Fairfield University vs. Seton Hall University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Seton Hall University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (9,571 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Seton Hall University is in South Orange, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seton Hall University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Seton Hall University 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. Seton Hall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Seton Hall 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 Seton Hall University than Fairfield University ($33,896 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seton Hall University are 9.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,970 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seton Hall University (about $5,180 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,170.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.7% higher at Fairfield University than at Seton Hall University (about $5,180 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,170.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seton Hall University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seton Hall University students is 33% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($34,943 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Seton Hall University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University or Seton Hall 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 Seton Hall University and Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 20 points higher than at Seton Hall University (1310).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Seton Hall University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Seton Hall University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Seton Hall University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Seton Hall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Seton Hall University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Seton Hall University (3.64).
• Seton Hall University has a higher acceptance rate (73.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 8.8% at Seton Hall University.

Fairfield University vs. Seton Hall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Seton Hall 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 Seton Hall University's (66%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than Seton Hall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $62,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seton Hall University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Seton Hall University 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 Seton Hall University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 71%)

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.