Fairfield University vs. Canisius

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Canisius University in Buffalo, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Canisius based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,451 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Canisius University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Canisius University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Canisius University 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. Canisius Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Canisius? 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 Canisius University than Fairfield University ($19,666 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Canisius University are 31.6% lower than at Fairfield University ($13,560 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 69.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Canisius (about $23,850 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 69.1% higher at Fairfield University than at Canisius University (about $23,850 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $34,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Canisius University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 5.2% larger than aid received by Canisius University students ($26,274 vs. $24,972).

Fairfield University vs. Canisius Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 140 points higher than at Canisius (1190).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Canisius).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Canisius University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Canisius University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Canisius - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Canisius students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Canisius has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 13.1% at Canisius.

Fairfield University vs. Canisius Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Canisius? 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 Canisius University's (67%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $27,200 more per year than Canisius graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $49,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Canisius University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($24,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Canisius graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($255 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Canisius students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 71%)

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.