Fairfield University vs. Dartmouth

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Dartmouth College is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (6,938 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Dartmouth College is in Hanover, NH (Remote Town setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Dartmouth College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Dartmouth College 7:1.

Fairfield University vs. Dartmouth Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Dartmouth? 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 Dartmouth College than Fairfield University ($20,322 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 0.8% lower than at Dartmouth College ($19,838 vs. $19,999).
• Dartmouth College is 17% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $9,918 more per year; $68,268.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at Dartmouth than at Fairfield University (about $9,918 more per year; $68,268.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Dartmouth College (96% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Dartmouth College students is 156.8% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($67,471 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Dartmouth Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Dartmouth College (1540) is 210 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Dartmouth 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; Dartmouth College 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Dartmouth College 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Dartmouth - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Dartmouth Jan 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth (5.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 69.1% at Dartmouth.

Fairfield University vs. Dartmouth Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Dartmouth College's six-year graduation rate (95%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Dartmouth College earn a median of about $26,900 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($104,000 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dartmouth College graduates have a $13,539 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($13,461 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Dartmouth graduates have an estimated $140 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($139 vs. $279).
• More Dartmouth 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.