Fairfield University vs. Princeton

Comparable Facts

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

Princeton University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (9,137 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Princeton University is in Princeton, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Princeton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Princeton University 5:1.

Fairfield University vs. Princeton Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Princeton? 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 Princeton University than Fairfield University ($15,313 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 2% lower than at Princeton University ($19,838 vs. $20,250).
• Princeton University is 7.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $4,338 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at Princeton than at Fairfield University (about $4,338 more per year; $62,688.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Princeton University (96% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Princeton University students is 161.6% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($68,727 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Princeton Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Princeton University (1550) is 220 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Princeton 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; Princeton University 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Princeton University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Princeton - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Princeton Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Princeton students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.93) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Princeton (4.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 75.5% at Princeton.

Fairfield University vs. Princeton Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Princeton University's six-year graduation rate (96%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Princeton University earn a median of about $36,800 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($113,900 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Princeton University graduates have a $19,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($7,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Princeton graduates have an estimated $202 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($77 vs. $279).
• More Princeton graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.