Fairfield University vs. Union College

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Union College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,065 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Union College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Union 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 Union College than Fairfield University ($42,137 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union College are 14.3% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,010 vs. $19,838).
• Union College is 18.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $10,689 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.3% higher at Union College than at Fairfield University (about $10,689 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University as at Union College (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union College students is 61.9% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($42,534 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Union College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union College (1400) is 70 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Union College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Union College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Union College (3.5).
• Union College has a higher acceptance rate (43.9%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 13.9% at Union College.

Fairfield University vs. Union College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Union 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).

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Union College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $74,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union College and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Union College and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Union College 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.