Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs Union College
- Fairfield Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 17
- Union Wins
- 17
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Union College offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fairfield University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 83%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,095 compared to Union College's $34,561 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Union College'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 earnings: Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, 0% more than Union College
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Union
- Lower cost: Average net price of $34,561, roughly $13,534 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $25,337, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Union in Social Sciences (21%). 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 Union College. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $88,604.
Pick Union College over Fairfield University. Net price $34,561 vs $48,095.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and Union College 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 Union College takes 44%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,395.
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, Union College comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $34,561, about $13,534 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of Union College also borrow less: median debt of $25,337, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $54,136 before any change in aid. Choosing Union College 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 $88,604 at Union College. That is a 0% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 0% 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.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Union College to keep costs and debt down; pick Fairfield University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. Union College saves about $13,534 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $190 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, while Union College leans toward Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Union College's $34,561.
- Engineering-focused students: Union College has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fairfield University's enrollment of 5,373 far exceeds Union College's 2,046.
- Business and consulting-track students: Union College 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; Union 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.
Union College
Schenectady, NY · Private nonprofit
Union College is a solid choice for students interested in a diverse range of studies, particularly in social sciences, engineering, biology, and psychology. With an enrollment of about 2,046 students and an acceptance rate of 44%, it strikes a balance between being accessible and maintaining a close-knit community. The graduation rate of 83% reflects a supportive environment where students tend to thrive and complete their degrees.
When it comes to what happens after graduation, students from Union College can expect a median earning of $88,604 within ten years of finishing their degree. This level of earning power suggests that graduates are well-prepared for the job market, with many finding roles that allow them to grow both personally and professionally. The affordability factor also plays a role in this, as financial burdens are important to consider when thinking about long-term success.
The financial bottom line shows a net price of $34,561 after aid, which is manageable compared to the potential earnings. With a median debt of $25,337, students can graduate with a reasonable financial outlook, especially relative to their earning potential. Those who tend to thrive at Union are likely to be motivated, engaged, and ready to take on the academic rigor of the programs offered, all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere in Schenectady.
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 Union leads with Sociology (21%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield) and Mechanical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer (for Union).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, Psychology, while Union College concentrates in Social Sciences, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, Humanities. 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 Union College?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 44% at Union College.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or Union College?
Union College is more affordable, with an average net price of $34,561 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or Union College graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $88,604 at Union College.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or Union College?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 83%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or Union College?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Union College 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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How do Fairfield and Union 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.
