Fairfield University vs. Penn

Comparable Facts

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

University of Pennsylvania is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (29,109 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); University of Pennsylvania is in Philadelphia, PA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Pennsylvania is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; University of Pennsylvania 8:1.

Fairfield University vs. Penn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Penn? 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 Pennsylvania than Fairfield University ($23,570 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Pennsylvania are 3.3% lower than at Fairfield University ($19,174 vs. $19,838).
• University of Pennsylvania is 17.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $10,336 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.7% higher at Penn than at Fairfield University (about $10,336 more per year; $68,686.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at University of Pennsylvania (96% vs. 51%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Pennsylvania students is 149.1% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($65,458 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Penn Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Pennsylvania (1540) is 210 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Penn students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; University of Pennsylvania 1510/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; University of Pennsylvania 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Penn - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Penn Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Penn (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 68% at Penn.

Fairfield University vs. Penn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from University of Pennsylvania earn a median of about $46,500 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($123,600 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $6,367 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($20,633 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($213 vs. $279).
• More Penn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.