Fairfield University vs. Tufts

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Tufts University in Medford, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Tufts University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (13,599 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Tufts University is in Medford, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tufts University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Tufts University 10:1.

Fairfield University vs. Tufts Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Tufts? 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 Tufts University than Fairfield University ($32,367 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tufts University are 6.3% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,588 vs. $19,838).
• Tufts University is 21.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $12,354 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.2% higher at Tufts than at Fairfield University (about $12,354 more per year; $70,704.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Tufts University (96% vs. 39%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tufts University students is 112.9% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($55,933 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Tufts Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tufts University (1520) is 190 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Tufts 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; Tufts University 1470/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Tufts University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Tufts - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Tufts Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Tufts students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Tufts (11.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 45.5% at Tufts.

Fairfield University vs. Tufts Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Tufts University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Tufts University earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($83,100 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tufts University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($18,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tufts graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($186 vs. $279).
• More Tufts graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (91% 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.