Bates vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bates College in Lewiston, ME with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bates College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,760 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bates College is located in Lewiston, ME (Small City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Bates College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bates College 9:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Bates vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bates or Fisk 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 Fisk University than Bates ($18,595 vs. $24,723).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 22.6% lower than at Bates College ($14,540 vs. $18,780).
• Bates College is 157.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $40,732 more per year; $66,590.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 157.5% higher at Bates than at Fisk University (about $40,732 more per year; $66,590.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Bates College (87% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bates College students is 157.8% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($58,809 vs. $22,811).

Bates vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bates or Fisk 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 Fisk University and Bates.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bates College (1480) is 150 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Bates students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 1420/1530; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bates College 31/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bates - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bates Jan 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Bates (13.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.5% at Bates vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Bates vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bates and Fisk 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).

• Bates College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Bates College earn a median of about $39,800 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,700 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bates College graduates have a $11,550 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($14,450 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Bates graduates have an estimated $119 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($149 vs. $268).
• More Bates graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 38%)

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.