Fairfield, CT · Private University
Is Fairfield University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$88,794
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$56,360
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,360
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$225,440
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.57x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.2 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
83.8%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$46,274
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Fairfield University graduates earn $43,794 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Fairfield University ranked by graduate earnings
148 graduates
224 graduates
24 graduates
31 graduates
36 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Fairfield University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Fairfield University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Finance and Financial Management Services: $98,540) and the lowest (English Language and Literature, General: $59,811) is $38,729/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management ServicesBest ROI | $98,540 | 1.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $89,845 | 1.6x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $89,779 | 1.6x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $85,931 | 1.5x |
| Economics | $81,906 | 1.4x |
| Marketing | $75,350 | 1.3x |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $75,046 | 1.3x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $73,938 | 1.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $65,857 | 1.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $63,356 | 1.1x |
| Psychology, General | $61,555 | 1.1x |
| English Language and Literature, GeneralLowest | $59,811 | 1.1x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfield University | 1.57x | $88,794 | Good ROI |
| Providence College | 1.43x | $87,054 | Average ROI |
| American University | 1.37x | $77,370 | Average ROI |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | 1.65x | $102,051 | Good ROI |
| Fordham University | 1.38x | $85,569 | Average ROI |
| Syracuse University | 1.25x | $79,164 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Fairfield University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $88,794 10 years after starting — $43,794 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.2 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.