Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Michigan State University
- Fairfield Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 13
- Michigan State Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Michigan State 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 Michigan State University's $19,680 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Michigan State University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 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, 32% more than Michigan State University
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Michigan State
- Lower cost: Average net price of $19,680, roughly $28,415 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $23,250, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Michigan State in Business & Marketing (15%). 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 Michigan State University. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $67,253.
Pick Michigan State University over Fairfield University. Net price $19,680 vs $48,095.
Pick Fairfield University over Michigan State University. 1.6% mobility rate vs 1.4%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Michigan State University are close on paper, but Fairfield University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Fairfield University is the harder admit. It takes 33% of applicants, while Michigan State University takes 85%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,269.
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, Michigan State University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $19,680, about $28,415 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Michigan State University also borrow less: median debt of $23,250, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $113,660 before any change in aid. Choosing Michigan State 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 $67,253 at Michigan State University. That is a 32% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fairfield University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.35x.
So what: An earnings gap of 32% 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
Fairfield University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at Michigan State University, it is 1.4%. Michigan State University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fairfield 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 Michigan State 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. Michigan State University saves about $28,415 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $21,541 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, while Michigan State University leans toward Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,095 runs well above Michigan State University's $19,680.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Michigan State University's enrollment of 40,922 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield holds onto its admits more tightly: 24% of admitted students enroll, versus 18% at Michigan State — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Michigan State does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public
With an enrollment of over 40,000 students, Michigan State University is a vibrant choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business, Biology, Engineering, and Social Sciences. The acceptance rate of 85% means it's accessible, welcoming a diverse range of students who are eager to grow academically and socially. Here, you’ll find a mix of rigorous academic programs and a lively campus life that suits both serious scholars and those looking to make connections.
After graduation, students can expect a solid earning potential, with a median income of $67,253 just ten years post-degree. This indicates that graduates are moving into steady careers that often lead to upward mobility, although specific statistics on mobility are not available. The cost of education is manageable, especially considering the average net price of $19,680 after aid, which makes it an appealing option for many.
When it comes to affordability, the median debt sits at $23,250, which is relatively reasonable given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often take advantage of the large network and resources available, whether through campus organizations or internship opportunities. Overall, Michigan State University attracts those who are ready to engage in a dynamic environment and are focused on building a future that balances education with real-world applicability.
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 15% of Michigan State'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 Michigan State).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Health Professions, Psychology, while Michigan State University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering. 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.
Fairfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Fairfield University or Michigan State University?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 85% at Michigan State University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Michigan State University?
Michigan State University is more affordable, with an average net price of $19,680 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Michigan State University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $67,253 at Michigan State University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Michigan State University?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 81%.
Fairfield University vs Michigan State University: which is better for social mobility?
Fairfield University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 1.4%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Michigan State University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Michigan State 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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