Fairfield University vs. Lehigh

Comparable Facts

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

Lehigh University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (7,692 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Lehigh Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Lehigh? 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 Lehigh University than Fairfield University ($34,154 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lehigh University are 13.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,220 vs. $19,838).
• Lehigh University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $6,630 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at Lehigh than at Fairfield University (about $6,630 more per year; $64,980.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Lehigh University (96% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lehigh University students is 77.9% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($46,731 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Lehigh Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lehigh University (1440) is 110 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Lehigh 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; Lehigh University 1370/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Lehigh University 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Lehigh - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Lehigh Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lehigh students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Lehigh (25.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 28.4% at Lehigh.

Fairfield University vs. Lehigh Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Lehigh? 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).

• Lehigh University's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Lehigh University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,200 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lehigh University graduates have a $2,744 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($24,256 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lehigh graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($250 vs. $279).
• More Lehigh graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.