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Fairfield University vs Purdue University-Main Campus

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

12
Fairfield Wins
8
Tied / N/A
22
Purdue Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Great Lakes
5,373
Enrollment
44,503
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

33%
Acceptance Rate
50%
1335
SAT Average
1364
29
ACT Midpoint
30
1260-1390
SAT Range
1200-1480

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,350
In-State Tuition
$9,992
$58,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,794
$48,095
Average Net Price
$14,600
$33,302
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,098
$35,155
Net Price ($30-48K)
$6,241
$26,953
Net Price ($48-75K)
$9,438
$50,773
Net Price ($110K+)
$22,742
7%
Pell Grant Rate
13%
43%
Federal Loan Rate
22%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
83%
91%
Retention Rate
93%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
96%
$13,298
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$14,473
17%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

65%
Female
47%
79%
White
54%
9%
Hispanic
8%
1%
Black
3%
2%
Asian
15%
0.36
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$73,693
Earnings (6yr)
$60,838
$87,663
Earnings (8yr)
$66,951
$88,794
Earnings (10yr)
$72,424
$26,000
Median Debt
$19,500
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.27x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

157.73%
Mobility Rate
N/A
6319.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
N/A
249.6%
From Bottom 20%
N/A
$151,500
Parent Median Income
N/A

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.67
0.03
Friending Bias
0.00
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
6.9%

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.

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN · Public

50% accept 83% grad $72,424 earnings $14,600 net

With an enrollment of over 44,500 students, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, is a solid choice for those who thrive in a large, dynamic environment. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in engineering, business, computer science, biology, and social sciences. The 50% acceptance rate suggests a competitive atmosphere, and the 83% graduation rate indicates that many students are successfully completing their degrees.

After graduation, students can expect a median earning of $72,424 after ten years. That’s a significant number, especially for graduates entering fields like engineering and technology. While the cost of attendance is reasonable, the long-term financial outlook is promising, making it clear that a degree from Purdue can lead to solid career opportunities.

When it comes to affordability, the net price after aid averages around $14,600, which is manageable for many families. With a median debt of $19,500, students leave with a debt load that is relatively low compared to potential earnings. Those who tend to thrive here are often self-motivated, ambitious, and ready to take advantage of the university's strong programs and supportive resources.

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