Fairfield University vs. Williams

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Williams based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,164 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Williams College is in Williamstown, MA (Distant Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Williams College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Williams College 6:1.

Fairfield University vs. Williams Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Williams? 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 Williams College than Fairfield University ($15,894 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Williams College are 13% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,260 vs. $19,838).
• Williams College is 17.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $10,210 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at Williams than at Fairfield University (about $10,210 more per year; $68,560.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Williams College (96% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Williams College students is 162.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($68,966 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Williams Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Williams College (1530) is 200 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Williams 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; Williams College 1490/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Williams College 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Williams - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Williams Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Williams students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Williams (8.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 43% at Williams.

Fairfield University vs. Williams Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Williams College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Williams graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $73,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Williams College graduates have a $12,418 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($14,582 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Williams graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($150 vs. $279).
• More Williams graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.