Fairfield vs Seton Hall

Fairfield University and Seton Hall University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Fairfield, a Jesuit university in Connecticut, boasts a 68% acceptance rate, while Seton Hall, a Catholic university in New Jersey, has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 63%. Fairfield's student body is predominantly white (73%) and female (58%), while Seton Hall's student body is more diverse, with a larger population of Hispanic (29%) and male (53%) students. Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at Fairfield including Business, Psychology, and Biology, and popular majors at Seton Hall including Business, Nursing, and Education. With graduation rates of 84% and 82% respectively, both universities ensure that their students are well-prepared for successful careers. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and find the university that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Fairfield University logo

Fairfield University

Seton Hall University logo

Seton Hall University

Overview

Location Fairfield, Connecticut South Orange, New Jersey
Campus setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 89.0% 83.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 55.8% 76.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $65
Undergraduate: $55

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1230 - 1380 1200 - 1370
ACT range 27 - 31 26 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 24.0% 17.0%
Students submitting ACT score 7.0% 5.0%
Total number of applicants 12,674 23,417
Total number of admissions given out 7,073 17,940
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,256 1,688
Yield rate 17.8% 9.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $71,860 $67,416
Average net price $44,723 $33,177
Tuition $52,070 $44,420
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,850

Meal plan: $6,260
Room/dormitory: $10,812

Meal plan: $5,932
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

94.0%
Average amount $24,501
100.0%
Average amount $29,154
Students receiving federal student loan 59.0%
Average amount $5,418
55.0%
Average amount $5,349
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $26,796
15.0%
Average amount $22,161

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,603
Men 42.1% Women 57.9%
6,063
Men 46.1% Women 53.9%
Graduate students 1,223
Men 33.1% Women 66.9%
3,818
Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 84.3% 25.9%
International students 3.7% 2.6%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,467 2,589
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Mississippi New York New Jersey Connecticut Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Pennsylvania California Connecticut

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Engineering
  • Health Professions
  • Legal Profession
  • Business
  • Education
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 83.9% 71.9%
Dropout rate 9.9% 7.4%
Transferred out 6.1% 20.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $138,401
  • Year 2: $150,874
  • Year 3: $145,506
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $112,773
  • Year 2: $104,749
  • Year 3: $112,599
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,022
  • Year 2: $64,608
  • Year 3: $82,549
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $76,774
  • Year 2: $76,749
  • Year 3: $80,847
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,102
  • Year 2: $68,363
  • Year 3: $80,620
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,421
  • Year 2: $62,343
  • Year 3: $76,092
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $75,987
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,682
  • Year 2: $68,666
  • Year 3: $75,412
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,920
  • Year 2: $52,607
  • Year 3: $71,880
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $61,516
  • Year 3: $70,429
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,283
  • Year 2: $111,435
  • Year 3: $115,080
Finance and Financial Management Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,535
  • Year 2: $81,702
  • Year 3: $110,602
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,461
  • Year 2: $92,885
  • Year 3: $105,315
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,013
  • Year 2: $96,539
  • Year 3: $101,587
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $88,307
  • Year 2: $101,406
  • Year 3: $91,499
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,123
  • Year 2: $67,255
  • Year 3: $90,083
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,696
  • Year 2: $72,693
  • Year 3: $84,791
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,324
  • Year 2: $78,343
  • Year 3: $80,643
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,975
  • Year 2: $75,706
  • Year 3: $78,735
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,606
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $78,533

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location between Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, a suburban town on the coast with access to beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. Seton Hall University is situated in South Orange, New Jersey, a suburban town approximately 30 minutes from New York City, offering easy access to the city's cultural and professional opportunities.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Fairfield University is particularly strong in business, nursing, and communications, while Seton Hall is well-known for its programs in law, medicine, and diplomacy. Seton Hall also has a more extensive selection of graduate programs due to its larger size and focus on professional schools.

  • What is the student life like at Fairfield University versus Seton Hall University?

    Fairfield University offers a close-knit campus community with a strong emphasis on campus activities and a vibrant social scene. Seton Hall has a more diverse student body and a wider range of extracurricular activities, including those related to its proximity to New York City. Both universities have active Greek life and Division I athletics, but the overall feel differs due to their locations and campus cultures.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between Fairfield University and Seton Hall University. However, specific costs can vary depending on the chosen program and living arrangements. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fees information on each university's website for the most accurate comparison.

  • What are the admission requirements like for Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    Both universities require similar application materials, including high school transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies are common), letters of recommendation, and an application essay. Admission standards are competitive at both institutions, but the specific requirements and acceptance rates may vary slightly. Prospective students should carefully review the admission guidelines on each university's website.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities differ at Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    Both universities provide robust career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. Seton Hall, with its proximity to New York City, offers a wider range of internship opportunities in various industries, particularly in finance, media, and healthcare. Fairfield University also has strong industry connections, especially in the New England area, and provides excellent career support for its students.

  • What is the religious affiliation of Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    Both Fairfield University and Seton Hall University have a Catholic affiliation. Fairfield is run by the Jesuits, while Seton Hall is run by the Catholic Church. While both institutions uphold Catholic values, they welcome students of all faiths and backgrounds.

  • How does the campus environment differ between Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    Fairfield University boasts a beautiful, traditional New England campus with a strong sense of community. Seton Hall has a more urban campus feel, with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus environment at Seton Hall is more integrated with the surrounding town of South Orange, while Fairfield's campus is more self-contained.

  • Which university is better for students interested in athletics?

    Both universities have strong Division I athletic programs. Fairfield University is known for its basketball and lacrosse teams, while Seton Hall is particularly recognized for its basketball program. The choice depends on the specific sport and the overall athletic experience a student is seeking.

  • How do the alumni networks compare at Fairfield University and Seton Hall University?

    Both universities have active and supportive alumni networks. Seton Hall's alumni network is particularly strong in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, providing valuable networking opportunities. Fairfield University's alumni network is also well-established, with a strong presence in the Northeast and beyond. The strength of the network often depends on the specific field of study and career goals.

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