Fairfield University vs. Jefferson

Comparable Facts

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

Thomas Jefferson University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (8,238 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Jefferson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Jefferson? 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 Thomas Jefferson University than Fairfield University ($29,325 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Thomas Jefferson University are 20.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($15,834 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 22.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Jefferson (about $10,845 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Fairfield University than at Thomas Jefferson University (about $10,845 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,505.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Thomas Jefferson University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Thomas Jefferson University students is 33.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,007 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Jefferson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 80 points higher than at Jefferson (1250).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Jefferson).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Thomas Jefferson University 1160/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Thomas Jefferson University 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Jefferson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Jefferson Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Jefferson students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Jefferson has a higher acceptance rate (81%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 12.1% at Jefferson.

Fairfield University vs. Jefferson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of about $45,800 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($122,900 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Thomas Jefferson University graduates have a $14,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($12,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Jefferson graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($129 vs. $279).
• More Jefferson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.