Fairfield University vs. MHC

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than MHC based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,275 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Mount Holyoke College is in South Hadley, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Holyoke College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Mount Holyoke College 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. MHC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or MHC? 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 Mount Holyoke College than Fairfield University ($32,526 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mount Holyoke College are 0.8% lower than at Fairfield University ($19,684 vs. $19,838).
• Mount Holyoke College is 14.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $8,668 more per year; $67,018.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.9% higher at MHC than at Fairfield University (about $8,668 more per year; $67,018.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Mount Holyoke College (96% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Holyoke College students is 99.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($52,418 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. MHC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mount Holyoke College (1460) is 130 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming MHC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Mount Holyoke College 1380/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Mount Holyoke College 32/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; MHC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; MHC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MHC students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• MHC has a higher acceptance rate (36%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 27.2% at MHC.

Fairfield University vs. MHC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Mount Holyoke College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $27,100 more per year than MHC graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mount Holyoke College graduates have a $5,794 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($21,206 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MHC graduates have an estimated $60 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($219 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MHC students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 77%)

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.