Fitchburg State vs. DeSales University

Comparable Facts

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

Fitchburg State University is larger than DeSales University based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 2,972 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. DeSales University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; DeSales University 12:1.

Fitchburg State vs. DeSales University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State or DeSales 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 DeSales University ($15,340 vs. $31,732).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at DeSales University are 10.7% lower than at Fitchburg State University ($13,800 vs. $15,452).
• DeSales University is 312.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $35,454 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 168.6% higher at DeSales University than at Fitchburg State University (about $29,374 more per year; $46,800.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at DeSales University than at Fitchburg State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DeSales University students is 167.9% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($30,909 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. DeSales University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State or DeSales University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between DeSales University and Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at DeSales University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; DeSales University 1090/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresDeSales University 27/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; DeSales University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DeSales University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman DeSales University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than DeSales University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 16.7% at DeSales University.

Fitchburg State vs. DeSales University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State and DeSales University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• DeSales University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from DeSales University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $44,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fitchburg State University graduates have a $3,315 lower median loan debt than DeSales University graduates ($22,685 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DeSales University graduates ($234 vs. $268).
• More DeSales University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.