Skip to content
CollegeRanker

Compare

Fairfield University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

11
Fairfield Wins
8
Tied / N/A
27
University Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Public
Suburban
Setting
Urban
New England
Region
Southeast
5,373
Enrollment
20,752
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

33%
Acceptance Rate
15%
1335
SAT Average
1439
29
ACT Midpoint
25
1260-1390
SAT Range
1390-1530

Cost & Financial Aid

$58,350
In-State Tuition
$8,994
$58,350
Out-of-State Tuition
$41,203
$48,095
Average Net Price
$11,655
$33,302
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,004
$35,155
Net Price ($30-48K)
$3,918
$26,953
Net Price ($48-75K)
$8,538
$50,773
Net Price ($110K+)
$24,396
7%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
43%
Federal Loan Rate
13%

Academics

84%
Graduation Rate
92%
91%
Retention Rate
97%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
78%
$13,298
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$15,046
17%
First-Gen Students
20%

Student Body

65%
Female
62%
79%
White
53%
9%
Hispanic
10%
1%
Black
7%
2%
Asian
16%
0.36
Diversity Index
0.67

Outcomes

$73,693
Earnings (6yr)
$57,057
$87,663
Earnings (8yr)
$65,584
$88,794
Earnings (10yr)
$72,200
$26,000
Median Debt
$14,000
0.29x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.19x
85%
Earning Above HS
78%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

157.73%
Mobility Rate
115.19%
6319.4%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
3330.1%
249.6%
From Bottom 20%
345.9%
$151,500
Parent Median Income
$129,500

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.68
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.01
3.9%
Volunteering Rate
8.9%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#30
N/A
Teaching Score
70.9
N/A
Research Score
75.1
N/A
Citations Score
85

The Overviews

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit

33% accept 84% grad $88,794 earnings $48,095 net

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public

15% accept 92% grad $72,200 earnings $11,655 net

With an acceptance rate of just 15%, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill attracts students who are ready to dive into a diverse range of studies, including Biology, Business, and Communications. This school is a great fit for those who thrive in a competitive environment and are looking for strong academic support. The impressive graduation rate of 92% indicates a solid commitment to student success, meaning you'll likely find yourself in a community that values achievement and collaboration.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $72,200 within a decade, which is a pretty solid starting point for many. This level of earning power suggests that the programs offered here are well-aligned with job market needs. Additionally, the cost of attendance is manageable, with a net price of $11,655 after aid, making it a compelling choice for those concerned about financial barriers.

When it comes to debt, the median load of $14,000 is relatively low compared to what many graduates face elsewhere. This means that students who manage their finances well can leave college with a degree of financial freedom. Generally, those who thrive here are driven and engaged, ready to take advantage of the rich academic and social resources that UNC Chapel Hill has to offer.

Sponsored

Compare Accredited Programs Accepting Applicants

Matched to high-demand fields — request info, free.

Ad