Fairfield University vs. Bard College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Bard College in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Bard College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,911 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Bard College is in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY (Town Fringe setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bard College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Bard College 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Bard College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Bard College? 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 Bard College than Fairfield University ($29,320 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bard College are 5% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,852 vs. $19,838).
• Bard College is 13.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $8,086 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.9% higher at Bard College than at Fairfield University (about $8,086 more per year; $66,436.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Bard College (96% vs. 74%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bard College students is 110.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($55,235 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Bard College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bard College (1360) is 30 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Bard College (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Bard College 1270/1450.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Bard College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Bard College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Bard College Jan 1, 2027.
• Bard College has a higher acceptance rate (52.1%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 12.8% at Bard College.

Fairfield University vs. Bard College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Bard College? 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 Bard College's (76%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $35,500 more per year than Bard College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $41,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bard College graduates have a $806 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,194 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bard College graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($270 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bard College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 81%)

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.