Fairfield University vs Charter Oak State College: which has better ROI?
Charter Oak State College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,260 in 4 years versus 4.8 years at Fairfield University, on median earnings of $64,209 vs $88,794 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Fairfield University | Charter Oak State College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $48,095 | $15,815 |
| Total net cost | $192,380 | $63,260 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $88,794 | $64,209 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $18,683 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | 4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $616,300 | $253,720 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Fairfield University or Charter Oak State College?
Charter Oak State College, at $15,815 a year after aid versus $48,095 — a gap of $32,280 a year, or $129,120 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Fairfield University or Charter Oak State College graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates report a median $88,794 ten years after entry, $24,585 more than the $64,209 at Charter Oak State College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Fairfield University or Charter Oak State College?
Charter Oak State College: its completers carry a median $18,683 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Fairfield University, a difference of $7,317. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Fairfield University, against 67% at Charter Oak State College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.