/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brandeis University - Test optional; Fitchburg State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.55 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Brandeis University (40.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.3% at Brandeis University vs. 13.5% at Fitchburg State.

Brandeis University vs. Fitchburg State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brandeis University and Fitchburg State? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Brandeis University earn a median of about $22,700 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,700 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $4,315 lower median loan debt than Brandeis University graduates ($22,685 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brandeis University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Brandeis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 65%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.