Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Syracuse University
- Fairfield Wins
- 20
- Tied
- 15
- Syracuse Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Syracuse University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fairfield University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 82%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,095 compared to Syracuse University's $38,793 for in-state paths. Students who choose Syracuse University benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $79,164 at ten years.
54 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, 12% more than Syracuse University
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Syracuse
- Lower cost: Average net price of $38,793, roughly $9,302 a year less
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.9%, 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); Syracuse in Social Sciences (13%). 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 Syracuse University. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $79,164.
Pick Syracuse University over Fairfield University. Net price $38,793 vs $48,095.
Pick Syracuse University over Fairfield University. 2.9% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Syracuse University are close on paper, but Fairfield University 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 Syracuse University takes 46%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,375.
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, Syracuse University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $38,793, about $9,302 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $37,208 before any change in aid. Choosing Syracuse 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 $79,164 at Syracuse University. That is a 12% advantage. Set against borrowing, Fairfield University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.33x.
So what: An earnings gap of 12% 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.
Moving people up
Syracuse University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.9%; at Fairfield University, it is 1.6%. Syracuse University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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. Syracuse University saves about $9,302 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $9,630 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Fairfield University is harder to get into, with a 33% admit rate, but Syracuse University posts the higher mobility rate, at 2.9%. 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, while Syracuse University leans toward Social Sciences. 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 Syracuse University's $38,793.
- Business and consulting-track students: Syracuse University has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Syracuse University's enrollment of 15,477 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Syracuse 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
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.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit
With nearly 15,500 students, Syracuse University creates a vibrant community for those interested in fields like Communications, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. The acceptance rate of 46% means it's fairly selective, but there's a good chance for dedicated applicants to find their place here. The strong graduation rate of 82% speaks to the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, both academically and personally.
Looking at life after graduation, alumni earn an impressive average of $79,164 within ten years of completing their degrees. This level of earning potential highlights the value of the programs here, especially for those who dive into in-demand fields. While 17% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating some affordability challenges, the outcomes suggest that many graduates move up the economic ladder, benefiting from the skills and networks developed during their time at Syracuse.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid sits at $38,793, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. The median debt of $26,000 is reasonable for many students, especially when weighed against their post-graduation salaries. Those who thrive here tend to be driven, engaged in campus life, and ready to take advantage of the resources available, setting them up for future success in their careers.
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 Syracuse leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Syracuse).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Health Professions, Psychology, while Syracuse University concentrates in Social Sciences, Visual & Performing Arts. 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 Syracuse University?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 46% at Syracuse University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is more affordable, with an average net price of $38,793 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Syracuse University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $79,164 at Syracuse University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Syracuse University?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 82%.
Fairfield University vs Syracuse University: which is better for social mobility?
Syracuse University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.9% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Syracuse University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Syracuse 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.
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