University of Southern Maine vs. Fitchburg State

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME with Fitchburg State University in Fitchburg, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Maine is larger than Fitchburg State based on total student enrollment (7,604 students vs. 5,892 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, ME (Small City setting); Fitchburg State University is in Fitchburg, MA (Midsize Suburban setting).
• University of Southern Maine is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fitchburg State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Southern Maine 14:1; Fitchburg State University 11:1.

University of Southern Maine vs. Fitchburg State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Southern Maine or Fitchburg State? 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 University of Southern Maine than Fitchburg State ($14,028 vs. $15,340).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Maine are 20.5% lower than at Fitchburg State University ($12,280 vs. $15,452).
• Fitchburg State University is 0.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Maine (about $62 more per year; $11,346.00 vs. $11,284.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 60.4% higher at University of Southern Maine than at Fitchburg State University (about $10,518 more per year; $27,944.00 vs. $17,426.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern Maine than at Fitchburg State University (95% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fitchburg State University students is 3.1% larger than aid received by University of Southern Maine students ($11,539 vs. $11,188).

University of Southern Maine vs. Fitchburg State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Southern Maine or Fitchburg State? 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 Fitchburg State and University of Southern Maine.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fitchburg State University (1150) is 30 points higher than at University of Southern Maine (1120).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 990/1250; Fitchburg State University 1060/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Southern Maine 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Southern Maine - Required; Fitchburg State - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman University of Southern Maine students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Fitchburg State (3.29).
• Fitchburg State has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than University of Southern Maine (79.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at University of Southern Maine vs. 13.5% at Fitchburg State.

University of Southern Maine vs. Fitchburg State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Southern Maine and Fitchburg State? 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).

• Fitchburg State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than University of Southern Maine's (33%).
• Graduates from Fitchburg State University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than University of Southern Maine graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have a $185 lower median loan debt than Fitchburg State graduates ($22,500 vs. $22,685).
• Among borrowers, University of Southern Maine graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fitchburg State graduates ($232 vs. $234).
• More Fitchburg State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Southern Maine students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 64%)

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.