Fairfield University vs. Salisbury

Comparable Facts

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

Salisbury University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (7,025 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Salisbury University is in Salisbury, MD (Small Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salisbury University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Salisbury University 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. Salisbury Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Salisbury? 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 Salisbury University than Fairfield University ($18,760 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salisbury University are 29.9% lower than at Fairfield University ($13,900 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 426.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salisbury (about $47,266 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $11,084.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 163.1% higher at Fairfield University than at Salisbury University (about $36,176 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $22,174.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Salisbury University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 188% larger than aid received by Salisbury University students ($26,274 vs. $9,124).

Fairfield University vs. Salisbury Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 80 points higher than at Salisbury (1250).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 24 at Salisbury).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Salisbury University 1180/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Salisbury University 20/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Salisbury - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Salisbury Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Salisbury students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Salisbury has a higher acceptance rate (87.5%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 18.4% at Salisbury.

Fairfield University vs. Salisbury Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Salisbury? 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 Salisbury University's (67%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $25,100 more per year than Salisbury graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $52,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salisbury University graduates have a $6,847 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($20,153 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Salisbury graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($208 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salisbury students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 68%)

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.