Fairfield University vs Wesleyan University: which has better ROI?
Wesleyan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $120,708 in 4.7 years versus 4.8 years at Fairfield University, on median earnings of $73,897 vs $88,794 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Fairfield University | Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $48,095 | $30,177 |
| Total net cost | $192,380 | $120,708 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $88,794 | $73,897 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $17,000 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | 4.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $616,300 | $390,032 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Fairfield University or Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University, at $30,177 a year after aid versus $48,095 — a gap of $17,918 a year, or $71,672 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 Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates report a median $88,794 ten years after entry, $14,897 more than the $73,897 at Wesleyan University. 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 Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University: its completers carry a median $17,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Fairfield University, a difference of $9,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
93% of students finish at Wesleyan University, against 84% at Fairfield University. 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.