Fairfield University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with American University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

American University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (12,321 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); American University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. American University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; American University 10:1.

Fairfield University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or AU? 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 American University than Fairfield University ($39,676 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at American University are 9.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,982 vs. $19,838).
• American University is 0.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $421 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at AU than at Fairfield University (about $421 more per year; $58,771.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at American University (96% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American University students is 38.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($36,349 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. AU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at American University (1370) is 40 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at AU (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; American University 1280/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; American University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; AU Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• AU has a higher acceptance rate (62%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 15.6% at AU.

Fairfield University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and AU? 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 American University's (77%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $12,300 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $64,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, American University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($24,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.