Fairfield University vs. Brandeis University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Brandeis University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 5,205 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Brandeis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Brandeis University? 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 Brandeis University than Fairfield University ($43,550 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 0.5% lower than at Brandeis University ($19,838 vs. $19,944).
• Brandeis University is 16.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $9,730 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.7% higher at Brandeis University than at Fairfield University (about $9,730 more per year; $68,080.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Brandeis University (96% vs. 62%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brandeis University students is 63.1% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($42,841 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Brandeis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brandeis University (1460) is 130 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Brandeis University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Brandeis University 1390/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Brandeis University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Brandeis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brandeis University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Brandeis University has a higher acceptance rate (40.5%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 17.3% at Brandeis University.

Fairfield University vs. Brandeis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Brandeis University's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Brandeis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $66,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brandeis University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Brandeis University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Brandeis University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.