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Fairfield University vs Sacred Heart University

Fairfield University is a private university in Fairfield, CT. Sacred Heart University is a private university in Fairfield, CT. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants and Sacred Heart University about 65%, making Fairfield University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $46,174 a year at Sacred Heart University after aid, and about $48,095 at Fairfield University. About 84% of students graduate at Fairfield University, compared with 74% at Sacred Heart University. Ten years after enrolling, Fairfield University alumni earn a median of about $88,794, against $75,059 for Sacred Heart University.

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Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Fairfield, CT
Fairfield, CT
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
5,373
7,087
Acceptance rate
33%
65%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1390
1200–1330
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
25–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,095
$46,174
Full cost / yr
$76,074
$69,289
In-state tuition
$58,350
$50,404
Out-of-state tuition
$58,350
$50,404
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$33,302
$38,691
$30k - $48k
$35,155
$40,517
$48k - $75k
$26,953
$41,647
$75k - $110k
$44,077
$46,348
Over $110k
$50,773
$48,217
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
74%
Freshman retention
91%
83%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$73,693
$63,925
Median earnings (10 yr)
$88,794
$75,059
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
7%
16%
First-generation students
17%
23%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 15
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jul 26

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 Fairfield University or Sacred Heart University harder to get into?
Fairfield University is harder to get into. It admits about 33% of applicants, compared with 65% at Sacred Heart 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, Fairfield University or Sacred Heart University?
Sacred Heart University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $46,174 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 Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University?
Before aid, Sacred Heart University costs about $69,289 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, Fairfield University or Sacred Heart University?
Fairfield University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $33,302 there, against about $38,691 at Sacred Heart University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Fairfield University or Sacred Heart University?
Sacred Heart University is the larger of the two, with about 7,087 undergraduates against 5,373 at Fairfield University.
Does Fairfield University or Sacred Heart University have a better graduation rate?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 74% at Sacred Heart University.
Do graduates of Fairfield University or Sacred Heart University earn more?
Fairfield University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $88,794 ten years after enrolling, against about $75,059 for Sacred Heart University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fairfield University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Sacred Heart University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Fairfield University and Sacred Heart University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1390 at Fairfield University and 1200–1330 at Sacred Heart University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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