Head-to-Head Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Fairfield University
- Columbia City Wins
- 30
- Tied
- 11
- Fairfield Wins
- 9
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Columbia University in the City of New York offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,590 vs Fairfield University's $48,095, Columbia University in the City of New York delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Columbia University in the City of New York's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Columbia City
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment, 15% more than Fairfield University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,590, roughly $26,505 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Fairfield
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Columbia City graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (27% of degrees); Fairfield in Business & Marketing (41%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Columbia University over Fairfield University. Median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment vs $88,794.
Pick Columbia University over Fairfield University. Net price $21,590 vs $48,095.
Pick Columbia University over Fairfield University. 3.1% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Columbia University over Fairfield University. 96% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Columbia University and Fairfield University are close on paper, but Columbia University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Columbia University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Fairfield University takes 33%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,335.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Columbia University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Columbia University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,590, about $26,505 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Columbia University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $106,020 before any change in aid. Choosing Columbia University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Columbia University graduates report median earnings of $102,491, compared with $88,794 at Fairfield University. That is a 15% advantage. Set against borrowing, Columbia University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 15% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Columbia University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 11% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Columbia University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.1%; at Fairfield University, it is 1.6%. Columbia University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Columbia University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Columbia University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Columbia University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, while Fairfield University leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Columbia University has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Columbia University's enrollment of 8,973 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,095 runs well above Columbia University's $21,590.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $21,500 at Columbia University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fairfield University's enrollment, and Columbia University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Columbia City holds onto its admits more tightly: 64% of admitted students enroll, versus 24% at Fairfield — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Fairfield (79.8% Early Decision admit rate vs 13.2%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at Fairfield, where only about 19% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.
Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit
Fairfield University has an impressive graduation rate of 84%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high rate suggests a strong support system and engaged faculty, which helps students navigate their academic journey.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Fairfield's graduates earn a median income of $88,794 ten years after enrollment. This figure points to the university’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market, particularly in fields like Business, Health Professions, and Communications. While the Pell Grant rate stands at 7%, indicating limited access for low-income students, the potential for upward mobility remains significant for those who do enroll.
The cost of attending Fairfield is notable, with a net price of $48,095 and a median debt of $26,000. Students who thrive here are often those pursuing careers in high-demand sectors, leveraging the university's strong programs in Business and Health Professions. Graduates leave with solid earning potential, which helps to mitigate the financial burden of their education.
Rankings They Appear On
Fairfield University is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Columbia City's top program is Sociology (27% of enrollment), while Fairfield leads with Business Administration (41%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Columbia City) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield).
The two schools feed different job markets. Columbia University is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while Fairfield University concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Columbia University or Fairfield University?
Columbia University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 33% at Fairfield University.
Which is more affordable, Columbia University or Fairfield University?
Columbia University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,590 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Columbia University or Fairfield University graduates earn more?
Columbia University graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,794 at Fairfield University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Columbia University or Fairfield University?
Columbia University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 84%.
Columbia University vs Fairfield University: which is better for social mobility?
Columbia University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.1% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Columbia University or Fairfield University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Columbia University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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