Fairfield University
About Fairfield University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university in Fairfield, Connecticut. It offers strong programs in business, nursing, engineering, and the liberal arts on a suburban campus about an hour from New York City.
Founded
1942
Location
Fairfield, Connecticut
Students
6,846
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
33.3%
Selective
Graduation Rate
84.3%
Above national average
Tuition
$58,350
Per year
Avg Net Price
$48,095
After financial aid
SAT Average
1335
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$88,794
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Very Selective
33.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Jan 15
Fairfield University accepts 33.3% of applicants, with admitted students averaging around 1335 on the SAT. If you're near or above that range, you have a strong chance.
SAT Scores
1335/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
84.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
91.3%
4-Year Grad
82%
6-Year Grad
84%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$15.6K
Class Size
Medium
82% of students graduate on time, and 100% of courses are taught by full-time faculty. That personal instruction helps keep students on track.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$58,350
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$19,838
Books & Supplies
$1,175
Total Cost of Attendance
$76,074
After Financial Aid
$48,095
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$33,302
Receive Grants
6.9%
Take Loans
43.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $76,074/yr, including $19,838 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $48,095.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Fairfield University fund their education.
While in School
6.9%
Get Grants
Free money
43.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$117,152
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$26,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$276/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $26,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $89K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Fairfield University.
Gender
57.8%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,373
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,473
Graduates
16.5%
First-Gen
19 yrs
Avg Age
1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 16.5% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Large
Campus Quick Facts
5,373
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Doctoral
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Fairfield University fields 12 varsity teams with 505 student athletes, about 9% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Metro Atlantic
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Rowing
Student Athletes
505
9% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
49% / 51%
245
Men
260
Women
9
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Fairfield Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$88,794
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Finance and Financial Management Services
$63K
254 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$91K
197 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$54K
157 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$72K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$40K
75 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$47K
72 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates start at $74K six years out, climb to $69K by year eight, and reach $89K by year ten. That upward trajectory shows the degree keeps paying off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fairfield University
What is the acceptance rate at Fairfield University?▾
How much does Fairfield University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Fairfield University?▾
How much do Fairfield University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.