Fairfield University vs. SHU

Comparable Facts

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

Sacred Heart University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (11,022 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Sacred Heart University is in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sacred Heart University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Sacred Heart University 15:1.

Fairfield University vs. SHU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or SHU? 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 Sacred Heart University than Fairfield University ($47,848 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sacred Heart University are 3.5% lower than at Fairfield University ($19,140 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 15.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SHU (about $7,946 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $50,404.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.8% higher at Fairfield University than at Sacred Heart University (about $7,946 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $50,404.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sacred Heart University than at Fairfield University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 21.5% larger than aid received by Sacred Heart University students ($26,274 vs. $21,625).

Fairfield University vs. SHU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; SHU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at SHU (3.55).
• SHU has a higher acceptance rate (65.4%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 17.5% at SHU.

Fairfield University vs. SHU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and SHU? 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 Sacred Heart University's (68%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than SHU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $59,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Sacred Heart University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SHU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SHU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 76%)

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.