Fairfield University vs. Clark University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Clark University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,925 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Clark University is in Worcester, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clark University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Clark University 8:1.

Fairfield University vs. Clark University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Clark 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 Clark University than Fairfield University ($33,865 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clark University are 37% lower than at Fairfield University ($12,500 vs. $19,838).
• Clark University is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $517 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at Clark University than at Fairfield University (about $517 more per year; $58,867.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clark University than at Fairfield University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clark University students is 31.9% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($34,667 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Clark University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clark University (1370) is 40 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Clark University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Clark University 1288/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Clark University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Clark University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Clark University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clark University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Clark University has a higher acceptance rate (39.5%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 10.7% at Clark University.

Fairfield University vs. Clark University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Clark 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Clark University's (80%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $27,000 more per year than Clark University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $50,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clark University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Clark 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 Clark 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.