Fairfield University vs. Trinity College

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Trinity College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,238 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Trinity College is in Hartford, CT (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Trinity College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Trinity College 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. Trinity College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Trinity 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 Trinity College than Fairfield University ($36,071 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Trinity College are 4.8% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,890 vs. $19,838).
• Trinity College is 21.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $12,420 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.3% higher at Trinity College than at Fairfield University (about $12,420 more per year; $70,770.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Trinity College (96% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Trinity College students is 97% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($51,754 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Trinity College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Trinity College (1380) is 50 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Trinity College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Trinity College 1298/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Trinity College 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Trinity College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Trinity College Jan 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Trinity College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Trinity College (29.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 24.8% at Trinity College.

Fairfield University vs. Trinity College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Trinity 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).

• Trinity College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Trinity College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $71,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Trinity College graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($21,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Trinity College graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($217 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Trinity College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 81%)

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.