Fairfield University - Uni4edu

Fairfield University

Fairfield, United States

Fairfield University campus wide shot showing Bellarmine Hall and surrounding green lawns with mature trees, Long Island Sound visible in the background, bright autumn day with blue sky

Fairfield University

Fairfield, Connecticut, United States

Founded

1942

Institution Type

Private Jesuit

Total Students

6,700+

Student-Faculty Ratio

12:1

About Fairfield University: A Jesuit Tradition of Excellence

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit Catholic university located on a scenic 200-acre campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, just one hour from New York City. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, the university has grown from an initial class of 303 male students into a coeducational institution enrolling approximately 5,400 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate students across five schools and colleges.

Rooted in the Ignatian tradition of educating the whole person — body, mind, and spirit — Fairfield emphasizes intellectual inquiry, social justice, and ethical leadership. The university offers 53 undergraduate majors, 48 master's degree programs, and 8 doctoral programs, supported by a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters close mentorship and personalized learning.

Fairfield has earned national recognition for undergraduate teaching, career outcomes, and return on investment. With over 68 Fulbright scholars since 1993 and a strong alumni network of more than 45,000 degree holders, the university prepares graduates for meaningful careers and lives of service in a constantly changing world.

Key Milestones

  • 1942: Founded by the Society of Jesus after acquiring the Jennings and Lashar estates, becoming the 26th Jesuit college in the United States.
  • 2000: Charles F. Dolan, founder of HBO, donated USD 25 million to the renamed Charles F. Dolan School of Business.
  • 2017: Mark R. Nemec, PhD, became the 9th President, ushering in a new era of strategic growth and academic innovation.
  • 2022: The state-of-the-art USD 52 million Leo D. Mahoney Arena opened, serving as home for basketball and volleyball programs.

Academic Schools and Colleges

Fairfield University's academic programs are organized into five distinct schools and colleges, each committed to a liberal humanistic approach that encourages interdisciplinary learning. Students benefit from small class sizes, hands-on research opportunities, and a comprehensive core curriculum grounded in the Jesuit educational tradition.

John Charles Meditz College of Arts and Sciences

The largest school at Fairfield, offering a broad liberal arts education spanning the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and fine arts. It serves as the intellectual foundation for all undergraduate students through the university's core curriculum.

  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Communication

Charles F. Dolan School of Business

Nationally ranked for programs in accounting, finance, and business analytics, the Dolan School combines rigorous business education with Jesuit values of ethical leadership and social responsibility.

  • Finance
  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics

Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies

Ranked among the top nursing schools in the nation, the Egan School prepares students for careers in nursing, public health, and allied health fields through clinical partnerships and evidence-based practice.

  • Nursing (BSN)
  • Public Health
  • Nurse Practitioner (DNP)

School of Engineering and Computing

Offering hands-on, project-based education in engineering and computer science disciplines, this school prepares students for careers in technology and innovation through collaborative research and industry partnerships.

  • Computer Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering

School of Education and Human Development

Dedicated to preparing educators, counselors, and human development professionals, this school offers graduate and undergraduate programs that emphasize reflective practice and community engagement.

  • Elementary Education
  • School Counseling
  • Educational Technology

Graduate and Professional Studies

Fairfield offers a growing portfolio of graduate programs including an MBA, MFA in Creative Writing, and doctoral degrees, designed for working professionals and aspiring scholars seeking advanced credentials.

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • MFA in Creative Writing
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission

  • Application PlatformCommon Application accepted
  • GPA (Average Admitted)Approximately 3.90 weighted GPA
  • SAT/ACT (Middle 50%)SAT 1310–1420; ACT 27–31 (among submitters)
  • English ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS required for non-native English speakers
  • Additional MaterialsTranscript, counselor recommendation, personal essay
Fairfield University has a test-optional admissions policy. Students may choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships.

Graduate Admission

  • Degree RequirementBachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • GPA RecommendationMinimum 3.0 GPA preferred (varies by program)
  • Standardized TestsGRE/GMAT may be required depending on program
  • Letters of RecommendationTwo to three professional or academic references
  • English ProficiencyTOEFL/IELTS required for international applicants
Graduate admission requirements vary by program. Some programs offer rolling admissions. Contact the specific school or program for detailed requirements and deadlines.
November 1
Early Action

Non-binding early application option for students who want an early admissions decision.

