Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs University of California-San Diego
- Fairfield Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 16
- California-San Diego Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of California-San Diego offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $12,470 vs Fairfield University's $48,095, University of California-San Diego delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of California-San Diego'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, 5% more than University of California-San Diego
California-San Diego
- Lower cost: Average net price of $12,470, roughly $35,625 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 87% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $15,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); California-San Diego in Biology & Biomedical (19%). 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 University of California-San Diego. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $84,943.
Pick University of California-San Diego over Fairfield University. Net price $12,470 vs $48,095.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and University of California-San Diego are close on paper, but University of California-San Diego 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
University of California-San Diego is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while Fairfield University takes 33%.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, University of California-San Diego 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, University of California-San Diego comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $12,470, about $35,625 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of University of California-San Diego also borrow less: median debt of $15,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $142,500 before any change in aid. Choosing University of California-San Diego 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 $84,943 at University of California-San Diego. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of California-San Diego has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.18x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 5% 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 University of California-San Diego 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. University of California-San Diego saves about $35,625 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $3,851 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 University of California-San Diego leans toward Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, 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 University of California-San Diego's $12,470.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $15,500 at University of California-San Diego.
- Engineering-focused students: University of California-San Diego has the stronger engineering programs.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of California-San Diego has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of California-San Diego's enrollment of 34,948 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield holds onto its admits more tightly: 24% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at California-San Diego — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; California-San Diego 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.
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
The University of California-San Diego has an impressive graduation rate of 87%. This high percentage reflects the school's commitment to student success and academic support. It stands out in California's competitive higher education landscape, making it an attractive option for many students.
According to the Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, UC San Diego graduates have a 10-year earning potential of $84,943. This earning figure positions the university as a strong pathway for upward mobility, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. The data indicates that a significant portion of graduates experience substantial economic advancement post-graduation.
Practical considerations are also favorable. The net price for attending UC San Diego is $12,470, making it a relatively affordable option compared to other institutions. Graduates leave with a median debt of $15,500, which is manageable given their earning potential. Students who thrive here often pursue degrees in Biology, Engineering, Social Sciences, Psychology, and Computer Science, fields that are in high demand in today's job market.
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 California-San Diego leads with Biology (19%).
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 California-San Diego).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Communications, while University of California-San Diego concentrates in Biology & Biomedical, Engineering, Social 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 University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 33% at Fairfield University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego is more affordable, with an average net price of $12,470 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or University of California-San Diego graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $84,943 at University of California-San Diego.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or University of California-San Diego?
University of California-San Diego has the higher graduation rate, 87% versus 84%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or University of California-San Diego?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of California-San Diego 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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