Fairfield University vs. Suffolk University

Comparable Facts

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

Fairfield University is larger than Suffolk University based on total student enrollment (6,864 students vs. 6,356 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Suffolk University is in Boston, MA (Large City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; Suffolk University 15:1.

Fairfield University vs. Suffolk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Suffolk University? 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 Suffolk University than Fairfield University ($33,832 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fairfield University are 7% lower than at Suffolk University ($19,838 vs. $21,326).
• Fairfield University is 22.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Suffolk University (about $10,800 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at Fairfield University than at Suffolk University (about $10,800 more per year; $58,350.00 vs. $47,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Fairfield University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 20.1% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($31,558 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Suffolk University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fairfield University (1330) is 130 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Incoming Fairfield University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Suffolk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Suffolk University 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Suffolk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Fairfield University students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Suffolk University has a higher acceptance rate (82.3%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 10.9% at Suffolk University.

Fairfield University vs. Suffolk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and Suffolk University? 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 Suffolk University's (54%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than Suffolk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $59,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Suffolk University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Suffolk University and Fairfield University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Fairfield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Suffolk University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 70%)

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.