Fairfield University vs. TCNJ

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The College of New Jersey is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (8,141 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); The College of New Jersey is in Ewing, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The College of New Jersey is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; The College of New Jersey 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. TCNJ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or TCNJ? 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 The College of New Jersey than Fairfield University ($25,580 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The College of New Jersey are 24.5% lower than at Fairfield University ($14,976 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 197.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than TCNJ (about $38,718 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $19,632.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.6% higher at Fairfield University than at The College of New Jersey (about $32,598 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $25,752.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at The College of New Jersey (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 96.7% larger than aid received by The College of New Jersey students ($26,274 vs. $13,360).

Fairfield University vs. TCNJ Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 90 points higher than at TCNJ (1240).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at TCNJ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; The College of New Jersey 1140/1340.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; The College of New Jersey 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; TCNJ - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; TCNJ Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at TCNJ (3.29).
• TCNJ has a higher acceptance rate (62.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 19.7% at TCNJ.

Fairfield University vs. TCNJ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The College of New Jersey's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than TCNJ graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The College of New Jersey graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, TCNJ graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More TCNJ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.