Fairfield University vs. Saint Joseph's University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (7,159 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. Saint Joseph's University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Saint Joseph's 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 Joseph's University Philadelphia than Fairfield University ($31,205 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia are 18.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,240 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Joseph's University (about $5,090 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,260.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at Fairfield University than at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia (about $5,090 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,260.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($36,964 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Saint Joseph's University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University or Saint Joseph's 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 Joseph's University and Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 70 points higher than at Saint Joseph's University (1260).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Saint Joseph's University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 1170/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia 28/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Saint Joseph's University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Saint Joseph's University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Saint Joseph's University (3.65).
• Saint Joseph's University has a higher acceptance rate (88.8%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 14.1% at Saint Joseph's University.

Fairfield University vs. Saint Joseph's University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Saint Joseph's 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 Joseph's University Philadelphia's (76%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than Saint Joseph's University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $64,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia graduates have a $3,992 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($23,008 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Saint Joseph's University graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Joseph's University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 78%)

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.