Fairfield University vs. Colby College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Colby College in Waterville, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Colby College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,412 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Colby College is in Waterville, ME (Remote Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colby College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Colby College 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Colby College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Colby College? 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 Colby College than Fairfield University ($16,219 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colby College are 9.8% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,890 vs. $19,838).
• Colby College is 19.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $11,250 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at Colby College than at Fairfield University (about $11,250 more per year; $69,600.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Colby College (96% vs. 45%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colby College students is 163.4% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($69,201 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Colby College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colby College (1510) is 180 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Colby College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Colby College 1460/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Colby College 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Colby College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Colby College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colby College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Colby College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 46.2% at Colby College.

Fairfield University vs. Colby College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Colby College? 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).

• Colby College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Colby College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $73,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colby College graduates have a $7,655 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($19,345 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colby College graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($200 vs. $279).
• More Colby College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.