Fairfield University vs. Olin College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Franklin W Olin College of Engineering in Needham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Olin College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 405 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is in Needham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Olin College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Olin 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 Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than Fairfield University ($43,184 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 4.7% lower than at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering ($19,838 vs. $20,810).
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is 13.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $8,048 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.8% higher at Olin College than at Fairfield University (about $8,048 more per year; $66,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students is 64.8% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($43,290 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Olin College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (1530) is 200 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Franklin W Olin College of Engineering 1493/1558.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Olin College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Olin College Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Olin College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Olin College (25.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 43.7% at Olin College.

Fairfield University vs. Olin College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Olin 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).

• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates have a $12,290 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($14,710 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Olin College graduates have an estimated $127 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($152 vs. $279).

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.