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Fairfield University vs Yale University

Fairfield University is a private university in Fairfield, CT, and Yale University is a private university in New Haven, CT. Yale University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 33% at Fairfield University. Yale University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,777 a year against $48,095 at Fairfield University. About 96% of students graduate at Yale University, compared with 84% at Fairfield University. Ten years after enrolling, Yale University alumni earn a median of about $100,533, against $88,794 for Fairfield University.

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Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private

Yale University

New Haven, CT · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Fairfield, CT
New Haven, CT
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
5,373
6,758
Acceptance rate
33%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.45–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1260–1390
1470–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
29–32
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$48,095
$23,777
Full cost / yr
$76,074
$88,300
In-state tuition
$58,350
$67,250
Out-of-state tuition
$58,350
$67,250
Application fee
$60
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$33,302
$17,633
$30k - $48k
$35,155
$15,626
$48k - $75k
$26,953
$17,943
$75k - $110k
$44,077
$12,558
Over $110k
$50,773
$45,951
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
96%
Freshman retention
91%
99%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$73,693
$81,765
Median earnings (10 yr)
$88,794
$100,533
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$12,975
Student body
Pell grant recipients
7%
20%
First-generation students
17%
25%
International students
2%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 2

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 Yale University harder to get into?
Yale University is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 33% at Fairfield 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 Yale University?
Yale University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,777 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 Yale University?
Before aid, Fairfield University costs about $76,074 a year and Yale University about $88,300. 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 Yale University?
Yale University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,633 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, Fairfield University or Yale University?
Yale University is the larger of the two, with about 6,758 undergraduates against 5,373 at Fairfield University.
Does Fairfield University or Yale University have a better graduation rate?
Yale University has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 84% at Fairfield University.
Do graduates of Fairfield University or Yale University earn more?
Yale University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $100,533 ten years after enrolling, against about $88,794 for Fairfield University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Fairfield University and Yale University require SAT or ACT scores?
Fairfield University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Yale University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Fairfield University and Yale University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1260–1390 at Fairfield University and 1470–1570 at Yale 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