Fairfield University vs. CNU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than CNU based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Christopher Newport University is in Newport News, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Christopher Newport University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Christopher Newport University 13:1.

Fairfield University vs. CNU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or CNU? 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 Christopher Newport University than Fairfield University ($23,148 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christopher Newport University are 37.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($12,460 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 246.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CNU (about $41,522 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $16,828.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.2% higher at Fairfield University than at Christopher Newport University (about $27,172 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $31,178.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Christopher Newport University (96% vs. 64%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 150.4% larger than aid received by Christopher Newport University students ($26,274 vs. $10,494).

Fairfield University vs. CNU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 150 points higher than at CNU (1180).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at CNU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Christopher Newport University 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Christopher Newport University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; CNU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; CNU Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CNU students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• CNU has a higher acceptance rate (86%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 18% at CNU.

Fairfield University vs. CNU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and CNU? 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 Christopher Newport University's (63%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $30,000 more per year than CNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $47,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Christopher Newport University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, CNU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CNU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 78%)

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.