Fairfield University vs. Purchase College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with SUNY at Purchase College in Purchase, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Purchase College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,333 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); SUNY at Purchase College is in Purchase, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY at Purchase College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; SUNY at Purchase College 12:1.

Fairfield University vs. Purchase College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Purchase College? 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 SUNY at Purchase College than Fairfield University ($18,211 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY at Purchase College are 17.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,436 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 551.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Purchase College (about $49,397 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $8,953.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 203.9% higher at Fairfield University than at SUNY at Purchase College (about $39,147 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $19,203.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at SUNY at Purchase College (96% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 151.9% larger than aid received by SUNY at Purchase College students ($26,274 vs. $10,432).

Fairfield University vs. Purchase College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 50 points higher than at Purchase College (1280).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at Purchase College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; SUNY at Purchase College 1185/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; SUNY at Purchase College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Purchase College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Purchase College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Purchase College (3.37).
• Purchase College has a higher acceptance rate (74%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 12.9% at Purchase College.

Fairfield University vs. Purchase College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Purchase College? 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 SUNY at Purchase College's (56%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $36,900 more per year than Purchase College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY at Purchase College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Purchase College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Purchase College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 65%)

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.