Fairfield University vs. FDU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus in Madison, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than FDU based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,885 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus is in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. FDU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or FDU? 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus than Fairfield University ($25,585 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus are 18% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,270 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 53.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than FDU (about $20,346 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $38,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at Fairfield University than at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus (about $20,346 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $38,004.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus students is 7.7% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($28,294 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. FDU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 150 points higher than at FDU (1180).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at FDU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 1040/1310.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus 19/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; FDU - 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 FDU (3.42).
• FDU has a higher acceptance rate (95.2%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 10.5% at FDU.

Fairfield University vs. FDU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and FDU? 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 Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus's (55%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $24,200 more per year than FDU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $52,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairleigh Dickinson University Florham Campus graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, FDU graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FDU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 60%)

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.