Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Stevens Institute of Technology
- Fairfield Wins
- 14
- Tied
- 10
- Stevens Technology Wins
- 26
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Stevens Institute of Technology offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $41,346 vs Fairfield University's $48,095, Stevens Institute of Technology delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. Students who choose Stevens Institute of Technology benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $108,772 at ten years.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fairfield
- Less debt: Median debt of $26,000, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Stevens Technology
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, 22% more than Fairfield University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $41,346, roughly $6,749 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 88% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 4.3%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Stevens Technology in Engineering (45%). 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 Stevens Institute of Technology over Fairfield University. Median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment vs $88,794.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Fairfield University. Net price $41,346 vs $48,095.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Fairfield University. 4.3% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Stevens Institute of Technology over Fairfield University. 88% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Stevens Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology takes 48%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,446.
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, Stevens Institute of Technology comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $41,346, about $6,749 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Fairfield University also borrow less: median debt of $26,000, against $27,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $26,996 before any change in aid. Choosing Stevens Institute of Technology leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Stevens Institute of Technology graduates report median earnings of $108,772, compared with $88,794 at Fairfield University. That is a 22% advantage. Set against borrowing, Stevens Institute of Technology has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.25x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 22% 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
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates a larger share of its students, 88% versus 84%. 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.
Moving people up
Stevens Institute of Technology does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 4.3%; at Fairfield University, it is 1.6%. Stevens Institute of Technology also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Stevens Institute of Technology 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 Stevens Institute of Technology 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
Fairfield University is harder to get into, with a 33% admit rate, but Stevens Institute of Technology posts the higher mobility rate, at 4.3%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Communications, while Stevens Institute of Technology leans toward 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 Stevens Institute of Technology's $41,346.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fairfield University's enrollment, and Stevens Institute of Technology is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: Stevens Institute of Technology has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield holds onto its admits more tightly: 24% of admitted students enroll, versus 21% at Stevens Technology — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Stevens Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. 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
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.
Stevens Institute of Technology
Hoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, is a great fit for students who are driven by a passion for technology and innovation. With 4,222 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 48%, it attracts individuals looking for a solid education in fields like Engineering, Computer Science, Business, and the Arts. One standout aspect is the school's high graduation rate of 88%, which speaks volumes about student support and engagement throughout their academic journey.
After graduation, students from Stevens can expect impressive earning potential, with an average salary of $108,772 within ten years of completing their degree. This financial success reflects the value of a degree from Stevens, especially in high-demand areas like engineering and tech. The cost of attendance can be manageable, particularly when considering the school’s financial aid options, though it's important to weigh the net price against potential earnings.
When looking at the practical aspects of attending Stevens, the net price after aid stands at $41,346, which means students should prepare for a significant investment. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $27,000. The environment here tends to be ideal for those who are eager to engage with their studies and are committed to making the most of their college experience. This is a community that thrives on ambition and collaboration, setting students up for success both during and after their time at Stevens.
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 Stevens Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (45%).
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 Stevens Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Health Professions, Communications, Psychology, while Stevens Institute of Technology concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Mathematics & Statistics. 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 Stevens Institute of Technology?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 48% at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology is more affordable, with an average net price of $41,346 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Stevens Institute of Technology graduates earn more: median earnings of $108,772 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,794 at Fairfield University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
Stevens Institute of Technology has the higher graduation rate, 88% versus 84%.
Fairfield University vs Stevens Institute of Technology: which is better for social mobility?
Stevens Institute of Technology is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 4.3% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Stevens Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Stevens 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 Stevens 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.
