Fairfield University: 52.2% Acceptance Rate

52.2%Acceptance

$56,360Tuition

4,938Students

84%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$88,794Earnings

#5 in ConnecticutPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Fairfield University

Fairfield University draws 4,938 students to its Jesuit campus where rigorous academics meet the Connecticut shoreline. The business school anchors this Catholic research university's reputation, producing graduates like former eBay CEO Meg Whitman and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young. Students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio in this suburban setting that feels more like an intimate college than a large university. The Jesuit tradition emphasizes both intellectual rigor and service to others.

Students pay an average net price of $46,274 after financial aid, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Graduates earn a median of $88,794 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,000 quite manageable with monthly payments of $276. The 97.4% employment rate suggests strong job placement, while the loan repayment rate of 81.62% indicates most alumni can handle their financial obligations.

The campus draws heavily from out-of-state students, with 80% coming from beyond Connecticut borders. Women make up 57% of the student body on a campus that's 81% white. The Stags compete in Division I athletics with 20 varsity sports, adding school spirit to the close-knit community atmosphere that keeps 89.73% of freshmen returning for sophomore year.

Academics & Faculty

Fairfield operates as a Jesuit Catholic university with a strong emphasis on business education and liberal arts grounding. The Dolan School of Business attracts many students seeking finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship programs. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide extensive mentorship. The university's 84% four-year graduation rate reflects this supportive environment and academic rigor. Fairfield's Jesuit tradition emphasizes critical thinking and service learning across all disciplines. The nursing and engineering programs have grown in reputation, though business remains the flagship. Students benefit from small class sizes and close faculty relationships that are hallmarks of Jesuit education. The curriculum balances professional preparation with liberal arts breadth.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 84.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 83.8%
Retention Rate: 89.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $88,794
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$150,874
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$104,749
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$76,749
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Master	$73,737
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$69,338
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$68,666
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$68,363
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$66,653
Finance and Financial Management Services.	Bachelor	$64,608
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$62,343

View all 104 programs →

Campus Life

Fairfield's 200-acre campus sits on Long Island Sound, giving students beach access just 60 miles from Manhattan. About 80% of undergraduates live on campus in dorms that house 3,959 students total. The beachside location means mild falls and springs, but you'll need that winter coat for Connecticut's snowy January and February months.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. Weekend life revolves around the campus's Jesuit traditions and Division I athletics, with students cheering on the Stags in 20 varsity sports. The nearby town of Fairfield offers upscale shopping and dining, while many students take advantage of easy train access to explore New York City. Campus traditions include the annual Dogwood Festival and beachside bonfires. With 89.73% of students returning each year, the close-knit community feel is real. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Instead, students gather for intramural sports, service projects reflecting the school's Catholic mission, and study sessions in the modern library overlooking the sound.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 3,959 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1942

Campus Safety (2023)

33 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	4	4
Stalking	5	3
Burglary	4	2
Rape	3	3
Dating Violence	1	1
Arson	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–38°F
July Avg: 67°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.1"
Annual Snowfall: 33.6"

Student Demographics

Fairfield attracts affluent students from across the Northeast, with 80% coming from out-of-state seeking the Jesuit educational experience. The student body skews 57% female, reflecting strong programs in nursing, education, and liberal arts alongside business. Only 7% receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly upper-middle-class population drawn to the $75,000 total cost. The 81% white enrollment reflects both the school's New England location and its appeal to families valuing Catholic education. Students typically choose Fairfield for its close-knit community feel and strong business programs.

Men: 42.6%
Women: 57.4%
White: 81.5%
Black: 1.1%
Hispanic: 7.5%
Asian: 1.9%
In-State Students: 20.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 6.8%

Location

Fairfield sits in suburban Connecticut, about 60 miles northeast of New York City. The campus rests on 200 acres just one mile from Long Island Sound beaches. This wealthy Fairfield County location puts students within an hour of Manhattan while maintaining a classic New England college town atmosphere. The university draws 80% of its students from out-of-state, creating a diverse geographic mix despite the local Connecticut influence. Only 20% of the 4,938 students come from in-state. The beachside setting offers both recreational opportunities and internship access to major corporations headquartered nearby. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare Fairfield University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Fairfield, Connecticut 06824-5195

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $88,794
Median Earnings (5 years): $88,011
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $56,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 81.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Fairfield University?

Fairfield University accepts 52.18% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a strong Catholic institution. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1240 and 1370 on the SAT, reflecting the university's appeal to strong academic performers seeking a Jesuit education.

How much does Fairfield University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $46,274 annually at Fairfield University, despite the sticker price of $74,935 for tuition, room, and board. The university provides institutional grants averaging $25,279 to nearly 24% of students, though only 6.83% receive need-based Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly affluent student body.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Fairfield University?

Fairfield University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 4,938 students, ensuring small class sizes typical of top liberal arts institutions. The university is particularly well-known for its Dolan School of Business and strong pre-professional programs that benefit from this personalized attention.

What are the career outcomes for Fairfield University graduates?

Fairfield University graduates earn a median salary of $88,794 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong alumni network and career services. With a 97.4% employment rate and an 83.8% six-year graduation rate, the university delivers on its promise of preparing students for professional success.

Where is Fairfield University located and what is campus life like?

Fairfield University sits on a picturesque campus in suburban Connecticut, just miles from Long Island Sound beaches. The university houses 3,959 students in on-campus facilities and fields 20 Division I athletic teams as the Stags, creating a tight-knit community where 89.73% of freshmen return for their sophomore year.

Does Fairfield University have notable alumni?

Fairfield University boasts impressive graduates including NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young and former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. Founded in 1942 as a Jesuit institution, the university has built a network of successful alumni across business, politics, and sports, with graduates carrying forward the motto 'