Fairfield University vs. Hamilton College

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Hamilton College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,031 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Hamilton College is in Clinton, NY (Rural Fringe setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hamilton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Hamilton College 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Hamilton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Hamilton 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 Hamilton College than Fairfield University ($28,719 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Hamilton College are 11.7% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,510 vs. $19,838).
• Hamilton College is 18.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $10,610 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.2% higher at Hamilton College than at Fairfield University (about $10,610 more per year; $68,960.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Hamilton College (96% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Hamilton College students is 111.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($55,511 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Hamilton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hamilton College (1500) is 170 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Hamilton College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Hamilton College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Hamilton College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Hamilton College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Hamilton College Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Hamilton College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Hamilton College (13.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 39% at Hamilton College.

Fairfield University vs. Hamilton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Hamilton 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).

• Hamilton College's six-year graduation rate (89%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Hamilton College earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($79,000 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have a $11,240 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($15,760 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Hamilton College graduates have an estimated $117 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($162 vs. $279).
• More Hamilton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.