Fairfield University vs. College of the Atlantic

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, ME on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than College of the Atlantic based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 358 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); College of the Atlantic is in Bar Harbor, ME (Rural Fringe setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of the Atlantic is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; College of the Atlantic 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. College of the Atlantic Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or College of the Atlantic? 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 the Atlantic than Fairfield University ($21,829 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of the Atlantic are 47.6% lower than at Fairfield University ($10,404 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 21.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than College of the Atlantic (about $10,353 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.6% higher at Fairfield University than at College of the Atlantic (about $10,353 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,997.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of the Atlantic than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by College of the Atlantic students is 38.7% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($36,437 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. College of the Atlantic Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University or College of the Atlantic? 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 College of the Atlantic and Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of the Atlantic (1340) is 10 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; College of the Atlantic 1240/1430.
• 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; College of the Atlantic - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; College of the Atlantic Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman College of the Atlantic students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• College of the Atlantic has a higher acceptance rate (70.2%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 23.4% at College of the Atlantic.

Fairfield University vs. College of the Atlantic Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and College of the Atlantic? 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 the Atlantic's (71%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $48,900 more per year than College of the Atlantic graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $28,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, College of the Atlantic graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former College of the Atlantic students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

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.