Fairfield University vs. Lafayette College

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Lafayette College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,775 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Lafayette College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Lafayette 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 Lafayette College than Fairfield University ($38,442 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 0.1% lower than at Lafayette College ($19,838 vs. $19,866).
• Lafayette College is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $7,048 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.1% higher at Lafayette College than at Fairfield University (about $7,048 more per year; $65,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Lafayette College (96% vs. 61%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lafayette College students is 70.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($44,707 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Lafayette College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lafayette College (1430) is 100 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Lafayette College 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; Lafayette College 1350/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Lafayette College 31/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Lafayette College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Lafayette College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Lafayette College (3.53).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Lafayette College (31.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 21.8% at Lafayette College.

Fairfield University vs. Lafayette College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Lafayette 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).

• Lafayette College's six-year graduation rate (88%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Lafayette College earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($81,000 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lafayette College graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Lafayette College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.