DU vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Denver is located in Denver, CO (Large City setting); Fairfield University is in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Denver is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Denver 9:1; Fairfield University 12:1.

DU vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU or Fairfield 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 University of Denver than Fairfield University ($45,451 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Denver are 10.5% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,759 vs. $19,838).
• University of Denver is 5.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $3,048 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at DU than at Fairfield University (about $3,048 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Denver than at Fairfield University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Denver students is 29.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($33,955 vs. $26,274).

DU vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is the same as at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming DU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Fairfield University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

DU vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU and Fairfield 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).

• Fairfield University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than University of Denver's (78%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than DU graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $63,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Denver graduates have a $3,301 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($23,699 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, DU graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($245 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 72%)

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.