Fairfield University vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Seattle University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (7,189 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Fairfield University vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Seattle U? 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 Seattle University than Fairfield University ($36,948 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 20.8% lower than at Fairfield University ($15,702 vs. $19,838).
• Fairfield University is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Seattle U (about $1,629 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Fairfield University than at Seattle University (about $1,629 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $56,721.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Fairfield University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 34.5% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($35,351 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 10 points higher than at Seattle U (1320).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Seattle U).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Seattle U (3.62).
• Seattle U has a higher acceptance rate (76.9%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Fairfield University vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Seattle U? 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 Seattle University's (71%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Seattle U graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $60,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Seattle University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Seattle U graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Seattle U students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

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.