Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Fairfield Wins
- 15
- Tied
- 14
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 21
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fairfield University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,095 compared to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology'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 grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rose-Hulman Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, 14% more than Fairfield University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $42,513, roughly $5,582 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,000, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (73%). 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Fairfield University. Median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment vs $88,794.
Pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology over Fairfield University. Net price $42,513 vs $48,095.
Pick Fairfield University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 84% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,427.
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, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $42,513, about $5,582 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology also borrow less: median debt of $25,000, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $22,328 before any change in aid. Choosing Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $101,253, compared with $88,794 at Fairfield University. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fairfield University's enrollment, and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fairfield University's enrollment of 5,373 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Business and consulting-track students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman Technology 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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
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 Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (73%).
Rose-Hulman Technology
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 Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, Psychology, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics, Physical 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.
Fairfield
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Fairfield University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $42,513 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $101,253 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,794 at Fairfield University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 80%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fairfield University if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. 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 Rose-Hulman Technology 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.
