Fairfield University vs. Colgate

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Colgate based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,211 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Colgate University is in Hamilton, NY (Distant Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Colgate University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Colgate University 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Colgate Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Colgate? 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 Colgate University than Fairfield University ($28,736 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colgate University are 11.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,610 vs. $19,838).
• Colgate University is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $11,956 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Colgate than at Fairfield University (about $11,956 more per year; $70,306.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Colgate University (96% vs. 43%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Colgate University students is 122% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($58,334 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Colgate Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colgate University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Colgate 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; Colgate University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Colgate University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Colgate - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Colgate Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colgate students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Colgate (13.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 28.7% at Colgate.

Fairfield University vs. Colgate Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Colgate University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Colgate graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $75,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Colgate University graduates have a $10,875 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($16,125 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Colgate graduates have an estimated $113 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($166 vs. $279).
• More Colgate graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.