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Central Connecticut State University vs Fairfield University

Central Connecticut State University is a public university in New Britain, CT. Fairfield University is a private university in Fairfield, CT. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants and Central Connecticut State University about 73%, making Fairfield University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $16,857 a year at Central Connecticut State University after aid, and about $48,095 at Fairfield University. About 84% of students graduate at Fairfield University, compared with 49% at Central Connecticut State University. Ten years after enrolling, Fairfield University alumni earn a median of about $88,794, against $58,562 for Central Connecticut State University.

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Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CT · Public

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
New Britain, CT
Fairfield, CT
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,822
5,373
Acceptance rate
73%
33%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
960–1190
1260–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
19–29
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$16,857
$48,095
Full cost / yr
$24,870
$76,074
In-state tuition
$13,050
$58,350
Out-of-state tuition
$16,550
$58,350
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,589
$33,302
$30k - $48k
$13,636
$35,155
$48k - $75k
$15,091
$26,953
$75k - $110k
$18,336
$44,077
Over $110k
$21,562
$50,773
Outcomes
Graduation rate
49%
84%
Freshman retention
77%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,016
$73,693
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,562
$88,794
Median debt at graduation
$22,300
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
7%
First-generation students
39%
17%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
May 1
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University harder to get into?
Fairfield University is harder to get into. It admits about 33% of applicants, compared with 73% at Central Connecticut State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University?
Central Connecticut State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,857 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $48,095 at Fairfield University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central Connecticut State University and Fairfield University?
Before aid, Central Connecticut State University costs about $24,870 a year and Fairfield University about $76,074. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University?
Central Connecticut State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,589 there, against about $33,302 at Fairfield University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University?
Central Connecticut State University is the larger of the two, with about 7,822 undergraduates against 5,373 at Fairfield University.
Does Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University have a better graduation rate?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 49% at Central Connecticut State University.
Do graduates of Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University earn more?
Fairfield University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,794 ten years after enrolling, against about $58,562 for Central Connecticut State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central Connecticut State University and Fairfield University require SAT or ACT scores?
Central Connecticut State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Fairfield University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Central Connecticut State University and Fairfield University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 960–1190 at Central Connecticut State University and 1260–1390 at Fairfield University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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