Fairfield University vs. Drexel

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Drexel University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (21,153 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Drexel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Drexel? 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 Drexel University than Fairfield University ($42,801 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Drexel University are 8.8% lower than at Fairfield University ($18,096 vs. $19,838).
• Drexel University is 7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $4,062 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7% higher at Drexel than at Fairfield University (about $4,062 more per year; $62,412.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drexel University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drexel University students is 33.4% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,051 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Drexel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drexel University (1340) is 10 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Drexel).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Drexel University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Drexel University 27/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Drexel - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Drexel Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have the same average high school GPA (3.67) as students at Drexel (3.67).
• Drexel has a higher acceptance rate (79.4%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 8.1% at Drexel.

Fairfield University vs. Drexel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Drexel? 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 Drexel University's (68%).
• Graduates from Drexel University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,400 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Drexel University graduates have a $757 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,243 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Drexel graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($271 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Drexel students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 77%)

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.