Fairfield University vs. Drew University

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Drew University in Madison, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Drew University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Drew University is in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Drew University 11:1.

Fairfield University vs. Drew University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Drew 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 Drew University than Fairfield University ($28,425 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drew University are 11.1% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,640 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 23.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Drew University (about $11,250 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.9% higher at Fairfield University than at Drew University (about $11,250 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,100.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drew University than at Fairfield University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 40.1% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($36,807 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Drew University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 110 points higher than at Drew University (1220).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 27 at Drew University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Drew University 1103/1338.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Drew University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Drew University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• Drew University has a higher acceptance rate (67.8%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 10.7% at Drew University.

Fairfield University vs. Drew University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Drew 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 Drew University's (68%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $21,600 more per year than Drew University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $55,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drew University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Drew University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drew University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 70%)

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.