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Fitchburg State University vs College of Our Lady of the Elms

Fitchburg State University is a public university in Fitchburg, MA, and College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private college in Chicopee, MA. College of Our Lady of the Elms is the more selective of the two, admitting about 85% of applicants against 87% at Fitchburg State University. Fitchburg State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,262 a year against $17,545 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. About 66% of students graduate at College of Our Lady of the Elms, compared with 54% at Fitchburg State University. Ten years after enrolling, Fitchburg State University alumni earn a median of about $53,874, against $51,540 for College of Our Lady of the Elms.

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA · Public

College of Our Lady of the Elms

Chicopee, MA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Fitchburg, MA
Chicopee, MA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,752
949
Acceptance rate
87%
85%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.41–3.91
SAT (middle 50%)
1060–1230
1150–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
21–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,262
$17,545
Full cost / yr
$25,555
$54,027
In-state tuition
$11,346
$43,325
Out-of-state tuition
$17,426
$43,325
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,204
$8,099
$30k - $48k
$11,199
$22,645
$48k - $75k
$11,540
$17,539
$75k - $110k
$15,571
$21,243
Over $110k
$21,123
$25,491
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
66%
Freshman retention
69%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,999
$54,087
Median earnings (10 yr)
$53,874
$51,540
Median debt at graduation
$24,239
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
45%
First-generation students
36%
35%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Aug 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Fitchburg State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms harder to get into?
College of Our Lady of the Elms is harder to get into. It admits about 85% of applicants, compared with 87% at Fitchburg State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Fitchburg State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Fitchburg State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,262 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,545 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Fitchburg State University and College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Before aid, Fitchburg State University costs about $25,555 a year and College of Our Lady of the Elms about $54,027. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Fitchburg State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
College of Our Lady of the Elms. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,099 there, against about $10,204 at Fitchburg State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fitchburg State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms?
Fitchburg State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,752 undergraduates against 949 at College of Our Lady of the Elms.
Does Fitchburg State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms have a better graduation rate?
College of Our Lady of the Elms has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 54% at Fitchburg State University.
Do graduates of Fitchburg State University or College of Our Lady of the Elms earn more?
Fitchburg State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,874 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,540 for College of Our Lady of the Elms. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fitchburg State University and College of Our Lady of the Elms require SAT or ACT scores?
Fitchburg State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. College of Our Lady of the Elms is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Fitchburg State University and College of Our Lady of the Elms look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1060–1230 at Fitchburg State University and 1150–1320 at College of Our Lady of the Elms. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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