Fairfield University vs. University of Scranton

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than University of Scranton based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 4,724 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); University of Scranton is in Scranton, PA (Small City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Scranton is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; University of Scranton 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. University of Scranton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or University of Scranton? 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 Scranton than Fairfield University ($34,234 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Scranton are 12.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,380 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Scranton (about $4,367 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Fairfield University than at University of Scranton (about $4,367 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $53,983.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University as at University of Scranton (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Scranton students is 35.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,606 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. University of Scranton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 90 points higher than at University of Scranton (1240).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at University of Scranton).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; University of Scranton 1160/1318.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; University of Scranton 25/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; University of Scranton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; University of Scranton Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at University of Scranton (3.56).
• University of Scranton has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 11.3% at University of Scranton.

Fairfield University vs. University of Scranton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and University of Scranton? 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 Scranton's (77%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $15,000 more per year than University of Scranton graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $62,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Scranton and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, University of Scranton and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Scranton students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 81%)

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.