Fairfield University vs. Simmons University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Simmons University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Simmons University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simmons University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Simmons University 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Simmons University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Simmons 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 Simmons University than Fairfield University ($28,691 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simmons University are 11.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,618 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 24.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Simmons University (about $11,476 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.5% higher at Fairfield University than at Simmons University (about $11,476 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $46,874.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Simmons University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simmons University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,123 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Simmons University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 20 points higher than at Simmons University (1310).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Simmons University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Simmons University 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Simmons University 26/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Simmons University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Simmons University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simmons University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Simmons University has a higher acceptance rate (70%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 10.8% at Simmons University.

Fairfield University vs. Simmons University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Simmons 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 Simmons University's (69%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $24,300 more per year than Simmons University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $52,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Simmons University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Simmons University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Simmons University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.