Fairfield University vs. Ithaca College

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Ithaca College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 4,767 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Ithaca College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Ithaca 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 Ithaca College than Fairfield University ($35,253 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 18.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,192 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $4,810 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Fairfield University than at Ithaca College (about $4,810 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ithaca College students is 27.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($33,450 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Ithaca College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 20 points higher than at Ithaca College (1310).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Ithaca College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Ithaca College 1230/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Ithaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Ithaca College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Ithaca College has a higher acceptance rate (69%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 12.3% at Ithaca College.

Fairfield University vs. Ithaca College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Ithaca 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 Ithaca College's (74%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $21,000 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $56,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Ithaca College graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Ithaca College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.