Fairfield University vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Providence College in Providence, RI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Providence College is in Providence, RI (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Providence College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Providence College 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Providence? 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 Providence College than Fairfield University ($48,618 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Providence College are 10.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,840 vs. $19,838).
• Providence College is 8.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $5,200 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.9% higher at Providence than at Fairfield University (about $5,200 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Providence College (96% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Providence College students is 21.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($31,873 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 10 points higher than at Providence (1320).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Providence (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Providence has a higher acceptance rate (50.9%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Fairfield University vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $68,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Providence College and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Providence College 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 Providence 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.