Fairfield University
Fairfield University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Fairfield University at a Glance
Fairfield University is a private Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. It was founded by the Jesuits in 1942. In the fall of 2024, the university had about 5,400 full-time undergraduate students and 1,500 graduate students, including full-time and part-time students. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees through its five schools and colleges and, since 2023, associate’s degrees.
1942
84 years old
$503M
$502.7 million (2025)
6,864
5,391 undergrad · 1,473 grad
729
200 acres
Identity
Is Fairfield University Worth It?
At a value score of 39/100, Fairfield University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $88,794 — 65% above average — while paying $48,095/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 84% graduation rate means roughly 16% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Fairfield University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Fairfield University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #3 of 4 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bucknell University | 50 | $40,766 | $93,807 |
| #2 | Furman University | 45 | $30,308 | $68,635 |
| #3 | Fairfield University | 39 | $48,095 | $88,794 |
| #4 | Dickinson College | 38 | $37,607 | $70,204 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Fairfield University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Fairfield University
The highest-earning program at Fairfield University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $75,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $28,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Fairfield University earns $75,300, while a Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduate earns $28,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $25,651 for Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $48,095/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $75,300 | $75,300 | $25,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $63,300 | $63,300 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $59,100 | $59,100 | $25,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $57,800 | $57,800 | $27,000 |
| Mathematics | $55,900 | $55,900 | $23,250 |
| International Business | $51,000 | $51,000 | $27,000 |
| Economics | $48,500 | $48,500 | $24,473 |
| Marketing | $47,100 | $47,100 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $45,900 | $45,900 | $26,973 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $42,300 | $42,300 | $26,975 |
| Political Science and Government | $41,300 | $41,300 | $26,000 |
| Biology, General | $37,400 | $37,400 | $27,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $37,100 | $37,100 | $27,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $37,000 | $37,000 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $33,300 | $33,300 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $28,400 | $28,400 | $25,651 |
Similar Colleges in CT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Fairfield, CT
- Student Body
- 5,373 students
- Admission Rate
- 33%
- Graduation Rate
- 84%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $48,095
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $88,794
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000