Fitchburg State vs. Gordon College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA with Gordon College in Wenham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fitchburg State University is larger than Gordon College based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 1,595 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Gordon College is in Wenham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Gordon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Gordon College 10:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Gordon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State or Gordon College? 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 Gordon College ($15,340 vs. $25,299).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gordon College are 13.9% lower than at Fitchburg State University ($13,300 vs. $15,452).
• Gordon College is 170.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $19,354 more per year; $30,700.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 76.2% higher at Gordon College than at Fitchburg State University (about $13,274 more per year; $30,700.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gordon College than at Fitchburg State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gordon College students is 45.6% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($16,802 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Gordon College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fitchburg State or Gordon College? 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 Gordon College and Fitchburg State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gordon College (1240) is 90 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Gordon College 1130/1355.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsGordon College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Gordon College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Gordon College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Gordon College students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Gordon College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 21.6% at Gordon College.

Fitchburg State vs. Gordon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State and Gordon College? 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).

• Gordon College's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Gordon College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 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 Gordon College graduates ($22,685 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $45 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gordon College graduates ($234 vs. $279).
• More Gordon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.