Oxy vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Occidental College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (1,881 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Occidental College is located in Los Angeles, CA (Large City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Occidental College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Occidental College 9:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Oxy vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oxy 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 Fisk University than Oxy ($18,595 vs. $48,400).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 24.5% lower than at Occidental College ($14,540 vs. $19,252).
• Occidental College is 156.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $40,416 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 156.3% higher at Oxy than at Fisk University (about $40,416 more per year; $66,274.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Occidental College (87% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Occidental College students is 59.6% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($36,400 vs. $22,811).

Oxy vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oxy 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 Oxy.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Occidental College (1450) is 120 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Oxy students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Occidental College 1380/1520; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Occidental College 31/34; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oxy - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Oxy Jan 10, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Oxy students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Oxy has a higher acceptance rate (44.2%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.8% at Oxy vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Oxy vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oxy 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).

• Occidental College's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Occidental College earn a median of about $20,700 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,600 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Occidental College graduates have a $2,348 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($23,652 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Oxy graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($244 vs. $268).
• More Oxy graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.