Fairfield University vs. VWC

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than VWC based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Virginia Wesleyan University is in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1.

Fairfield University vs. VWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University than Fairfield University ($21,267 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 39.9% lower than at Fairfield University ($11,930 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 55.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VWC (about $20,850 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.6% higher at Fairfield University than at Virginia Wesleyan University (about $20,850 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $37,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Wesleyan University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($29,923 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. VWC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 80 points higher than at VWC (1250).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 28 at VWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; VWC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at VWC (3.39).
• VWC has a higher acceptance rate (72.9%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 11.9% at VWC.

Fairfield University vs. VWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and VWC? 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 Virginia Wesleyan University's (48%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $35,400 more per year than VWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Wesleyan University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Virginia Wesleyan University 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 VWC students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 57%)

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.