Fairfield University vs. Yale

Comparable Facts

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

Yale University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (15,564 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Yale University is in New Haven, CT (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Yale University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Yale University 5:1.

Fairfield University vs. Yale Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Yale? 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 Yale University than Fairfield University ($22,408 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 0.3% lower than at Yale University ($19,838 vs. $19,900).
• Yale University is 15.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $8,900 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.3% higher at Yale than at Fairfield University (about $8,900 more per year; $67,250.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Yale University (96% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Yale University students is 150.8% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($65,892 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Yale Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Yale University (1520) is 190 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Yale 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; Yale University 1470/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Yale University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Yale - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Yale Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Yale students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Yale (3.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 69.8% at Yale.

Fairfield University vs. Yale Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Yale University's six-year graduation rate (97%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Yale University earn a median of about $41,300 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($118,400 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Yale University graduates have a $13,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($13,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Yale graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($139 vs. $279).
• More Yale graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.