Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Rice University
- Fairfield Wins
- 12
- Tied
- 14
- Rice Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rice University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,370 vs Fairfield University's $48,095, Rice University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rice 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.
Rice
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Fairfield University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,370, roughly $34,725 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 95% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $11,000, 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 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); Rice in Biology & Biomedical (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 Rice University over Fairfield University. Median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment vs $88,794.
Pick Rice University over Fairfield University. Net price $13,370 vs $48,095.
Pick Rice University over Fairfield University. 1.6% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Rice University over Fairfield University. 95% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Rice University are close on paper, but Rice 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
Rice 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 1,553.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Rice 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, Rice University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,370, about $34,725 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Rice University also borrow less: median debt of $11,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $138,900 before any change in aid. Choosing Rice University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rice University graduates report median earnings of $89,718, compared with $88,794 at Fairfield University. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rice University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.12x 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
Rice University graduates a larger share of its students, 95% 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
Rice University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at Fairfield University, it is 1.6%. Rice University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.3% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Rice 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 Rice 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, Communications, while Rice University leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, Computer Science & IT. 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 Rice University's $13,370.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $11,000 at Rice University.
- Engineering-focused students: Rice University has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rice University has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Fairfield (79.8% Early Decision admit rate vs 11.3%). 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.
Rice University
Houston, TX · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 8%, Rice University attracts driven students who are eager to excel academically and socially. This private nonprofit institution in Houston is ideal for those interested in fields like Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. The strong graduation rate of 95% speaks volumes about the supportive environment here, where students are encouraged to dive deep into their studies and collaborate across disciplines.
Graduates from Rice see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $89,718 just ten years after finishing their degree. This figure is significant because it highlights the school's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers. While 17% of students rely on Pell Grants, the overall affordability of education here, combined with the strong salary potential, makes it a viable option for many.
When it comes to the practical side of things, the net price after aid is around $13,370, and the median debt for graduates is relatively low at $11,000. These numbers suggest that students can graduate with manageable debt, which is a big plus in today’s economy. Those who thrive here are often collaborative, ambitious, and ready to engage with a diverse community, making the most of the excellent academic resources available to them.
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 Rice leads with Biology (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 Rice).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, Psychology, while Rice University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Social Sciences. 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 Rice University?
Rice University is harder to get into, admitting 8% of applicants compared with 33% at Fairfield University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Rice University?
Rice University is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,370 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Rice University graduates earn more?
Rice University graduates earn more: median earnings of $89,718 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,794 at Fairfield University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Rice University?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, 95% versus 84%.
Fairfield University vs Rice University: which is better for social mobility?
Rice University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Rice University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rice 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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