Fairfield University vs. F&M

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than F&M based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,808 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Franklin and Marshall College is in Lancaster, PA (Small City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin and Marshall College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Franklin and Marshall College 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. F&M Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or F&M? 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 Franklin and Marshall College than Fairfield University ($43,987 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Franklin and Marshall College are 18.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,188 vs. $19,838).
• Franklin and Marshall College is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $12,444 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at F&M than at Fairfield University (about $12,444 more per year; $70,794.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Franklin and Marshall College (96% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin and Marshall College students is 59.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($41,901 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. F&M Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University or F&M? 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 F&M and Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin and Marshall College (1390) is 60 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming F&M 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; Franklin and Marshall College 1310/1463.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Franklin and Marshall College 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; F&M - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; F&M Jan 15, 2027.
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than F&M (28.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 17.1% at F&M.

Fairfield University vs. F&M Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and F&M? 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).

• Franklin and Marshall College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than F&M graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $61,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin and Marshall College graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, F&M graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($227 vs. $279).
• More F&M graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (88% 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.