Fairfield University vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Fairfield University vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or University of Richmond? 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 Richmond than Fairfield University ($30,037 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 13.6% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,140 vs. $19,838).
• University of Richmond is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $6,880 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.8% higher at University of Richmond than at Fairfield University (about $6,880 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at University of Richmond (96% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 94.3% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($51,039 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 140 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming University of Richmond 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; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Richmond students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Fairfield University vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and University of Richmond? 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 Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $5,852 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($21,148 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $61 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($218 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

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.