Fairfield University vs. U of R

Comparable Facts

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

University of Rochester is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (11,946 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); University of Rochester is in Rochester, NY (Midsize City setting).
• Fairfield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Rochester is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Fairfield University 12:1; University of Rochester 9:1.

Fairfield University vs. U of R Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or U of R? 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 University of Rochester than Fairfield University ($40,462 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Rochester are 0.2% lower than at Fairfield University ($19,792 vs. $19,838).
• University of Rochester is 15% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $8,730 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15% higher at U of R than at Fairfield University (about $8,730 more per year; $67,080.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at University of Rochester (96% vs. 72%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Rochester students is 73.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($45,500 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. U of R Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Rochester (1480) is 150 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming U of R students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; University of Rochester 1410/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; University of Rochester 31/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); U of R - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; U of R Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of R students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• U of R has a higher acceptance rate (40.1%) than Fairfield University (33.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 15.4% at U of R.

Fairfield University vs. U of R Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Fairfield University and U of R? 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).

• University of Rochester's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Fairfield University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than U of R graduates about ten years after starting college ($77,100 vs. $71,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Rochester graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, U of R 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 U of R 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.