Fairfield University vs. Swarthmore

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Swarthmore based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,623 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Swarthmore College is in Swarthmore, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Swarthmore College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Swarthmore College 7:1.

Fairfield University vs. Swarthmore Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Swarthmore? 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 Swarthmore College than Fairfield University ($22,469 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 2.3% lower than at Swarthmore College ($19,838 vs. $20,308).
• Swarthmore College is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $7,144 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Swarthmore than at Fairfield University (about $7,144 more per year; $65,494.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Swarthmore College (96% vs. 57%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Swarthmore College students is 134.6% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($61,634 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Swarthmore Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Swarthmore College (1530) is 200 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Swarthmore students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Swarthmore College 1490/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Swarthmore College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Swarthmore - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Swarthmore Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Swarthmore students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Swarthmore (7.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 43.8% at Swarthmore.

Fairfield University vs. Swarthmore Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Swarthmore? 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).

• Swarthmore College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than Swarthmore graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $65,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Swarthmore College graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($19,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Swarthmore graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($201 vs. $279).
• More Swarthmore graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (87% vs. 82%)

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.