Fairfield University vs. Wesleyan University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Wesleyan University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 4,011 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Wesleyan University is in Middletown, CT (Small City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Wesleyan University 8:1.

Fairfield University vs. Wesleyan University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Wesleyan University? 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 Wesleyan University than Fairfield University ($23,025 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 0.2% lower than at Wesleyan University ($19,838 vs. $19,872).
• Wesleyan University is 20.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $11,992 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.6% higher at Wesleyan University than at Fairfield University (about $11,992 more per year; $70,342.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Wesleyan University (96% vs. 42%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wesleyan University students is 151.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($65,995 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Wesleyan University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wesleyan University (1480) is 150 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Wesleyan University 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; Wesleyan University 1415/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Wesleyan University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Wesleyan University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Wesleyan University Jan 1, 2027.
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Wesleyan University (16.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 34.8% at Wesleyan University.

Fairfield University vs. Wesleyan University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $19,100 more per year than Wesleyan University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $58,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($17,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wesleyan University graduates have an estimated $99 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($180 vs. $279).
• More Wesleyan University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.