Fairfield University vs. Gordon College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Gordon College in Wenham, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Gordon College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,595 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Gordon College is in Wenham, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gordon College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Gordon College 10:1.

Fairfield University vs. Gordon College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Gordon 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 Gordon College than Fairfield University ($25,299 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gordon College are 33% lower than at Fairfield University ($13,300 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 90.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gordon College (about $27,650 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $30,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.1% higher at Fairfield University than at Gordon College (about $27,650 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $30,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gordon College than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 56.4% larger than aid received by Gordon College students ($26,274 vs. $16,802).

Fairfield University vs. Gordon College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 90 points higher than at Gordon College (1240).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Gordon College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Gordon College 1130/1355.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Gordon College 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Gordon College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Gordon College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Gordon College (3.58).
• Gordon College has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 21.6% at Gordon College.

Fairfield University vs. Gordon College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Gordon 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Gordon College's (74%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $31,800 more per year than Gordon College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gordon College and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Gordon College and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Gordon College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.