Fairfield University vs. Wellesley

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Wellesley based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,407 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Wellesley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Wellesley? 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 Wellesley College than Fairfield University ($22,174 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 5.6% lower than at Wellesley College ($19,838 vs. $21,024).
• Wellesley College is 15.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $8,826 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.1% higher at Wellesley than at Fairfield University (about $8,826 more per year; $67,176.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Wellesley College (96% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wellesley College students is 144% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($64,116 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Wellesley Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wellesley College (1510) is 180 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Wellesley 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; Wellesley College 1460/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Wellesley College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Wellesley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Wellesley Jan 8, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Wellesley 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 Wellesley (14%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 47.6% at Wellesley.

Fairfield University vs. Wellesley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wellesley College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $9,000 more per year than Wellesley graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $68,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wellesley College graduates have a $18,100 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($8,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wellesley graduates have an estimated $187 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($92 vs. $279).
• More Wellesley graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.