Fairfield University vs. MIT

Comparable Facts

Compare Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (11,886 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Massachusetts Institute of Technology is in Cambridge, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3:1.

Fairfield University vs. MIT Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or MIT? 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology than Fairfield University ($20,996 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 2.2% lower than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($19,838 vs. $20,280).
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology is 6.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $4,046 more per year; $62,396.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at MIT than at Fairfield University (about $4,046 more per year; $62,396.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Massachusetts Institute of Technology students is 135% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($61,734 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. MIT Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1550) is 220 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming MIT students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (35 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1520/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 34/36.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); MIT - Required to be considered for admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; MIT Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MIT students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.96) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than MIT (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 85.8% at MIT.

Fairfield University vs. MIT Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn a median of about $65,000 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($142,100 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates have a $9,684 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($17,316 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MIT graduates have an estimated $100 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($179 vs. $279).
• More MIT graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (92% 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.