November 15
Early Decision I

Binding early decision for students who have identified Fairfield as their top choice.

January 15
Regular Decision / Early Decision II

Standard application deadline for fall enrollment and a second binding early decision option.

January 15
Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS Profile)

Priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile to maximize financial aid eligibility.

Tuition, Costs, and Scholarships

As a private university, Fairfield charges the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. While the sticker price is significant, the university offers generous merit and need-based aid packages that substantially reduce the cost for most families.

Expense CategoryAnnual CostNotes
Tuition and FeesUSD 60,410USD 60,410
Room and BoardUSD 19,020USD 19,020
Books and SuppliesUSD 1,175USD 1,175
Other ExpensesUSD 2,005USD 2,005
TotalUSD 80,510USD 80,510

Merit Scholarships

All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 30,000 per year, based on a holistic review of their academic record and extracurricular involvement.

  • Award Range: USD 10,000 – USD 30,000 per year
  • Application Required: No — automatic consideration upon admission
  • Applicable To: Tuition only; renewable for four years

Need-Based Financial Aid

Fairfield meets a significant portion of demonstrated financial need through grants and scholarships. The average need-based scholarship for first-year students is approximately USD 30,784.

  • Average Need-Based Grant: USD 30,784 (first-year students)
  • Students Receiving Aid: Approximately 37% of first-year students
  • Need Met: 70% of demonstrated financial need

Campus and Facilities

Fairfield University's 200-acre suburban campus is situated on Connecticut's Gold Coast, just two miles from Long Island Sound and approximately 60 miles from New York City. The campus blends historic estates with modern academic and residential facilities, offering students a picturesque environment for learning and community life.

Housing and Dining

Residential Life

Fairfield offers a variety of on-campus housing options with a dormitory capacity of over 4,100 beds. All first-year students are required to live on campus, fostering a close-knit residential community.

  • Traditional residence halls for first-year students (Campion, Gonzaga, Regis, Jogues, Loyola)
  • Townhouse and apartment-style living for upperclassmen
  • Barnyard Manor premium housing for juniors and seniors with private bedrooms and laundry

Dining and Recreation

The campus features multiple dining venues and a comprehensive recreation center. Meal plans are included with on-campus housing, and the RecPlex gym provides fitness and wellness facilities for all students.

  • Multiple dining halls and cafes across campus
  • RecPlex fitness center with gym, courts, and wellness programs
  • Outdoor athletic fields including Rafferty Stadium and Lessing Field

Student Life at Fairfield

Life at Fairfield is defined by a tight-knit community rooted in Jesuit values of service, reflection, and personal growth. With over 100 student clubs and organizations, 20 Division I athletic teams, and a vibrant campus culture, students find abundant opportunities to get involved and build meaningful connections.

Clubs and Organizations

From academic societies to cultural groups and service organizations, Fairfield's 100+ clubs ensure every student can find their community and develop leadership skills outside the classroom.

Service and Social Justice

Community-engaged learning is central to Fairfield's Jesuit mission. Organizations like the Ignatian Solidarity Corps offer international service trips to Ecuador, Mexico, Jamaica, and beyond.

Student Government

The Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) is the official undergraduate student government, organizing events, advocating for student interests, and managing campus programming.

Academic and Professional

With 20+ business clubs in the Dolan School alone, plus honor societies and research groups, students build professional networks and deepen their academic interests.

Arts and Culture

The Center for Arts and Minds, founded in 2024, oversees campus arts programming, while student theatre, music ensembles, and media organizations provide creative outlets.

Stags Athletics

NCAA Division I — Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC)

  • Men's Basketball
  • Women's Basketball
  • Men's Lacrosse
  • Women's Soccer
  • Baseball
  • Volleyball
20 Varsity Sports — 2023-24 MAAC Commissioner's Cup Champions

Location: Fairfield, Connecticut

Aerial view of Fairfield Connecticut coastline showing Long Island Sound, sandy beaches, tree-lined suburban neighborhoods, autumn foliage, harbor with sailboats
Fairfield, Connecticut — a charming coastal town on the Gold Coast, just one hour from New York City.

