Fairfield University vs. Mary Washington College

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Mary Washington College based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); University of Mary Washington is in Fredericksburg, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Mary Washington is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; University of Mary Washington 13:1.

Fairfield University vs. Mary Washington College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Mary Washington 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 University of Mary Washington than Fairfield University ($21,800 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Mary Washington are 28.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($14,250 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 298.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mary Washington College (about $43,710 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $14,640.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.7% higher at Fairfield University than at University of Mary Washington (about $30,790 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $27,560.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Mary Washington than at Fairfield University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fairfield University students is 150.4% larger than aid received by University of Mary Washington students ($26,274 vs. $10,491).

Fairfield University vs. Mary Washington College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 60 points higher than at Mary Washington College (1270).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Mary Washington College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; University of Mary Washington 1170/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; University of Mary Washington 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Mary Washington College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mary Washington College students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Mary Washington College has a higher acceptance rate (79.8%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 17.7% at Mary Washington College.

Fairfield University vs. Mary Washington College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Mary Washington 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than University of Mary Washington's (71%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than Mary Washington College graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Mary Washington graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Mary Washington College graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mary Washington College students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.