Fairfield University vs. Northeastern

Comparable Facts

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

Northeastern University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (32,553 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Northeastern University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Northeastern University 16:1.

Fairfield University vs. Northeastern Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University than Fairfield University ($34,207 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern University are 1.3% lower than at Fairfield University ($19,580 vs. $19,838).
• Northeastern University is 13.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $7,812 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.4% higher at Northeastern than at Fairfield University (about $7,812 more per year; $66,162.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Northeastern University (96% vs. 66%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern University students is 91.9% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($50,421 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Northeastern Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northeastern University (1490) is 160 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Northeastern 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; Northeastern University 1440/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Northeastern University 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Northeastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Northeastern Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Northeastern (5.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 53.8% at Northeastern.

Fairfield University vs. Northeastern Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Northeastern? 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Fairfield University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($279 vs. $288).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northeastern students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 79%)

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.