Fitchburg State vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

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

Fitchburg State University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State or Alvernia 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 Alvernia University ($15,340 vs. $28,645).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 0.1% lower than at Alvernia University ($15,452 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 296.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $33,654 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 158.2% higher at Alvernia University than at Fitchburg State University (about $27,574 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Fitchburg State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 151.6% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($29,034 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State or Alvernia 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 Alvernia University and Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Alvernia University (1190) is 40 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Alvernia University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Fitchburg State vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State and Alvernia 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).

• Alvernia University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Alvernia University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 Alvernia University graduates ($22,685 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Fitchburg State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 61%)

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.