College Costs in Fairfield, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Fairfield, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$44,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,071
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Fairfield Overview
Population
61,512
Student Population
3,997 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
106.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Fairfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,192
Total After Financial Aid
$119,192
Annual Cost
$29,798
Annual After Aid
$29,798
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,192 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,353 |
| Total Interest | $43,216 |
| Total Loan Cost | $162,408 |
Universities in Fairfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield State University | Public | $14,634 |
| Fairfield Community College | Community | $5,339 |
Fairfield has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fairfield vs. National Average
| Category | Fairfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,100 | $10,940 | +$4,160 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,071 | $1,050 | +$21 |
| Cost of Living Index | 106.7 | 100 | +6.700000000000003 |
Fairfield's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Fairfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,997 students
Fairfield has a total population of 61,512, with approximately 3,997 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fairfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fairfield
$39,046
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~29 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fairfield earn a median starting salary of $39,046, which is $4,046 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,192 (including room and board), it would take approximately 29 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,107 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
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7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
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10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
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10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
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8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Hamden
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
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