CCSU vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT with Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Connecticut State University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (9,997 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT (Large Suburban setting); Fairfield University is in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Connecticut State University 14:1; Fairfield University 12:1.

CCSU vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CCSU or Fairfield 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 Central Connecticut State University than Fairfield University ($17,528 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Connecticut State University are 34% lower than at Fairfield University ($13,086 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 347.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CCSU (about $45,300 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $13,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 252.6% higher at Fairfield University than at Central Connecticut State University (about $41,800 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $16,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Central Connecticut State University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 197.1% larger than aid received by Central Connecticut State University students ($26,274 vs. $8,842).

CCSU vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CCSU or Fairfield 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 Fairfield University and CCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 250 points higher than at CCSU (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Connecticut State University 960/1190; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CCSU - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CCSU Aug 26, 2027; Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at CCSU (3.2).
• CCSU has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at CCSU vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

CCSU vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CCSU and Fairfield 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Central Connecticut State University's (47%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $28,100 more per year than CCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Connecticut State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CCSU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CCSU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 63%)

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.