Fisher vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

Compare St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY with Alvernia University in Reading, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

St. John Fisher University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (3,693 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• St. John Fisher University is located in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• St. John Fisher University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: St. John Fisher University 11:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Fisher vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fisher 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 Alvernia University than Fisher ($28,645 vs. $30,540).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St. John Fisher University are 3.6% lower than at Alvernia University ($14,908 vs. $15,460).
• Alvernia University is 9.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisher (about $3,810 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $41,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.2% higher at Alvernia University than at St. John Fisher University (about $3,810 more per year; $45,000.00 vs. $41,190.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at St. John Fisher University as at Alvernia University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 18.4% larger than aid received by St. John Fisher University students ($29,034 vs. $24,530).

Fisher vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fisher 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 Fisher.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at St. John Fisher University (1210) is 20 points higher than at Alvernia University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: St. John Fisher University 1120/1300; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: St. John Fisher University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fisher - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Fisher students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Fisher has a higher acceptance rate (66.4%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.3% at Fisher vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Fisher vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fisher 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).

• St. John Fisher University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from St. John Fisher University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,800 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, St. John Fisher University graduates have a $3,100 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($23,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fisher graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($247 vs. $279).
• More Fisher graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.