Fairfield University vs. SUNY-ESF

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than SUNY-ESF based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is in Syracuse, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. SUNY-ESF Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or SUNY-ESF? 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 College of Environmental Science and Forestry than Fairfield University ($19,814 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry are 8.9% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,080 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 527.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than SUNY-ESF (about $49,047 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $9,303.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 162.1% higher at Fairfield University than at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (about $36,087 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $22,263.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University as at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 202% larger than aid received by SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students ($26,274 vs. $8,699).

Fairfield University vs. SUNY-ESF Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University or SUNY-ESF? 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 SUNY-ESF and Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 110 points higher than at SUNY-ESF (1220).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at SUNY-ESF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1130/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; SUNY-ESF - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; SUNY-ESF Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SUNY-ESF students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• SUNY-ESF has a higher acceptance rate (63.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 17.6% at SUNY-ESF.

Fairfield University vs. SUNY-ESF Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and SUNY-ESF? 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 College of Environmental Science and Forestry's (66%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $30,900 more per year than SUNY-ESF graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduates have a $7,250 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($19,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, SUNY-ESF graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($204 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SUNY-ESF 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.