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Fairfield University vs Princeton University

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

9
Fairfield Wins
8
Tied / N/A
29
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Mid-Atlantic
5,373
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

33%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1335
SAT Average
1553
29
ACT Midpoint
34
1260-1390
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,350
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$58,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$48,095
Average Net Price
$6,128
$33,302
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$35,155
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$26,953
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$50,773
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
7%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
43%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
97%
91%
Retention Rate
98%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$13,298
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
17%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

65%
Female
51%
79%
White
34%
9%
Hispanic
10%
1%
Black
9%
2%
Asian
23%
0.36
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$73,693
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$87,663
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$88,794
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$26,000
Median Debt
$10,320
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
85%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

157.73%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
6319.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
249.6%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$151,500
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.88
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.00
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#5
N/A
Teaching Score
90.9
N/A
Research Score
95.4
N/A
Citations Score
99.9

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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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