Fairfield University vs. EC

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than EC based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 786 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Elmira College is in Elmira, NY (Small City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elmira College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Elmira College 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. EC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or EC? 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 Elmira College than Fairfield University ($23,682 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmira College are 26.7% lower than at Fairfield University ($14,550 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 49.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than EC (about $19,374 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.7% higher at Fairfield University than at Elmira College (about $19,374 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $38,976.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmira College than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmira College students is 9.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($28,780 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. EC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 90 points higher than at EC (1240).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at EC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Elmira College 1090/1385.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Elmira College 26/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; EC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at EC (3.22).
• EC has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 12.3% at EC.

Fairfield University vs. EC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and EC? 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 Elmira College's (60%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $31,100 more per year than EC graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmira College and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Elmira College and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EC students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 72%)

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.