Fairfield University vs. Villanova

Comparable Facts

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

Villanova University is larger than Fairfield University based on total student enrollment (10,041 students vs. 6,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Fairfield University vs. Villanova Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Fairfield University or Villanova? 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 Villanova University than Fairfield University ($37,201 vs. $49,958).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Villanova University are 10.8% lower than at Fairfield University ($17,694 vs. $19,838).
• Villanova University is 16.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairfield University (about $9,426 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.2% higher at Villanova than at Fairfield University (about $9,426 more per year; $67,776.00 vs. $58,350.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Fairfield University than at Villanova University (96% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Villanova University students is 81.2% larger than aid received by Fairfield University students ($47,609 vs. $26,274).

Fairfield University vs. Villanova Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Villanova University (1450) is 120 points higher than at Fairfield University (1330).
• Incoming Villanova students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 30 at Fairfield University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 1260/1390; Villanova University 1395/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Fairfield University 29/32; Villanova University 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Fairfield University - Test optional; Villanova - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fairfield University Jan 15, 2027; Villanova Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Villanova students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Fairfield University (3.67).
• Fairfield University has a higher acceptance rate (33.3%) than Villanova (27%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.7% at Fairfield University vs. 27.7% at Villanova.

Fairfield University vs. Villanova Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Villanova University's six-year graduation rate (90%) is higher than Fairfield University's (82%).
• Graduates from Villanova University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Fairfield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($85,100 vs. $77,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Villanova University graduates have a $503 lower median loan debt than Fairfield University graduates ($26,497 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Villanova graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fairfield University graduates ($273 vs. $279).
• More Villanova graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fairfield University students, three years after graduation. (90% 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.