Fairfield University vs. BC

Comparable Facts

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

Boston College is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (15,432 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Boston College is in Chestnut Hill, MA (Small City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Boston College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Boston College 10:1.

Fairfield University vs. BC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or BC? 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 Boston College than Fairfield University ($32,519 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Boston College are 4.6% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,916 vs. $19,838).
• Boston College is 21.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $12,352 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.2% higher at BC than at Fairfield University (about $12,352 more per year; $70,702.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Boston College (96% vs. 40%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Boston College students is 116.8% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($56,971 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. BC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Boston College (1490) is 160 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming BC 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; Boston College 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Boston College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; BC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; BC Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BC students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than BC (16.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 43.5% at BC.

Fairfield University vs. BC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Boston College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Boston College earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($90,900 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Boston College graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, BC graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More BC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.