Fairfield University
Fairfield, Connecticut 06824-5195
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
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.
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
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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.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
June 1
Spring Transfer
November 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
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.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for domestic students.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
52.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.6%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$23,251
Academics
Fairfield has a Jesuit Core Curriculum emphasizing liberal arts foundation.
View all 21 majors›
Programs (104)
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
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
90%
Campus Life
Division I athletics with strong programs in basketball, lacrosse, and soccer.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
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).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CT state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Suburban campus; most buildings within walking distance. Many students have cars.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
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.
Days out near Fairfield
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Bridgeport, from real bookable tour times.
- Stevens Institute of Technology · William Paterson University of New JerseyPublic and private77 days
- Mount Saint Mary College · State University of New York at New PaltzUnder $25k a year16 days