Fairfield University vs. ONU

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than ONU based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,140 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Ohio Northern University is in Ada, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ohio Northern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Ohio Northern University 13:1.

Fairfield University vs. ONU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University than Fairfield University ($25,941 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ohio Northern University are 26.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($14,604 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 46.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than ONU (about $18,550 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.6% higher at Fairfield University than at Ohio Northern University (about $18,550 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $39,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ohio Northern University than at Fairfield University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ohio Northern University students is 5.4% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($27,696 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. ONU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 40 points higher than at ONU (1290).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at ONU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Ohio Northern University 1175/1400.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Ohio Northern University 24/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; ONU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; ONU Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ONU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• ONU has a higher acceptance rate (74.4%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 19.9% at ONU.

Fairfield University vs. ONU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and ONU? 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 Ohio Northern University's (65%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than ONU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $71,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ohio Northern University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Ohio Northern University 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 ONU students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.