Acceptance Rate
33%
Avg. SAT
1390
75th percentile
“Jesuit campus in coastal Connecticut where business majors plot careers amid beach walks and ethical debates.”
Fairfield, CT
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Fairfield University traces its roots to 1942, when Jesuits transformed a waterfront estate into a liberal arts college overlooking Long Island Sound. Nestled in the affluent suburb of Fairfield, Connecticut, it sits 50 miles northeast of New York City, blending small-town charm with easy train access to urban excitement. The school carries a Jesuit legacy of educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through service and reflection, fostering a personality that's earnest, community-focused, and subtly preppy.
Students who thrive here appreciate structured support, coastal recreation, and a faith-infused environment without rigid dogma. Ambitious East Coasters drawn to business or nursing often fit right in, enjoying classmates who balance study groups with weekend beach volleyball. Tradeoffs include Fairfield's steep cost of living, which amplifies the $53,000 tuition, plus chilly, damp winters that keep you indoors more than you'd like in milder climates.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
In classrooms, you'll encounter engaged Jesuit professors who prioritize discussion over lectures, especially in the Dolan School of Business, renowned for finance and marketing tracks that feed into Wall Street pipelines. Nursing and biology programs shine too, with hands-on labs drawing on the nearby coast for marine studies. The undergraduate focus means smaller upper-level seminars after potentially larger intro courses, and research opportunities abound for motivated students through faculty projects on ethics or environmental science.
Intellectual life pulses with interdisciplinary seminars tying business to moral philosophy, but popular majors like accounting can get competitive for spots. Class dynamics favor active participation, suiting outgoing learners while quieter types might need to push themselves. Overall, expect a supportive vibe where grades matter but personal growth gets equal billing.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
5,391 undergrad • 1,473 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
78%
Black / African American
2%
Hispanic / Latino
8%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
10%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Fairfield, CT
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus hums with a friendly, low-key energy: picture weekday library grinds, Thursday tailgates before Stags basketball games, and spontaneous beach Frisbee sessions. Residential life centers on suite-style dorms where freshmen bond quickly, though upperclassmen often seek off-campus apartments amid Fairfield's pricey rentals. Traditions like the spring Puppet Fest showcase quirky creativity, while service trips to nearby cities build school spirit.
Social scene skews wholesome—moderate Greek involvement, active intramurals, and coffee shop hangs—rather than all-night ragers. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings (think sailing or investment groups), and weekend escapes to NYC or local beaches. Challenges include suburban isolation if you crave constant urban buzz, and housing crunches for juniors force early planning.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$31,018
$30K – $48K
$27,835
$48K – $75K
$30,683
$75K – $110K
$35,585
$110K+
$47,358
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
91%
4 Years Graduation Rate
81%
6 Years Graduation Rate
83%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$88,794
91% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Fairfield University and return in the fall. 81% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 83% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
81%
4-6 years
2%
Non-grad
17%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$53,630
Acceptance
33%
Undergrads
5,391
4-Year Grad Rate
81%
Endowment
$303M
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195