Fairfield University vs. Brown

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Brown University in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Brown University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (11,956 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Brown University is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Brown University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Brown University 6:1.

Fairfield University vs. Brown Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Brown? 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 Brown University than Fairfield University ($26,256 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brown University are 12.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,444 vs. $19,838).
• Brown University is 22.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $13,062 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.4% higher at Brown than at Fairfield University (about $13,062 more per year; $71,412.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Brown University (96% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brown University students is 133.7% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($61,392 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Brown Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brown University (1550) is 220 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Brown 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; Brown University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Brown University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Brown - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Brown Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Brown students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Brown (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 65.2% at Brown.

Fairfield University vs. Brown Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Brown University's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Brown University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($87,600 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Brown University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($15,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Brown graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($155 vs. $279).
• More Brown graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.