Fitchburg State vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Fitchburg State University is larger than Simmons University based on total student enrollment (5,892 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fitchburg State University is located in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fitchburg State University 11:1; Simmons University 9:1.

Fitchburg State vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fitchburg State or Simmons 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 Simmons University ($15,340 vs. $28,691).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fitchburg State University are 12.3% lower than at Simmons University ($15,452 vs. $17,618).
• Simmons University is 313.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fitchburg State (about $35,528 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $11,346.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 169% higher at Simmons University than at Fitchburg State University (about $29,448 more per year; $46,874.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Fitchburg State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 204.4% larger than aid received by Fitchburg State University students ($35,123 vs. $11,539).

Fitchburg State vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Simmons University (1310) is 160 points higher than at Fitchburg State (1150).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fitchburg State University 1060/1230; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSimmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fitchburg State - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Simmons University (70%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at Fitchburg State vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Fitchburg State vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fitchburg State and Simmons 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).

• Simmons University's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Fitchburg State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Simmons University earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than Fitchburg State graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,800 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 Simmons University graduates ($22,685 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Fitchburg State graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simmons University graduates ($234 vs. $268).
• More Simmons University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fitchburg State students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.