Vassar vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

Compare Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, NY with Fisk University in Nashville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Vassar College is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (2,462 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Vassar College is located in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Vassar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Vassar College 7:1; Fisk University 12:1.

Vassar vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Vassar 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 Vassar ($18,595 vs. $29,981).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fisk University are 20.3% lower than at Vassar College ($14,540 vs. $18,240).
• Vassar College is 174.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fisk University (about $45,172 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 174.7% higher at Vassar than at Fisk University (about $45,172 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $25,858.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fisk University than at Vassar College (87% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vassar College students is 151.8% larger than aid received by Fisk University students ($57,443 vs. $22,811).

Vassar vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Vassar 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 Vassar.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 170 points higher than at Fisk University (1330).
• Incoming Vassar students have a 13 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vassar College 1450/1550; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Vassar College 33/35; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Vassar - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Vassar Jan 1, 2027; Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vassar students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• Fisk University has a higher acceptance rate (37.4%) than Vassar (18.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.8% at Vassar vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

Vassar vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Vassar 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).

• Vassar College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Fisk University's (45%).
• Graduates from Vassar College earn a median of about $22,500 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,400 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $10,220 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($15,780 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($163 vs. $268).
• More Vassar graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.