Fairfield University vs. Amherst

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Amherst based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Amherst College is in Amherst, MA (Town Fringe setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Amherst College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Amherst College 6:1.

Fairfield University vs. Amherst Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Amherst? 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 Amherst College than Fairfield University ($19,049 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Amherst College are 7.3% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,390 vs. $19,838).
• Amherst College is 20.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $12,130 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at Amherst than at Fairfield University (about $12,130 more per year; $70,480.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Amherst College (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Amherst College students is 161.1% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($68,591 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Amherst Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Amherst College (1540) is 210 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Amherst students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Amherst College 1490/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Amherst College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Amherst - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Amherst Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Amherst students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Amherst (9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 38.8% at Amherst.

Fairfield University vs. Amherst Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Amherst? 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).

• Amherst College's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Amherst College earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,000 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Amherst College graduates have a $14,025 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($12,975 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Amherst graduates have an estimated $145 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($134 vs. $279).
• More Amherst graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.