Fairfield University vs. Marist University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Marist University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Marist University is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Marist University 15:1.

Fairfield University vs. Marist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Marist 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 Marist University than Fairfield University ($42,508 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Marist University are 6.9% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,460 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 22.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marist University (about $10,600 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.2% higher at Fairfield University than at Marist University (about $10,600 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,750.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University as at Marist University (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 4.8% larger than aid received by Marist University students ($26,274 vs. $25,067).

Fairfield University vs. Marist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 60 points higher than at Marist University (1270).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Marist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Marist University 1190/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Marist University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Marist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Marist University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Marist University (3.56).
• Marist University has a higher acceptance rate (56.5%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 19.9% at Marist University.

Fairfield University vs. Marist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Marist 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 Marist University's (80%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $18,100 more per year than Marist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $59,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Marist University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Marist University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marist University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.