Fairfield University vs. Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Wheaton College (Massachusetts) in Norton, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Wheaton College (Massachusetts) based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 1,785 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is in Norton, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)? 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts) than Fairfield University ($30,701 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) are 18.3% lower than at Fairfield University ($16,200 vs. $19,838).
• Wheaton College (Massachusetts) is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $5,610 more per year; $63,960.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) than at Fairfield University (about $5,610 more per year; $63,960.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) than at Fairfield University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheaton College (Massachusetts) students is 85.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($48,666 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Fairfield University or Wheaton College (Massachusetts)? 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts) and Fairfield University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 20 points higher than at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) (1310).
• Incoming Wheaton College (Massachusetts) students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 1220/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Wheaton College (Massachusetts) - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Wheaton College (Massachusetts) (3.48).
• Wheaton College (Massachusetts) has a higher acceptance rate (67.7%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 12.9% at Wheaton College (Massachusetts).

Fairfield University vs. Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Wheaton College (Massachusetts)? 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 Wheaton College (Massachusetts)'s (77%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $23,400 more per year than Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $53,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Wheaton College (Massachusetts) 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.