Loading…
Getting the next page ready.
Fairfield University and Wesleyan University are both private nonprofit institutions — Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT and Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Fairfield, CT · Private
Acceptance rate: 33.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 5,373
Tuition: $58,350/year
Student-faculty ratio: 12.0:1
Graduation rate: 84.3%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Communication
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Fairfield, CT with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Middletown, CT · Private
Acceptance rate: 16.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 3,067
Tuition: $70,342/year
Student-faculty ratio: 8.0:1
Graduation rate: 92.6%
Top programs: Social sciences, Psychology, Visual and performing arts
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Middletown, CT with published program strength in Social sciences and Psychology.
| Factor | Fairfield University | Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 33.3% | 16.5% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1260–1390 |
| 1415–1540 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 29–32 | 33–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 5,373 | 3,067 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $58,350/year | $70,342/year |
| Average net price after aid | $48,095 | $30,177 |
| Graduation rate | 84.3% | 92.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $88,794 | $73,897 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Fairfield, CT | Middletown, CT |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Communication | Social sciences, Psychology, Visual and performing arts |
Wesleyan University is more selective (16.5% vs 33.3% acceptance rate). Wesleyan University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($30,177 vs $48,095). Wesleyan University reports the higher graduation rate (92.6% vs 84.3%). Fairfield University is the larger undergraduate campus (5,373 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Fairfield University vs Trinity College
33.3% vs 29.3% acceptance rate
Fairfield University vs Connecticut College
33.3% vs 37.0% acceptance rate
Fairfield University vs United States Coast Guard Academy
33.3% vs 22.4% acceptance rate
Fairfield University vs University of New Haven
33.3% vs 60.4% acceptance rate
Common questions when choosing between Fairfield University and Wesleyan University
Fairfield University has an acceptance rate of 33.3%; Wesleyan University is around 16.5%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Fairfield University tuition is $58,350/year. Wesleyan University is $70,342/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
Open Comparison Tool