- When was the College founded?
- What is the application process?
- What is the application fee?
- How many references/letters of recommendation are required for admission?
- Is an interview required for admission?
- What is the deadline for submitting an application?
- When can we visit the campus?
- What is the Honors Program?
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- When should I submit the FAFSA?
- What type of institutional scholarship programs are available?
- What loan programs are available?
- Do you provide special assistance in financial planning?
- What is the cost of tuition, room and board?
- What is the average cost of books per semester?
- Where do Fisher College students come from geographically?
- What kinds of activities are available for students?
- What special activities are available for commuter students?
- What are your residence halls like?
- Are residence halls staffed with residence hall directors?
- Is smoking allowed in residence halls?
- Does Fisher have varsity athletic teams?
- Does Fisher offer intramural programs and gym memberships?
- Does Fisher College have a department of public safety?
- What kind of authority do Public Safety Officers have?
When was the College founded?
Fisher College--now located in Boston's
Back Bay--was originally opened in what was predominantly the working-class
city of Somerville, and had its beginnings with educational entrepreneurs
who believed the immigrants of that city in the early 1900s needed a way
out of their unskilled employment.
In 1897, brothers Myron C. Fisher and Edmund H. Fisher moved from Shenandoah, Iowa, to Somerville, Massachusetts. They had studied education in a midwestern normal school but, unlike many others of their day, sought new opportunities in the east. While teaching at Burdett College in Boston, the brothers saw a need to start a different kind of school. And so in 1903, they opened the doors of Winter Hill Business College. The brothers went door-to-door selling courses; the curriculum was individualized and students could study whatever they needed to land the job they were seeking.
In 1952, Fisher was approved as a two-year college by the Board of Regents of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and, in 1957, was given degree-granting powers. In 1970, Fisher gained membership in the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., with accreditation. Today, students from all parts of America and from numerous foreign countries attend Fisher's Day School.
The Division of Continuing Education was established in 1975 to serve the adult population of Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. Our branch campuses in Boston, North Attleboro and New Bedford provide convenient access to students, local businesses and organizations. Our Fisher Online division began in 1998, and now serves over 1000 students from all over the United States and around the world.
In January 1999 Fisher College was approved by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to offer the Bachelor of Science in Management Degree. Today we offer seven concentrations within the Management degree, including:
Today, the College provides courses leading to the baccalaureate degree, associates degrees and certificates to traditional-age college students from around the world as well as to continuing education students. Visit the About Fisher section of our Web site for more information.
What is the application process?
To apply to Fisher College, please send
the Office of Admissions the following items:
You may also apply online. Fisher College's application fee will be waived for domestic students if you submit your application electronically.
What is the application fee?
The application fee is $50.
How many references/letters of recommendation are required for admission?
Fisher does not require letters of recommendation for admission, but most
students do submit them. The Office of Admissions reads everything that is submitted,
so we do encourage students to submit any information you think will help
you to be accepted and assist you to qualify for scholarships.
Is an interview required for admission?
Fisher College does not require
an admissions interview, but we encourage you to come to the college to visit
and meet with your admissions counselor. Interviews are usually accompanied
by a tour of the campus. With advance notice, the Office of Admissions can also
assist you shadow a current student or attend classes in your intended field
of study. Call the Office of Admissions at 617-236-8818 to set up your interview.
What is the deadline for submitting an application?
Fisher College accepts
applications on an ongoing basis throughout the year. We encourage our students
to apply as early as possible so that you may receive the maximum amount
of financial aid available to you. See our application timeline for more
details. Visit the Admissions section of our Web site for more information.
When can we visit the campus?
Campus tours are scheduled Monday through
Friday from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, and from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on most
Saturdays. We recommend that you call ahead to schedule your visit to campus.
See our Interviews and Tours page for further details.
What is the Honors Program?
As part of Fisher College's commitment to meet
the needs of all students enrolled, we offer an opportunity for incoming
students to take part in the College's Honors Program. The mission and goals
of the Honors Program at Fisher College include offering increased academic
challenge to exceptional students who have excelled during their high school
years and want to continue to be involved in an academic experience that
helps them mature intellectually.
The Honors Program is designed to provide students with small classes where stimulating discussion; interaction with other students; and the pursuit of knowledge through questioning, critical thinking and research leads to more challenging and rewarding academic experience.
The benefits and rewards for participation in such a program include smaller class size, more individual attention from professors, and the opportunity to interact with students who possess similar academic ability. In addition, students enrolled in the Honors Program qualify for the Fisher College Honors Program scholarship. Visit our Academics section for further information.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Fisher College encourages all applicants
to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA
is available in guidance offices, online at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or by calling
the Fisher College Financial Aid office at 617-236-8821. Be sure to list
Fisher College on your FAFSA. Our Title IV code is 002150.
When should I submit the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) can be submitted as early as January 1st. We highly recommend
that applicants to Fisher submit their FAFSA no later than March 15th to
qualify for the maximum amount of federal and state financial aid. Many financial
aid programs are offered to students on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is better for you to apply early, even if you have to complete your FAFSA
before you complete your tax returns. If you do submit the FAFSA before doing
your taxes, we recommend that you carefully estimate financial information
based on last year's tax returns and/or final paycheck stubs, bank statements,
etc.
