At $46,274/yr net price, Fairfield University graduates earn $88,794/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $54,794/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $46,274 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $185,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $88,794/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$54,794/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $32,161/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,062/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $35,003/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,355/yr |
| $110,001+ | $49,644/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $150,874 | $77,946 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,749 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,749 | $25,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $73,737 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,666 | $26,644 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $68,363 | $28,450 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $66,653 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $64,608 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $62,343 | $26,633 |
The Risk Factor
83.8% of students at Fairfield University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Fairfield University delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $88,794 annually. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with some specializations reaching $150,874 in median earnings. However, nursing students should prepare for significantly higher debt loads, with some programs requiring $77,946 in borrowing compared to the school's overall median of $26,000.
Finance and Management Information Systems graduates earn respectable salaries in the $69,000-$73,000 range, making these programs good bets for your investment. The school's 83.8% graduation rate and strong retention suggest most students complete their degrees, avoiding the financial disaster of paying college costs without earning credentials.
Your biggest financial risk at Fairfield is the limited financial aid availability. Only 6.83% of students receive aid, meaning most families pay close to the full $46,274 annual net price. This makes Fairfield financially viable primarily for upper-middle-class families who can handle the costs without excessive borrowing or students targeting the high-earning nursing programs.
Skip Fairfield if you need substantial financial aid or plan to major in lower-earning fields not represented in the top salary data. The school works best financially for students from affluent families pursuing nursing, business, or technology fields where the salary premium justifies the premium price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairfield University worth the high tuition cost?
At $46,274 net price annually, Fairfield University delivers mixed ROI depending on your major. Nursing graduates earn $150,874 within 10 years, making the investment worthwhile, but other programs may not justify the cost given the $88,794 average graduate salary.
What are the best paying majors at Fairfield University?
Nursing programs at Fairfield University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning up to $150,874 annually. Finance and Management Information Systems also provide decent returns at around $70,000, though still below the school's high cost.
How much debt do Fairfield University students typically graduate with?
Fairfield University graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with the high net price of over $46,000 yearly, many students rely heavily on family funding or financial aid.
Does Fairfield University provide good financial aid to offset costs?
Despite financial aid, Fairfield University's net price remains high at $46,274 per year for most families. The 83.8% graduation rate suggests students can complete their degrees, but the financial burden remains substantial for middle-class families who don't qualify for need-based aid.