Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Northwestern University
- Fairfield Wins
- 11
- Tied
- 14
- Northwestern Wins
- 29
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Northwestern University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $29,167 vs Fairfield University's $48,095, Northwestern University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Northwestern 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
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
Northwestern
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,363 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Fairfield University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $29,167, roughly $18,928 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,000, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.7%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 8% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Northwestern in Social Sciences (16%). 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 Northwestern University over Fairfield University. Median earnings of $89,363 ten years after enrollment vs $88,794.
Pick Northwestern University over Fairfield University. Net price $29,167 vs $48,095.
Pick Northwestern University over Fairfield University. 1.7% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Northwestern 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
Fairfield University and Northwestern University are close on paper, but Northwestern 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
Northwestern University is the harder admit. It takes 8% of applicants, while Fairfield University takes 33%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,533.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Northwestern 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, Northwestern University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $29,167, about $18,928 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Northwestern University also borrow less: median debt of $15,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $75,712 before any change in aid. Choosing Northwestern University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Northwestern University graduates report median earnings of $89,363, compared with $88,794 at Fairfield University. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Northwestern University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.17x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% 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
Northwestern 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
Northwestern University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.7%; at Fairfield University, it is 1.6%. Northwestern University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Northwestern 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 Northwestern 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. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, while Northwestern University leans toward Social Sciences, Engineering. 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 Northwestern University's $29,167.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $15,000 at Northwestern University.
- Business and consulting-track students: Northwestern University has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Northwestern University's enrollment of 9,201 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Northwestern holds onto its admits more tightly: 55% 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 23.0%). 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
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.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Private nonprofit
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.
Rankings They Appear On
Fairfield University is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Fairfield's top program is Business Administration (41% of enrollment), while Northwestern leads with Sociology (16%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Northwestern).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology, while Northwestern University concentrates in Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science & IT. 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 Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 33% at Fairfield University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is more affordable, with an average net price of $29,167 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Northwestern University graduates earn more?
Northwestern University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,363 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,794 at Fairfield University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 84%.
Fairfield University vs Northwestern University: which is better for social mobility?
Northwestern University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.7% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Northwestern University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Northwestern 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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