Fairfield University vs. Saint Francis University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Saint Francis University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,963 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Saint Francis University is in Loretto, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Francis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Saint Francis University 16:1.

Fairfield University vs. Saint Francis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Saint Francis University? 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 Saint Francis University than Fairfield University ($28,326 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Francis University are 31.9% lower than at Fairfield University ($13,500 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 32.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Francis University (about $14,350 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $44,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.6% higher at Fairfield University than at Saint Francis University (about $14,350 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $44,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Francis University than at Fairfield University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Francis University students is 20.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($31,610 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Saint Francis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 190 points higher than at Saint Francis University (1140).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at Saint Francis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Saint Francis University 1050/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Saint Francis University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Saint Francis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Saint Francis University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Saint Francis University has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 19.6% at Saint Francis University.

Fairfield University vs. Saint Francis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Saint Francis University? 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 Saint Francis University's (64%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $23,100 more per year than Saint Francis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $54,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Francis University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 74%)

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.