Fairfield University vs. MICA

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than MICA based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,687 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Maryland Institute College of Art is in Baltimore, MD (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Maryland Institute College of Art is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Maryland Institute College of Art 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. MICA Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or MICA? 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 Maryland Institute College of Art than Fairfield University ($47,834 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 2.8% lower than at Maryland Institute College of Art ($19,838 vs. $20,400).
• Fairfield University is 2.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than MICA (about $1,550 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $56,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.7% higher at Fairfield University than at Maryland Institute College of Art (about $1,550 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $56,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Maryland Institute College of Art than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Maryland Institute College of Art students is 12.6% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($29,578 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. MICA Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 140 points higher than at MICA (1190).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at MICA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Maryland Institute College of Art 1078/1305.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Maryland Institute College of Art 25/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; MICA - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; MICA Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at MICA (3.47).
• MICA has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 10.4% at MICA.

Fairfield University vs. MICA Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and MICA? 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 Maryland Institute College of Art's (71%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $36,800 more per year than MICA graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Maryland Institute College of Art and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Maryland Institute College of Art and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MICA students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 72%)

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.