Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs University of Portland
- Fairfield Wins
- 19
- Tied
- 5
- Portland Wins
- 20
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Portland offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fairfield University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 80%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,095 compared to University of Portland's $28,210 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Portland's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
44 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, 7% more than University of Portland
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.6%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Portland
- Lower cost: Average net price of $28,210, roughly $19,885 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,370, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (46% of degrees); Portland in Health Professions (31%). 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 Portland. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $82,804.
Pick University of Portland over Fairfield University. Net price $28,210 vs $48,095.
Pick Fairfield University over University of Portland. 1.6% mobility rate vs 0.9%.
Pick Fairfield University over University of Portland. 84% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and University of Portland are close on paper, but Fairfield University 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
Fairfield University is the harder admit. It takes 33% of applicants, while University of Portland takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,277.
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 Portland comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $28,210, about $19,885 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of University of Portland also borrow less: median debt of $21,370, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $79,540 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Portland 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 $82,804 at University of Portland. That is a 7% advantage. Set against borrowing, University of Portland has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 7% 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.
Finishing the degree
Fairfield University graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 4% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Fairfield University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.6%; at University of Portland, it is 0.9%. University of Portland also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 2.8% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Fairfield 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 University of Portland 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. University of Portland saves about $19,885 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $5,990 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 Communications, while University of Portland leans toward Engineering. 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 Portland's $28,210.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $21,370 at University of Portland.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Fairfield University's enrollment of 5,373 far exceeds University of Portland's 2,957.
No strong negative signals — Portland competes well across the dimensions measured.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 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 Portland
Portland, OR · Private nonprofit
With an enrollment of just under 3,000 students, the University of Portland is a great fit for those seeking a close-knit community while still accessing solid academic programs. Students here often dive into popular fields like Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and Psychology. An acceptance rate of 89% indicates that the university welcomes a diverse range of applicants, making it an appealing option for many.
After graduation, students can expect to earn about $82,804 within ten years, which can be quite encouraging when considering job prospects. This earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. While nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, the supportive environment helps many move up in their careers, even if specific mobility rates aren’t available.
When it comes to the financials, the net price after aid sits at $28,210, which can be manageable for many families. The median debt for graduates is $21,370, suggesting that most students can graduate with a reasonable amount of student loans. Those who thrive here are often proactive, engaged, and looking for a collaborative atmosphere that values both academic and personal growth.
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 (46% of enrollment), while Portland leads with Nursing (BSN) (31%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Portland).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Communications, Psychology, while University of Portland concentrates in Engineering, Biology & Biomedical. 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 Portland?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 89% at University of Portland.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or University of Portland?
University of Portland is more affordable, with an average net price of $28,210 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or University of Portland graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,804 at University of Portland.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or University of Portland?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 80%.
Fairfield University vs University of Portland: which is better for social mobility?
Fairfield University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.6% versus 0.9%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or University of Portland?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Portland 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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