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Fairfield University vs Rice University

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

10
Fairfield Wins
8
Tied / N/A
28
Rice Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southwest
5,373
Enrollment
4,776
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

33%
Acceptance Rate
8%
1335
SAT Average
1553
29
ACT Midpoint
35
1260-1390
SAT Range
1510-1570

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,350
In-State Tuition
$64,144
$58,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$64,144
$48,095
Average Net Price
$13,370
$33,302
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$5,827
$35,155
Net Price ($30-48K)
$563
$26,953
Net Price ($48-75K)
$3,217
$50,773
Net Price ($110K+)
$48,466
7%
Pell Grant Rate
17%
43%
Federal Loan Rate
6%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
95%
91%
Retention Rate
97%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
84%
$13,298
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$18,454
17%
First-Gen Students
14%

Student Body

65%
Female
45%
79%
White
26%
9%
Hispanic
17%
1%
Black
8%
2%
Asian
29%
0.36
Diversity Index
0.80

Outcomes

$73,693
Earnings (6yr)
$79,751
$87,663
Earnings (8yr)
$78,690
$88,794
Earnings (10yr)
$89,718
$26,000
Median Debt
$11,000
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.12x
85%
Earning Above HS
80%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

157.73%
Mobility Rate
160.34%
6319.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4873.2%
249.6%
From Bottom 20%
329.0%
$151,500
Parent Median Income
$149,200

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.86
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.02
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
10.4%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#47
N/A
Teaching Score
57.4
N/A
Research Score
50.6
N/A
Citations Score
99.1

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.

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private nonprofit

8% accept 95% grad $89,718 earnings $13,370 net

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.

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