Fairfield University vs. Houghton University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Houghton University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,200 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Houghton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Houghton University? 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 Houghton University than Fairfield University ($21,274 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Houghton University are 42.7% lower than at Fairfield University ($11,360 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 216.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Houghton University (about $39,920 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 216.6% higher at Fairfield University than at Houghton University (about $39,920 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $18,430.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Houghton University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 165.3% larger than aid received by Houghton University students ($26,274 vs. $9,902).

Fairfield University vs. Houghton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 60 points higher than at Houghton University (1270).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Houghton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Houghton University 1170/1375.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Houghton University 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Houghton University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Houghton University (3.25).
• Houghton University has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 23.2% at Houghton University.

Fairfield University vs. Houghton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Houghton University? 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 Houghton University's (68%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $32,800 more per year than Houghton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Houghton University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($25,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Houghton University graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($263 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Houghton University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 77%)

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.