Colby College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

Colby College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,412 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Colby College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colby 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 Colby College than Fisk University ($16,219 vs. $18,595).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 18.7% lower than at Colby College ($14,540 vs. $17,890).
• Colby College is 169.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $43,742 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 169.2% higher at Colby College than at Fisk University (about $43,742 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Colby College (87% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 203.4% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($69,201 vs. $22,811).

Colby College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 180 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 12 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 1460/1550; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colby College 32/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colby College - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Colby College Jan 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 46.2% at Colby College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Colby College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colby 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).

• Colby College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Colby College earn a median of about $37,500 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,400 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $6,655 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($19,345 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($200 vs. $268).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.