Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Quinnipiac University
- Fairfield Wins
- 21
- Tied
- 12
- Quinnipiac Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Quinnipiac University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fairfield University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 77%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,095 compared to Quinnipiac University's $40,675 for in-state paths. Students who choose Quinnipiac University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $83,759 at ten years.
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, 6% more than Quinnipiac University
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- 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
Quinnipiac
- Lower cost: Average net price of $40,675, roughly $7,420 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Quinnipiac in Health Professions (35%). 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 Quinnipiac University. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $83,759.
Pick Quinnipiac University over Fairfield University. Net price $40,675 vs $48,095.
Pick Fairfield University over Quinnipiac University. 1.6% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Fairfield University over Quinnipiac University. 84% completion rate vs 77%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Quinnipiac University are close on paper, but Fairfield University wins the head-to-head, leading on 4 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 Quinnipiac University takes 72%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,242.
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, Quinnipiac University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $40,675, about $7,420 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $29,680 before any change in aid. Choosing Quinnipiac 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 $83,759 at Quinnipiac University. That is a 6% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fairfield University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.31x.
So what: An earnings gap of 6% 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
Fairfield University graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 77%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% 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
Fairfield University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at Quinnipiac University, it is 0.9%. Fairfield University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 1.9%.
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 Quinnipiac University to keep costs and debt down; pick Fairfield University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Quinnipiac University saves about $7,420 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $5,035 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Communications, while Quinnipiac University leans toward Psychology. 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 Quinnipiac University's $40,675.
No strong negative signals — Quinnipiac competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Quinnipiac does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
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.
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT · Private nonprofit
Quinnipiac University serves over 6,500 students, with a graduation rate of 77%. This indicates a strong support system helping students to complete their degrees. The university maintains a 72% acceptance rate, making it a viable option for many applicants seeking a private education.
The earning potential for graduates is notable, with a median income of $83,759 ten years after graduation. While the specifics on mobility and economic connectedness are not provided, the solid earnings indicate that many graduates find success in their fields. The university's focus on health professions, business, and communications aligns well with job market demands.
Financially, students face a net price of $40,675, and the median student debt stands at $26,000. This suggests that while the cost of attendance is significant, many graduates are able to manage their debt effectively thanks to their earning potential. Quinnipiac attracts students who thrive in collaborative and career-oriented environments, particularly in programs like health professions and business.
Rankings They Appear On
Fairfield University and Quinnipiac University appear together in 11 rankings. On the Best Business Colleges in Connecticut, Fairfield University ranks #1 — Fairfield University outranks Quinnipiac University by 6 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Fairfield's top program is Business Administration (41% of enrollment), while Quinnipiac leads with Nursing (BSN) (35%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Quinnipiac).
Fairfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Fairfield University or Quinnipiac University?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 72% at Quinnipiac University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Quinnipiac University?
Quinnipiac University is more affordable, with an average net price of $40,675 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Quinnipiac University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $83,759 at Quinnipiac University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Quinnipiac University?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 77%.
Fairfield University vs Quinnipiac University: 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 Quinnipiac University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Quinnipiac University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fairfield University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Fairfield and Quinnipiac 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.
