Fairfield University vs. Cornell

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Cornell University in Ithaca, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Cornell University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (26,793 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Cornell Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Cornell? 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 Cornell University than Fairfield University ($26,361 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell University are 2.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($19,428 vs. $19,838).
• Cornell University is 18.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $10,964 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.8% higher at Cornell than at Fairfield University (about $10,964 more per year; $69,314.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Cornell University (96% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell University students is 135.1% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($61,779 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Cornell Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell University (1540) is 210 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Cornell 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; Cornell University 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Cornell University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Cornell - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Cornell Jan 2, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cornell students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Cornell (8.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 63.9% at Cornell.

Fairfield University vs. Cornell Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Cornell University's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Cornell University earn a median of about $21,300 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,400 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cornell University graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($12,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cornell graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Cornell graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.