USF vs. Fairfield University

Comparable Facts

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

University of San Francisco is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (8,913 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of San Francisco is located in San Francisco, CA (Large City setting); Fairfield University is in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting).
• University of San Francisco is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of San Francisco 11:1; Fairfield University 12:1.

USF vs. Fairfield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USF 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 San Francisco than Fairfield University ($45,443 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of San Francisco are 0.4% lower than at Fairfield University ($19,764 vs. $19,838).
• University of San Francisco is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $2,142 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.7% higher at USF than at Fairfield University (about $2,142 more per year; $60,492.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at University of San Francisco (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of San Francisco students is 32.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($34,723 vs. $26,274).

USF vs. Fairfield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USF 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 USF.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 40 points higher than at USF (1290).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at USF).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 1190/1390; Fairfield University 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of San Francisco 25/30; Fairfield University 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USF - Test optional; Fairfield University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USF Jan 15, 2027; Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at USF (3.57).
• USF has a higher acceptance rate (61.7%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 6% at USF vs. 23.7% at Fairfield University.

USF vs. Fairfield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USF 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 San Francisco's (70%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than USF graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $70,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of San Francisco graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, USF graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USF students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 73%)

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.