Fairfield University vs. George Washington

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with George Washington University in Washington, DC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

George Washington University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (25,374 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); George Washington University is in Washington, DC (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. George Washington University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; George Washington University 13:1.

Fairfield University vs. George Washington Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or George Washington? 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 George Washington University than Fairfield University ($46,485 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at George Washington University are 14.7% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,920 vs. $19,838).
• George Washington University is 16% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $9,360 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16% higher at George Washington than at Fairfield University (about $9,360 more per year; $67,710.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at George Washington University (96% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by George Washington University students is 42.7% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($37,500 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. George Washington Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at George Washington University (1430) is 100 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming George Washington students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; George Washington University 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; George Washington University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; George Washington - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; George Washington Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman George Washington students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• George Washington has a higher acceptance rate (47.1%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 19.3% at George Washington.

Fairfield University vs. George Washington Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and George Washington? 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 George Washington University's (81%).
• Graduates from George Washington University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($80,500 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, George Washington University graduates have a $2,038 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($24,962 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, George Washington graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former George Washington students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.