Fairfield University vs. RPI

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (7,040 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in Troy, NY (Small City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. RPI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or RPI? 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 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute than Fairfield University ($38,887 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are 8.7% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,120 vs. $19,838).
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is 9.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $5,731 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at RPI than at Fairfield University (about $5,731 more per year; $64,081.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students is 65.6% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($43,517 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. RPI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1440) is 110 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming RPI students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1375/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; RPI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; RPI Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RPI students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.88) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• RPI has a higher acceptance rate (63.5%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 12.1% at RPI.

Fairfield University vs. RPI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's six-year graduation rate (84%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earn a median of about $5,400 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,500 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than RPI graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,500).
• Among borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RPI graduates ($279 vs. $284).
• More RPI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.