Marist vs Fairfield

Marist College and Fairfield University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Marist, located in Poughkeepsie, New York, boasts a higher acceptance rate (68%) compared to Fairfield's 58%. Marist's student body is more diverse, with 30% identifying as students of color, while Fairfield's student body is predominantly white (78%). Fairfield, situated in Fairfield, Connecticut, excels in graduation rates, with 86% of its students completing their degrees within six years, compared to Marist's 79%. Both institutions offer a range of popular majors, including Business, Psychology, and Communication, but Fairfield has a stronger focus on the liberal arts. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Fairfield University	Marist College
Overview
Location	Fairfield, Connecticut	Poughkeepsie, New York
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%	86.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation	Catholic

Admission
Acceptance rate	55.8%	59.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $60 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1230 - 1380	1196 - 1360
ACT range	27 - 31	26 - 29
Students submitting SAT score	24.0%	21.0%
Students submitting ACT score	7.0%	5.0%
Total number of applicants	12,674	11,583
Total number of admissions given out	7,073	6,944
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,256	1,272
Yield rate	17.8%	18.3%
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	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$71,860	$65,235
Average net price	$44,723	$37,868
Tuition	$52,070	$42,650
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,850 Meal plan: $6,260	Room/dormitory: $10,450 Meal plan: $6,200
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	94.0% Average amount $24,501	94.0% Average amount $22,531
Students receiving federal student loan	59.0% Average amount $5,418	56.0% Average amount $5,322
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $26,796	9.0% Average amount $22,293

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,603 Men 42.1% Women 57.9%	5,510 Men 42.6% Women 57.4%
Graduate students	1,223 Men 33.1% Women 66.9%	886 Men 38.4% Women 61.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	84.3%	56.2%
International students	3.7%	2.5%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	3,467	3,482
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 York New Jersey Connecticut Mississippi Maryland

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Education Communication and Journalism Engineering	Health Professions Public Administration and Social Service Computer and Information Science Biological and Biomedical Sciences Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	83.9%	81.7%
Dropout rate	9.9%	3.9%
Transferred out	6.1%	14.1%
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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $87,291 Year 2: $88,506 Year 3: $98,268 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,698 Year 2: $79,389 Year 3: $89,521 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,483 Year 2: $73,769 Year 3: $81,980 Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,648 Year 2: $72,509 Year 3: $76,229 Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $59,669 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $73,443 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,088 Year 2: $72,369 Year 3: $71,731 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,007 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $70,125 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $49,869 Year 2: $51,464 Year 3: $67,228 Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,004 Year 2: $49,344 Year 3: $62,054 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,582 Year 2: $51,829 Year 3: $55,551

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Marist College and Fairfield University?

Marist College, located in Poughkeepsie, New York, is known for its strong programs in communications, business, and technology, and boasts a close partnership with IBM. Fairfield University, situated in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a Jesuit university with a strong liberal arts foundation, particularly recognized for its nursing, business, and engineering programs. Marist tends to have a slightly larger undergraduate population than Fairfield. Fairfield emphasizes its Jesuit values and a commitment to social justice, while Marist highlights its career-focused education and technological resources.
Which school is better for business programs: Marist or Fairfield?

Both Marist and Fairfield offer excellent business programs. Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business is highly regarded and offers a wide range of specialized programs, including finance, accounting, and marketing, with a strong emphasis on ethical leadership. Marist's School of Management also provides a comprehensive business education, with a focus on experiential learning and technology integration, and benefits from its proximity to New York City and its partnership with IBM. The 'better' choice depends on your specific interests and career goals. Consider researching faculty, internship opportunities, and alumni networks in your desired field at both schools.
How do the campus environments compare?

Marist College offers a scenic campus overlooking the Hudson River, providing a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities. The campus is generally considered more compact and walkable. Fairfield University's campus is known for its beautiful, traditional New England setting with a mix of historic and contemporary buildings. It's a bit more spread out, offering a more suburban feel. Both campuses are considered safe and welcoming, but the overall atmosphere differs slightly due to their locations and architectural styles.
What are the differences in student life and extracurricular activities?

Both Marist and Fairfield offer a vibrant student life with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities. Fairfield University, as a Jesuit institution, emphasizes service and social justice, with numerous opportunities for community engagement and volunteer work. Marist College has a strong focus on technology and innovation, reflected in its clubs and activities related to computer science, game development, and digital media. Both schools offer a variety of sports, performing arts, and social events, but the specific offerings and emphasis may vary. Consider exploring the student activities websites of both colleges to see which aligns better with your interests.
Which school is more selective in its admissions process?

Both Marist College and Fairfield University are considered selective, but Fairfield University generally has a slightly lower acceptance rate, indicating a more competitive admissions process. However, admission requirements and standards can change from year to year. It's essential to check the latest admission statistics on each school's website and ensure your academic profile aligns with their expectations.
How do the costs of attending Marist and Fairfield compare?

The cost of attendance at both Marist College and Fairfield University is relatively similar, including tuition, fees, room, and board. However, the actual cost can vary depending on individual circumstances, such as financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities. It's crucial to compare the net cost (cost after financial aid) at both institutions to determine which is more affordable for you. Use the Net Price Calculators available on each college's website to get an estimate of your potential costs.
What are the strengths of Marist's location versus Fairfield's location?

Marist College's location in Poughkeepsie, New York, offers a blend of small-town charm and proximity to major metropolitan areas. It's easily accessible to New York City, providing opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and career networking. Fairfield University's location in Fairfield, Connecticut, offers a suburban setting with easy access to New York City and other major cities in the Northeast. It provides a more relaxed environment while still being close to urban amenities and job markets. The 'better' location depends on your personal preferences and career aspirations.
How do the career services and internship opportunities compare?

Both Marist College and Fairfield University offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career development. Marist benefits from its strong alumni network and partnerships with companies like IBM, providing unique internship and job opportunities in the technology sector. Fairfield University leverages its location in the Northeast corridor and its strong relationships with businesses in finance, healthcare, and other industries to offer diverse internship and career pathways. Both schools actively support students in securing internships and preparing for their careers.
What is the student-faculty ratio at each school?

Both Marist College and Fairfield University pride themselves on offering a personalized learning environment with relatively low student-faculty ratios. Typically, both schools have a student-faculty ratio around 13:1 or 14:1. This allows for smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from professors. Check the most recent data on each school's website for the most up-to-date information.
How does the religious affiliation (or lack thereof) impact the student experience?

Fairfield University is a Jesuit institution, meaning its values and mission are rooted in the Jesuit tradition, emphasizing intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and service to others. This is reflected in the curriculum, campus activities, and overall campus culture. Marist College is not religiously affiliated, offering a more secular environment. While Marist welcomes students of all faiths, its programs and activities are not explicitly tied to any religious tradition. The impact on student experience depends on your personal values and preferences.

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