Quinnipiac University vs Fairfield University: which has better ROI?
Quinnipiac University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $162,700 in 4.6 years versus 4.8 years at Fairfield University, on median earnings of $83,759 vs $88,794 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Quinnipiac University | Fairfield University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,675 | $48,095 |
| Total net cost | $162,700 | $192,380 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $83,759 | $88,794 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 4.6 yrs | 4.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $545,280 | $616,300 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Quinnipiac University or Fairfield University?
Quinnipiac University, at $40,675 a year after aid versus $48,095 — a gap of $7,420 a year, or $29,680 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Quinnipiac University or Fairfield University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates report a median $88,794 ten years after entry, $5,035 more than the $83,759 at Quinnipiac 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, Quinnipiac University or Fairfield University?
Completers at both borrow a median $26,000, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Fairfield University, against 76% at Quinnipiac 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.