Fairfield University vs. Dickinson College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Dickinson College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Dickinson College is in Carlisle, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dickinson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Dickinson College 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. Dickinson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Dickinson 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 Dickinson College than Fairfield University ($38,483 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dickinson College are 13.8% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,100 vs. $19,838).
• Dickinson College is 12.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $7,300 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.5% higher at Dickinson College than at Fairfield University (about $7,300 more per year; $65,650.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University as at Dickinson College (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dickinson College students is 69.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($44,479 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Dickinson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dickinson College (1390) is 60 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Dickinson College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Dickinson College 1310/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Dickinson College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Dickinson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Dickinson College Jan 15, 2027.
• Dickinson College has a higher acceptance rate (42.1%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 21.1% at Dickinson College.

Fairfield University vs. Dickinson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Dickinson 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).

• Dickinson College's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Dickinson College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $62,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($21,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dickinson College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($217 vs. $279).
• More Dickinson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.