Life in Fairfield, CT

Fairfield is a picturesque coastal town in southwestern Connecticut, frequently ranked among the best places to live in the United States. Located on the Gold Coast, it offers a blend of small-town charm, beautiful beaches, excellent dining, and easy access to the cultural and professional opportunities of New York City.

Proximity to New York City

Just 60 miles from Manhattan with Metro-North train service available from the Fairfield station, providing direct access to internships, cultural attractions, and career opportunities.

Coastal Living

The campus is just two miles from Long Island Sound, with five public beaches including Jennings Beach and Penfield Beach offering waterfront recreation year-round.

Fortune 500 Hub

Fairfield County boasts one of the largest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies in the nation, providing exceptional internship and networking opportunities for students.

Safe Suburban Setting

The suburban campus setting offers a safe, welcoming environment with local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues within easy reach of campus.

Career Outcomes and Alumni Network

99%
Employed or in Graduate School
Dolan School of Business graduates within 6 months
USD 73,693
Median Salary
Six years after graduation (U.S. News)
45,000+
Alumni Worldwide
Degrees awarded since 1951

Where Fairfield Graduates Work

Deloitte PwC EY (Ernst & Young) Morgan Stanley NBC Universal Yale New Haven Health IBM General Electric

Practical Information

For International Students

Visa and Immigration Support

International students receive guidance on F-1 visa requirements, including certificate of eligibility (I-20) processing and maintaining valid immigration status throughout their studies.

English Language Support

Fairfield provides academic support resources to help international students strengthen their English language skills and succeed in an English-medium academic environment.

Financial Planning for International Students

International students must demonstrate financial support for their education. Limited scholarship opportunities exist for international graduate students, particularly in engineering and nursing programs.

Key Contacts

Office of Admission
  • +90 5435286292
  • +44 7868736984
  • corporate@uni4edu.com
  • info@uni4edu.com

Fairfield University Rankings

Fairfield University has earned growing national recognition for its academic programs, undergraduate teaching, and career outcomes. The university continues to rise in major rankings, reflecting its commitment to providing a high-quality Jesuit education.

U.S. News & World Report
#139 National Universities
2026
U.S. News & World Report
#25 Best Undergraduate Teaching
2026
Niche
#12 Best Catholic Colleges in America
2026
LinkedIn Top Colleges
#28 in the United States
2025
SubjectRanking BodyRank
Undergraduate Business (Finance)U.S. News & World Report#14
Undergraduate Business AnalyticsU.S. News & World Report#14
Undergraduate NursingU.S. News & World Report#74
Accounting and FinanceNiche#35 in America
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1321
Graduate Students
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1360
Academic Stuf
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6289
Students
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Private
Instution Type

Features

Fairfield University offers a close-knit, Jesuit-inspired learning environment, characterized by small class sizes and a low student-faculty ratio of 12:1\n.It has a scenic 200-acre suburban campus just an hour from New York City, fostering both community engagement and global opportunities \n.Driven by its commitment to holistic education, Fairfield supports innovative programs, experiential learning, and strong career outcomes—with over 98% of graduates securing employment, attending graduate school, or engaging in service within six months of commencement \n.The institution also emphasizes global perspectives with representation from over 40 countries among its students

Accommodation

Accommodation

Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.

Work While Studying

Work While Studying

See guidelines on working while studying here.

Co-op/Internship Participation

Co-op/Internship Participation

Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.

Featured Programmes

Bachelor's Degree

48 months

International Studies BA

location

Fairfield University, Fairfield, United States

Earliest Intake

August 2026

Gross Tuition

59460 $

Bachelor's Degree

48 months

Italian BA

location

Fairfield University, Fairfield, United States

Earliest Intake

August 2026

Gross Tuition

59460 $

Bachelor's Degree

48 months

Music BA

location

Fairfield University, Fairfield, United States

Earliest Intake

August 2026

Gross Tuition

59460 $

Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter

January - April

Location

1073 N Benson Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824

Location not found

Map not found.

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