Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Fairfield Wins
- 9
- Tied
- 17
- Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wins
- 28
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $14,355 vs Fairfield University's $48,095, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
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, 10% more than University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Lower cost: Average net price of $14,355, roughly $33,740 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Engineering (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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $81,054.
Pick University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign over Fairfield University. Net price $14,355 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign are close on paper, but University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign takes 42%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,440.
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, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $14,355, about $33,740 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $134,960 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. That is a 10% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.24x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 10% 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign saves about $33,740 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $7,740 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 Health Professions, Communications, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's $14,355.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $19,500 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fairfield University's enrollment, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is stronger here.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has less business program depth, and Fairfield University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's enrollment of 36,258 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Illinois Urbana-Champaign holds onto its admits more tightly: 29% of admitted students enroll, versus 24% at Fairfield — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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
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.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL · Public
More than 36,000 students choose the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 42%, the university maintains a competitive edge while welcoming a diverse student body. The graduation rate stands at an impressive 85%, indicating a supportive environment for student success.
Data from Opportunity Insights highlights that graduates from Illinois Urbana-Champaign can expect solid economic mobility. The average earnings for alumni ten years after graduation reach $81,054, suggesting that degrees from this university translate into significant financial benefits. While specific mobility rates are not available, the school’s emphasis on high-demand fields like Engineering, Business, and Computer Science supports upward mobility for many graduates.
Cost considerations are crucial for students. The net price for attending is approximately $14,355, which is manageable compared to potential earnings. Graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, a figure that aligns with the financial landscape of public universities. Students who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields or business, benefiting from robust programs and a collaborative campus culture.
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads with Mechanical Engineering (21%).
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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Health Professions, Communications, Psychology, while University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign concentrates in Engineering, Computer Science & IT, 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 42% at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is more affordable, with an average net price of $14,355 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $81,054 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 84%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Fairfield and Illinois Urbana-Champaign 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.
