ECSU vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, 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 ECSU based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 4,355 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Connecticut State University is located in Willimantic, CT (Distant Town setting); Fairfield University is in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern 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: Eastern Connecticut State University 15:1; Fairfield University 12:1.

ECSU vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU 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 Eastern Connecticut State University than Fairfield University ($21,512 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Connecticut State University are 12.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,445 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 318.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $44,422 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $13,928.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 234.8% higher at Fairfield University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (about $40,922 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $17,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 150.7% larger than aid received by Eastern Connecticut State University students ($26,274 vs. $10,480).

ECSU vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU 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 ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 160 points higher than at ECSU (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Connecticut State University 1070/1260; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at ECSU (3.4).
• ECSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at ECSU vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

ECSU vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU 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 Eastern Connecticut State University's (49%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $30,700 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Connecticut State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ECSU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 68%)

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.