Fitchburg State vs. South Dakota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA with South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Dakota State University is larger than Fitchburg State based on total student enrollment (12,056 students vs. 5,892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); South Dakota State University is in Brookings, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Dakota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; South Dakota State University 17:1.

Fitchburg State vs. South Dakota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State or South Dakota State University? 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 South Dakota State University ($15,340 vs. $19,932).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Dakota State University are 34.1% lower than at Fitchburg State University ($10,176 vs. $15,452).
• Fitchburg State University is 22% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Dakota State University (about $2,047 more per year; $11,346.00 vs. $9,299.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36% higher at Fitchburg State than at South Dakota State University (about $4,617 more per year; $17,426.00 vs. $12,809.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at South Dakota State University than at Fitchburg State University (94% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fitchburg State University students is 157.9% larger than aid received by South Dakota State University students ($11,539 vs. $4,474).

Fitchburg State vs. South Dakota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State or South Dakota State University? 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 South Dakota State University and Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fitchburg State University (1150) is the same as at South Dakota State University (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; South Dakota State University 1060/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSouth Dakota State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; South Dakota State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman South Dakota State University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• South Dakota State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.3%) than Fitchburg State (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 34.1% at South Dakota State University.

Fitchburg State vs. South Dakota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State and South Dakota State University? 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).

• South Dakota State University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from South Dakota State University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $2,431 lower median loan debt than South Dakota State University graduates ($22,685 vs. $25,116).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Dakota State University graduates ($234 vs. $259).
• More South Dakota State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.