Bowdoin College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowdoin College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,881 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bowdoin College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College ($18,595 vs. $22,228).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 21.4% lower than at Bowdoin College ($14,540 vs. $18,488).
• Bowdoin College is 162.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $41,974 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.3% higher at Bowdoin College than at Fisk University (about $41,974 more per year; $67,832.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Bowdoin College (87% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bowdoin College students is 175.6% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($62,872 vs. $22,811).

Bowdoin College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College 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 Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 180 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Bowdoin College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College 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).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Bowdoin College earn a median of about $39,100 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($75,000 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $7,167 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($18,833 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($194 vs. $268).
• More Bowdoin College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.