Campus Vibe
Top graduate earnings — known for business
Fairfield University is a private institution in Fairfield with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1323, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 4.9K undergraduates with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
84% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $88,794 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $46,274.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Fairfield University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1323
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by mid-December
Aid deadline: November 15
Early Action
November 15
Decision by mid-January
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by April 1
Reply by May 1
Fairfield University is test-optional. Students may submit SAT or ACT scores if they choose.
Fairfield requires supplemental essays as part of the Common Application.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for domestic students.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
52.4%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$23,251
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
35
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Fairfield has a Jesuit Core Curriculum emphasizing liberal arts foundation.
View all 21 majors›
Programs (104)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
90%
- •90% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Campus Life
Division I athletics with strong programs in basketball, lacrosse, and soccer.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Fairfield University was officially founded in 1942 when the Jesuits acquired the two contiguous estates of the Brewster Jennings and Walter Lashar families.
- •McEleney as the first president of the Fairfield University of St.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Suburban campus; most buildings within walking distance. Many students have cars.
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Nearby Attractions
Fairfield Beach
Long Island Sound beach, popular with students.
Downtown Fairfield
Historic town center with shops and restaurants.
Black Rock Harbor
Coastal harbor area in nearby Bridgeport.
Beardsley Zoo
Connecticut's only zoo, in nearby Bridgeport.
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
June 1
Spring Transfer
November 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Schools Like This
Hartford International University for Religion and Peace
Hartford, CT · Urban · Private
A T Still University of Health Sciences
Kirksville, MO · Town · Private
Academy for Jewish Religion
Yonkers, NY · Suburban · Private
Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences
Oakland, CA · Urban · Private