Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Providence College
- Fairfield Wins
- 25
- Tied
- 14
- Providence Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Fairfield University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Providence College achieves a higher graduation rate (87% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,523 compared to Fairfield University's $48,095. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Fairfield 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, 2% more than Providence College
- Lower cost: Average net price of $48,095, roughly $428 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,000, the lower of the two
- 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
Providence
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Providence in Business & Marketing (42%). 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 Providence College. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $87,054.
Pick Fairfield University over Providence College. Net price $48,095 vs $48,523.
Pick Fairfield University over Providence College. 1.6% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Providence College are close on paper, but Fairfield University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 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 Providence College takes 51%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,346.
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, Fairfield University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $48,095, about $428 a year below Providence College's $48,523. Graduates of Fairfield University also borrow less: median debt of $26,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $1,712 before any change in aid. Choosing Fairfield 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 $87,054 at Providence College. That is a 2% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fairfield University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 2% 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 Providence College, it is 0.9%. Fairfield University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2%.
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 Fairfield 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 Health Professions, Communications, while Providence College leans toward Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield holds onto its admits more tightly: 24% of admitted students enroll, versus 19% at Providence — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Providence (85.5% Early Decision admit rate vs 79.8%). 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
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.
Providence College
Providence, RI · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of about 4,200 students, Providence College is a great fit for those looking for a close-knit community while still enjoying the resources of a larger institution. The college’s emphasis on programs like Business & Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biology & Biomedical sets a clear academic direction for students. The 51% acceptance rate indicates that while it's selective, there are plenty of opportunities for students who are passionate about their fields.
Looking ahead, the average earnings for graduates after ten years is around $87,054. That’s a solid number that reflects the value of a degree from this institution. Graduates are likely to see upward mobility in their careers, which is a significant consideration when choosing a school. The fact that 87% of students graduate suggests a supportive environment that helps students stay on track and achieve their goals.
Financially, the net price after aid stands at $48,523, and the median debt for graduates is $27,000. This debt load is manageable compared to the earning potential, making it a reasonable investment in education. Students who thrive here tend to be those who are engaged in their studies and take advantage of the community support available. Overall, Providence College presents a compelling option for students focused on both academic and career success.
Rankings They Appear On
Fairfield University and Providence College appear together in 2 rankings. On the Best MBA Programs for General Management, Fairfield University ranks #6 — Fairfield University outranks Providence College by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 41% of Fairfield's student body and 42% of Providence'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 Providence).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Health Professions, Communications, while Providence College concentrates in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Providence College?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 51% at Providence College.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Providence College?
Fairfield University is more affordable, with an average net price of $48,095 after aid versus $48,523 at Providence College.
Do Fairfield University or Providence College graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $87,054 at Providence College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Providence College?
Providence College has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 84%.
Fairfield University vs Providence College: which is better for social mobility?
Fairfield University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Providence College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Fairfield 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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How do Fairfield and Providence stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
