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Connecticut College vs Fairfield University

Connecticut College is a private college in New London, CT, and Fairfield University is a private university in Fairfield, CT. Fairfield University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 33% of applicants against 37% at Connecticut College. Connecticut College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $36,175 a year against $48,095 at Fairfield University. About 84% of students graduate at Fairfield University, compared with 83% at Connecticut College. Ten years after enrolling, Fairfield University alumni earn a median of about $88,794, against $75,001 for Connecticut College.

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Connecticut College

New London, CT · Private

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New London, CT
Fairfield, CT
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,937
5,373
Acceptance rate
37%
33%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.45–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1500
1260–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
29–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,175
$48,095
Full cost / yr
$84,623
$76,074
In-state tuition
$67,242
$58,350
Out-of-state tuition
$67,242
$58,350
Application fee
$0
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,341
$33,302
$30k - $48k
$16,892
$35,155
$48k - $75k
$28,961
$26,953
$75k - $110k
$29,797
$44,077
Over $110k
$47,031
$50,773
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
84%
Freshman retention
90%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,165
$73,693
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,001
$88,794
Median debt at graduation
$23,500
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
7%
First-generation students
14%
17%
International students
6%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
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 Connecticut College or Fairfield University harder to get into?
Fairfield University is harder to get into. It admits about 33% of applicants, compared with 37% at Connecticut College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Connecticut College or Fairfield University?
Connecticut College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,175 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 Connecticut College and Fairfield University?
Before aid, Fairfield University costs about $76,074 a year and Connecticut College about $84,623. 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, Connecticut College or Fairfield University?
Connecticut College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,341 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, Connecticut College or Fairfield University?
Fairfield University is the larger of the two, with about 5,373 undergraduates against 1,937 at Connecticut College.
Does Connecticut College or Fairfield University have a better graduation rate?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 83% at Connecticut College.
Do graduates of Connecticut College or Fairfield University earn more?
Fairfield University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,794 ten years after enrolling, against about $75,001 for Connecticut College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Connecticut College and Fairfield University require SAT or ACT scores?
Connecticut College 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 Connecticut College and Fairfield University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1500 at Connecticut College 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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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school