Connecticut College vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Connecticut College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,990 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Connecticut College is located in New London, CT (Small City setting); Fairfield University is in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting).
• Connecticut College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Connecticut College 9:1; Fairfield University 12:1.

Connecticut College vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Connecticut College 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 Connecticut College than Fairfield University ($45,700 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Connecticut College are 6.5% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,558 vs. $19,838).
• Connecticut College is 15.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $8,892 more per year; $67,242.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.2% higher at Connecticut College than at Fairfield University (about $8,892 more per year; $67,242.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Connecticut College than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Connecticut College students is 48.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($38,932 vs. $26,274).

Connecticut College vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Connecticut College 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 Connecticut College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Connecticut College (1430) is 100 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Connecticut College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Connecticut College 1350/1500; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Connecticut College 30/33; Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Connecticut College - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Connecticut College Jan 1, 2027; Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Connecticut College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Connecticut College has a higher acceptance rate (37%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Connecticut College vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

Connecticut College vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Connecticut College 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).

• Connecticut College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $16,400 more per year than Connecticut College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $60,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Connecticut College graduates have a $3,450 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($23,550 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Connecticut College graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($243 vs. $279).
• More Connecticut College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (90% vs. 82%)

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.