Fairfield University vs. Emerson

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Emerson College in Boston, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairfield University is larger than Emerson based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 5,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Emerson College is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Emerson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Emerson College 14:1.

Fairfield University vs. Emerson Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Emerson? 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 Fairfield University than Emerson ($49,958 vs. $53,432).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 5.2% lower than at Emerson College ($19,838 vs. $20,920).
• Fairfield University is 2.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Emerson (about $1,294 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.3% higher at Fairfield University than at Emerson College (about $1,294 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $57,056.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Emerson College (96% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Emerson College students is 2.8% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($26,997 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Emerson Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Emerson College (1350) is 20 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Emerson (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Emerson College 1270/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Emerson College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Emerson - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Emerson Feb 20, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Emerson students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Emerson has a higher acceptance rate (51.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 15.5% at Emerson.

Fairfield University vs. Emerson Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Emerson? 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 Emerson College's (81%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $27,900 more per year than Emerson graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $49,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Emerson College graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Emerson graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Emerson students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.