Fairfield University vs. Elms College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Elms College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); College of Our Lady of the Elms is in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. Elms College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Elms 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 College of Our Lady of the Elms than Fairfield University ($19,870 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Our Lady of the Elms are 21.3% lower than at Fairfield University ($15,605 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 34.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elms College (about $15,025 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.7% higher at Fairfield University than at College of Our Lady of the Elms (about $15,025 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students is 28.6% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($33,794 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Elms College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 90 points higher than at Elms College (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Elms College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Elms College (3.42).
• Elms College has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 10.9% at Elms College.

Fairfield University vs. Elms College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Elms 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than College of Our Lady of the Elms's (58%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $30,800 more per year than Elms College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $46,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elms College 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 Elms College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 61%)

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.