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Fairfield University vs Northwestern University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

9
Fairfield Wins
9
Tied / N/A
28
Northwestern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
5,373
Enrollment
9,201
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

33%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1335
SAT Average
1533
29
ACT Midpoint
35
1260-1390
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,350
In-State Tuition
$68,322
$58,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$68,322
$48,095
Average Net Price
$29,167
$33,302
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$1,764
$35,155
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,099
$26,953
Net Price ($48-75K)
$7,898
$50,773
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,777
7%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
43%
Federal Loan Rate
17%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
96%
91%
Retention Rate
98%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
83%
$13,298
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$20,322
17%
First-Gen Students
15%

Student Body

65%
Female
52%
79%
White
31%
9%
Hispanic
16%
1%
Black
8%
2%
Asian
21%
0.36
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$73,693
Earnings (6yr)
$76,844
$87,663
Earnings (8yr)
$83,487
$88,794
Earnings (10yr)
$89,363
$26,000
Median Debt
$15,000
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.17x
85%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

157.73%
Mobility Rate
169.42%
6319.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5518.6%
249.6%
From Bottom 20%
307.0%
$151,500
Parent Median Income
$168,500

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.83
0.03
Friending Bias
0.01
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
11.3%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#25
N/A
Teaching Score
64.5
N/A
Research Score
68.8
N/A
Citations Score
95.3

The Overviews

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit

33% accept 84% grad $88,794 earnings $48,095 net

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.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit

8% accept 96% grad $89,363 earnings $29,167 net

Northwestern University has an impressive graduation rate of 96%, indicating strong student support and academic success. This high rate reflects the university’s commitment to helping students complete their degrees on time. With an acceptance rate of just 8%, gaining admission is highly competitive, attracting top talent from across the country.

The earnings potential for graduates is significant, with a 10-year median income of $89,363. This figure suggests that students who attend Northwestern can expect a strong return on their investment. However, 19% of students receive Pell Grants, which highlights that some students come from lower-income backgrounds, yet still have the opportunity to thrive here.

The net price for attending Northwestern is $29,167, and the median debt is relatively low at $15,000, making it more manageable for graduates. Students who excel here often pursue majors in engineering, social sciences, and communications. Those who thrive at Northwestern are typically motivated and high-achieving individuals, ready to engage in a challenging academic environment.

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