Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Fordham University
- Fairfield Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 11
- Fordham Wins
- 24
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Fordham University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fairfield University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 81%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,095 compared to Fordham University's $44,338 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Fordham University'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
Fairfield
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, 4% more than Fordham University
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Fordham
- Lower cost: Average net price of $44,338, roughly $3,757 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $24,300, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Fordham in Business & Marketing (19%). 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 Fairfield University over Fordham University. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $85,569.
Pick Fordham University over Fairfield University. Net price $44,338 vs $48,095.
Pick Fordham University over Fairfield University. 4% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Fordham University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Fairfield University is the harder admit. It takes 33% of applicants, while Fordham University takes 59%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,418.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Fairfield 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, Fordham University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $44,338, about $3,757 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Fordham University also borrow less: median debt of $24,300, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $15,028 before any change in aid. Choosing Fordham University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Fairfield University graduates report median earnings of $88,794, compared with $85,569 at Fordham University. That is a 4% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fordham University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.28x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 4% 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.
Moving people up
Fordham University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4%; at Fairfield University, it is 1.6%. Fordham University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 7.6% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fordham 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 Fordham University to keep costs and debt down; pick Fairfield University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Fordham University saves about $3,757 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $3,225 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Fairfield University is harder to get into, with a 33% admit rate, but Fordham University posts the higher mobility rate, at 4%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Communications, while Fordham University leans toward Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Fairfield competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fordham University's enrollment of 10,512 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Fordham does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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
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.
Fordham University
Bronx, NY · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of over 10,500 students, Fordham University in the Bronx, NY, caters to those who are serious about their education and looking for a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 59% suggests that while it's competitive, many students have the chance to join a community that values diverse perspectives. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Psychology, and Communications, making it an attractive choice for students pursuing both practical and theoretical knowledge.
After graduation, alumni can expect to earn an average of $85,569 within ten years, which reflects the solid grounding they receive in their respective fields. While the details on mobility and economic connectedness aren’t available, it’s clear that a Fordham degree can open doors for many students. The affordability aspect is also worth noting, as it allows for a good return on investment, especially when considering the earnings potential.
The net price after aid stands at $44,338, and with a median debt of $24,300, many graduates find themselves in a manageable financial situation as they start their careers. Students who thrive here tend to be those who actively engage with the community, seek out internships, and take advantage of networking opportunities. Fordham’s supportive environment encourages personal and professional growth, making it a solid choice for those ready to invest in their future.
Rankings They Appear On
Fairfield University is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 41% of Fairfield's student body and 19% of Fordham's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Fordham).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Health Professions, Psychology, while Fordham University concentrates in Social Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Fairfield University or Fordham University?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 59% at Fordham University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Fordham University?
Fordham University is more affordable, with an average net price of $44,338 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Fordham University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $85,569 at Fordham University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Fordham University?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 81%.
Fairfield University vs Fordham University: which is better for social mobility?
Fordham University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Fordham University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Fordham University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fairfield University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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