What type of institutional scholarship programs are available?
Fisher College's
Trustee's Scholarship is awarded to accepted students based upon financial
need, academic achievement and housing status. In addition, Fisher offers
merit scholarships and scholarships for participants in the Honors Program.
What loan programs are available?
Fisher College participates in a number
of loan programs to assist students and their families finance their education.
Fisher offers four federal loan programs, including the Federal Stafford
Loans, the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan, the Federal Perkins
Loan and the Federal PLUS Loan (for parents). Fisher also participates in
the Massachusetts No Interest Loan program, and a number of other credit-based
educational loans, including the Signature Loan program, the TERI loan and
the MEFA loan programs. Payments on amounts borrowed by students typically
begin six months after a student leaves the college; interest rates are variable.
Parent loan payments (principal plus interest) begin 60 days after the first
disbursement is received. The payment period extends for 10 years; interest
rates are variable.
Do you provide special assistance in financial planning?
Yes. By making
a personal appointment with a financial aid counselor, you can discuss traditional
scholarships, grants, work-study, student loans and a variety of family educational
loans. Financial planning is designed to help families plan for the full
cost of a college education.
What is the cost of tuition, room and board for 2008-
2009?
| Resident Student | Commuter Student | |
| Tuition and Fees: | $21,325 | $21,325 |
| Room & Board | $12,250 | N/A |
| Health Insurance | $1450 | $1450 |
| Total | $35,075 | $22,825 |
What is the average cost of books per semester?
Books typically cost approximately
$1000 per year.
Visit our Financial Information section for further information.
Where do Fisher College students come from geographically?
Our students
come from 27 different states - mostly from the Northeastern United States.
We also have a number of international students representing 20 different
countries.
What kinds of activities are available for students?
The Office of Student Activities is responsible for offering events on and off campus for residential
and commuter students. Additionally, the office sponsors annual events, such
as, the Fashion Show, Family and Friends Weekend, and the Fisher Film Series.
The Office offers clubs and organizations that students can participate in
and explore their talents. The Office also oversees the Student Government
Association, a major leadership forum for students.
What special activities are available for commuter students?
Commuting students
are an integral part of Fisher College's student life. All events, organizations,
and clubs are open to commuters. The Office of Student Activities strongly
encourages these students to actively participate in College activities and
to make good use of all the services provided (e.g. counseling, health services,
etc.).
What are your residence halls like?
The Office of Housing and Residential
Life strives to create living-learning communities which promote personal
and academic growth among a diverse student body. While each living area
is unique, each supports academic excellence. Professional staff and student
leaders live and work in each building, coordinating services and programs
that encourage individual self-actualization. You will be living just around
the corner from the Boston Common in a comfortable, 1900's "brownstone" townhouse
with all the comforts of home. The turn of the century resident halls are
elegant yet homey. Modern amenities (such as security; common areas with
full-size refrigerators and microwaves, and TV/Lounge rooms with cable TV
and VCRs) make the halls a comfortable place to study, relax, or just hang
out with your friends.
Are residence halls staffed with residence hall directors?
Yes. Each residence
hall is staffed by a Residence Director (RD) and three Resident Assistants
(RA). The RD is usually a graduate student taking classes at a nearby college.
The RA staff is made up of undergraduate Fisher students who are most likely
in some of your classes. The entire staff goes through an extensive training
session where they learn ways to help your transition to Fisher College.
They can advise and help you to resolve many of the issues you encounter
in the residence hall, from getting a new light bulb to homesickness. Visit
our Student Life section for more information.
Is smoking allowed in residence halls?
No. Smoking is not allowed inside
any College building.
Does Fisher have varsity athletic teams?
Yes. Fisher offers six varsity
sports: Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Softball, Baseball, Men's Soccer
and Women's Soccer. We are member of the NAIA Sunrise Conference. Visit
our Athletics section
for further information.
Does Fisher offer intramural programs and gym memberships?
Yes. Fisher offers
a variety of intramural activities based upon student interest, and offers
a discount on membership in a local health club.
Does Fisher College have a department of public safety?
Yes. The Fisher
College Department of Public Safety & Campus Police is committed to enhancing
the quality of life of the College community. The College views public safety
as an important part of the educational process and one that requires the
collaborative effort of everyone at Fisher College. The Department operates
24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide for the security and protection
of students, employees and visitors in and around the campus. Visit the Department
of Public Safety and Campus Police section for further information.
What kind of authority do Public Safety Officers have?
The Chief of Campus
Police leads the Fisher College Department of Public Safety & Campus Police.
The Chief manages all operations and supervises the full-time and part-time
officers. Police and Security Officers are responsible for maintaining a
safe and secure environment throughout the College. Campus Police Officers
enforce College rules & regulations, local and state laws, patrol campus
buildings and grounds; respond to medical and fire emergencies; investigate
incidents; and facilitate the response of emergency services as required.
All officers receive training in various aspects of public safety and emergency
medical response. Campus Police are sworn officers vested with full police
powers pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 37. Campus Police also
derive legal authority from Chapter 22c, section 63. This statute provides
officers with special State Police powers.