Fairfield University vs. Bentley

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Bentley based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 5,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Bentley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Bentley? 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 Bentley University than Fairfield University ($45,802 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 1.5% lower than at Bentley University ($19,838 vs. $20,140).
• Bentley University is 4.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $2,650 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.5% higher at Bentley than at Fairfield University (about $2,650 more per year; $61,000.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Bentley University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bentley University students is 28.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($33,673 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Bentley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bentley University (1360) is 30 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Bentley).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Bentley University 1280/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Bentley University 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Bentley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Bentley Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bentley students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Bentley has a higher acceptance rate (45.1%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 21.3% at Bentley.

Fairfield University vs. Bentley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Bentley University's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Bentley University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,200 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bentley University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bentley graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($274 vs. $279).
• More Bentley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.