College Search
Fairfield University

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Suburb · 5,373 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
Suburb
Medium (3k–10k)
Accredited by New England Commission on Higher Education
About

Fairfield University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in coastal Connecticut best known for its strong liberal arts foundation combined with respected professional programs in business (Dolan School of Business), nursing, and education. Its academics emphasize the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, with small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and a core curriculum grounded in ethics and critical thinking. Campus life reflects a close-knit, residential community with a strong emphasis on service, spirituality, and leadership, complemented by a picturesque New England setting near the Long Island Sound. What sets Fairfield apart is its blend of accessible, personalized education with the resources and outlook of a comprehensive university, along with a deep commitment to community engagement and social justice rooted in its Jesuit mission.


Wikipedia:Fairfield University is a private Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. It was founded by the Jesuits in 1942. In the fall of 2024, the university had about 5,400 full-time undergraduate students and 1,500 graduate students, including full-time and part-time students. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees through its five schools and colleges and, since 2023, associate degrees.

Location
Fairfield, CT, 06824-5195 · Suburb campus
Nearest airport from college
HPN · Westchester
24 mi away
Cost
Cost of attendance
$88,229
Avg net price
$48,095
Room & board
$19,838
Tuition
$58,350
Books & supplies
$1,175/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$33,302
$30–48k
$35,155
$48–75k
$26,953
$75–110k
$44,077
$110k+
$50,773
Admissions
Admit rate
33%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1335
Reading 630700
Math 630690
ACT midpoint
29
Composite 2932
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600

Wondering if Fairfield University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay Requirements

Fairfield University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
4-yr on-time completion
82%
1st-yr retention
91%
Transfer-out rate
12%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
84%
Transferred
13%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
3%
Median earnings (6yr)
$73,693
Median earnings (10yr)
$88,794
Median debt
$26,000
Monthly loan payment
$276
Debt range (25th–75th)
$12,000$27,000
Debt (90th percentile)
$30,750
Student Body
Men 42%Women 58%
12
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
7%
First-generation
17%
Median family income
$117,152
Independent students
4%
Avg age at entry
19.0
Part-time students
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
79%
Hispanic
9%
Black
1%
Asian
2%
Two or more
2%
Non-resident
2%
Unknown
5%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$73,693
10 years after entry
$88,794
Finance and Financial Management Services254
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing197
Marketing157
Accounting and Related Services115
Psychology, General75
Communication and Media Studies72
Data Analytics61
Business Administration, Management and Operations59
Economics52
Biology, General50
Mechanical Engineering38
Political Science and Government30
Computer and Information Sciences, General28
English Language and Literature, General25
Mathematics22
International Business19
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$411M
Classification
Doctoral/Professional
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, more selective admissions
Full-time faculty
100%
Avg faculty salary
$13,298/mo
Instructional spend/student
$15,558
Federal loan rate
43%

Wondering if Fairfield University is the right fit for you?

Scout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Get your college list →See a sample report first