Fairfield vs Loyola Chicago

Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Fairfield, a Jesuit university in Connecticut, boasts a 68% acceptance rate and a student body comprising 5,000 undergraduates. Its popular majors include Business, Psychology, and Biology. Loyola, a Jesuit university in Illinois, has a slightly lower acceptance rate of 60% and a larger undergraduate population of 10,000. Its popular majors encompass Business, Psychology, and Nursing. While Fairfield's graduation rate stands at 86%, Loyola's is slightly higher at 88%. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Fairfield University logo

Fairfield University

Loyola University Chicago logo

Loyola University Chicago

Overview

Location Fairfield, Connecticut Chicago, Illinois
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: 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% 88.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 55.8% 77.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $65
SAT range 1230 - 1380 1160 - 1360
ACT range 27 - 31 27 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 24.0% 23.0%
Students submitting ACT score 7.0% 22.0%
Total number of applicants 12,674 37,824
Total number of admissions given out 7,073 29,117
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,256 2,867
Yield rate 17.8% 9.8%
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 Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $71,860 $63,074
Average net price $44,723 $29,371
Tuition $52,070 $46,410
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $9,850

Meal plan: $6,260
Room/dormitory: $9,400

Meal plan: $5,780
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

94.0%
Average amount $24,501
98.0%
Average amount $25,854
Students receiving federal student loan 59.0%
Average amount $5,418
44.0%
Average amount $5,419
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $26,796
8.0%
Average amount $17,984

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 4,603
Men 42.1% Women 57.9%
11,819
Men 31.8% Women 68.2%
Graduate students 1,223
Men 33.1% Women 66.9%
5,679
Men 32.1% Women 67.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 84.3% 50.0%
International students 3.7% 3.3%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 3,467 3,902
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 Illinois Michigan Minnesota California Ohio

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Legal Profession
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 83.9% 72.0%
Dropout rate 9.9% 27.4%
Transferred out 6.1% N/A
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
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,817
  • Year 2: $220,906
  • Year 3: $179,958
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,218
  • Year 2: $97,604
  • Year 3: $105,174
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,836
  • Year 2: $87,470
  • Year 3: $104,925
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $89,863
  • Year 2: $97,071
  • Year 3: $88,922
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,345
  • Year 2: $65,424
  • Year 3: $85,807
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,864
  • Year 2: $66,821
  • Year 3: $82,913
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,124
  • Year 2: $61,380
  • Year 3: $75,618
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,063
  • Year 2: $66,029
  • Year 3: $74,558
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,529
  • Year 2: $56,544
  • Year 3: $70,042
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,111
  • Year 2: $66,195
  • Year 3: $69,151

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location between Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, a suburban town on the coast with access to beaches and a more traditional New England feel. Loyola University Chicago has multiple campuses, with its main campus situated in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, offering a vibrant urban experience with access to the city's cultural attractions, diverse neighborhoods, and public transportation.

  • How do the academic programs compare at Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Fairfield University is particularly strong in business, nursing, and communications, while Loyola University Chicago is well-regarded for its programs in law, medicine, and social work. Loyola also has a broader selection of programs due to its larger size and diverse schools and colleges.

  • What is the student life like at Fairfield University versus Loyola University Chicago?

    Fairfield University offers a more traditional college experience with a strong sense of community, a focus on campus activities, and a significant Greek life presence. Loyola University Chicago provides a more diverse and urban student life, with opportunities to engage in city-based internships, cultural events, and a wider range of student organizations reflecting the city's diversity.

  • How does the cost of attendance compare between Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between the two universities. However, specific costs can vary depending on the program of study, living arrangements, and financial aid packages. It's recommended to check the most recent tuition and fees information on each university's website and compare your financial aid offers.

  • What are the religious affiliations of Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    Both universities are Catholic institutions. Fairfield University is run by the Jesuits, while Loyola University Chicago is also a Jesuit institution. This shared heritage influences their values, emphasizing a commitment to social justice, service, and a well-rounded education.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    Fairfield University has a more compact, traditional campus with a classic New England aesthetic. Loyola University Chicago's main campus is integrated into the Rogers Park neighborhood, offering a blend of campus buildings and city surroundings. Loyola also has other campuses, including one in Rome, Italy, offering study abroad opportunities.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    Both universities compete in NCAA Division I athletics. Fairfield University is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), while Loyola University Chicago is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference. Both schools offer a variety of sports, with basketball being a popular sport at both institutions. Loyola's men's basketball team gained national attention in recent years.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    Both universities offer robust career services to assist students with internships and job placement. Fairfield University's location in Fairfield County, Connecticut, provides access to numerous businesses and internship opportunities in the New York City metropolitan area. Loyola University Chicago's location in Chicago offers extensive internship opportunities in various industries, including healthcare, business, and non-profit organizations.

  • How does the size of the student body compare at Fairfield University and Loyola University Chicago?

    Loyola University Chicago has a significantly larger student body than Fairfield University. Loyola typically enrolls a larger number of undergraduate and graduate students, providing a broader range of academic and social opportunities. Fairfield University has a smaller, more intimate campus environment.

  • Which university is better for someone interested in studying abroad?

    Both universities offer excellent study abroad programs. Loyola University Chicago, with its campus in Rome, Italy, and extensive global partnerships, may offer a wider variety of international study options. However, Fairfield University also has strong study abroad programs, particularly in Europe and other regions. The best choice depends on the specific location and program of interest.

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