Smith College vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Smith College in Northampton, MA with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Smith College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,857 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Smith College is located in Northampton, MA (Large Suburban setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Smith College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Smith College 8:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Smith College vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Smith College 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 Smith College ($18,595 vs. $27,305).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 35.6% lower than at Smith College ($14,540 vs. $22,570).
• Smith College is 152.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $39,320 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 152.1% higher at Smith College than at Fisk University (about $39,320 more per year; $65,178.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Smith College (87% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Smith College students is 157.4% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($58,725 vs. $22,811).

Smith College vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Smith College 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 Smith College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Smith College (1480) is 150 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Smith College students have a 12 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Smith College 1420/1540; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Smith College 32/35; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Smith College - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Smith College Jan 15, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Smith College students have a 0.9 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Smith College (21%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.4% at Smith College vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Smith College vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Smith College 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).

• Smith College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Smith College earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Smith College graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Smith College graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($196 vs. $268).
• More Smith College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.