Fairfield University vs. Columbia

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Columbia University in the City of New York is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1.

Fairfield University vs. Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Columbia? 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 Columbia University in the City of New York than Fairfield University ($22,520 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia University in the City of New York are 11.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,580 vs. $19,838).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 23.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $13,495 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at Columbia than at Fairfield University (about $13,495 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (96% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 155% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($67,010 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Columbia Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 220 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Columbia students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 64.9% at Columbia.

Fairfield University vs. Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Columbia University in the City of New York's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $30,500 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 76%)

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.