Fairfield University vs. Vassar

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Vassar based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Vassar College is in Poughkeepsie, NY (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Vassar College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Vassar College 7:1.

Fairfield University vs. Vassar Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Vassar? 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 Vassar College than Fairfield University ($29,981 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Vassar College are 8.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,240 vs. $19,838).
• Vassar College is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $12,680 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at Vassar than at Fairfield University (about $12,680 more per year; $71,030.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Vassar College (96% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Vassar College students is 118.6% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($57,443 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Vassar Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Vassar College (1500) is 170 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Vassar 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; Vassar College 1450/1550.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Vassar College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Vassar - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Vassar Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Vassar students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Vassar (18.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 28.8% at Vassar.

Fairfield University vs. Vassar Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Vassar College's six-year graduation rate (91%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Vassar graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $58,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Vassar College graduates have a $11,220 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($15,780 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Vassar graduates have an estimated $116 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($163 vs. $279).
• More Vassar graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.