Fairfield University vs. RIT

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rochester Institute of Technology is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (17,098 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Rochester Institute of Technology is in Rochester, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rochester Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Rochester Institute of Technology 13:1.

Fairfield University vs. RIT Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or RIT ? 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 Rochester Institute of Technology than Fairfield University ($39,534 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rochester Institute of Technology are 18.6% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,142 vs. $19,838).
• Rochester Institute of Technology is 1.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $924 more per year; $59,274.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.6% higher at RIT than at Fairfield University (about $924 more per year; $59,274.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rochester Institute of Technology than at Fairfield University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rochester Institute of Technology students is 33.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,077 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. RIT Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rochester Institute of Technology (1380) is 50 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming RIT students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Rochester Institute of Technology 1300/1460.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Rochester Institute of Technology 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; RIT - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; RIT Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RIT students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• RIT has a higher acceptance rate (66.9%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 16.3% at RIT .

Fairfield University vs. RIT Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and RIT ? 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 Rochester Institute of Technology's (64%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than RIT graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $64,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than RIT graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RIT graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former RIT students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

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.