Fairfield University vs. Fordham

Comparable Facts

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

Fordham University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (16,150 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Fordham University is in Bronx, NY (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fordham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Fordham University 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. Fordham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Fordham? 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 Fordham University than Fairfield University ($48,190 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 17.7% lower than at Fordham University ($19,838 vs. $24,090).
• Fordham University is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $6,565 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.3% higher at Fordham than at Fairfield University (about $6,565 more per year; $64,915.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Fordham University (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fordham University students is 37% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,988 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Fordham Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fordham University (1400) is 70 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Fordham 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; Fordham University 1320/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Fordham University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Fordham - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Fordham Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have the same average high school GPA (3.67) as students at Fordham (3.67).
• Fordham has a higher acceptance rate (59.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 9.7% at Fordham.

Fairfield University vs. Fordham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Fordham? 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 Fordham University's (78%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $12,900 more per year than Fordham graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $64,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fordham University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Fordham 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 Fordham students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 77%)

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.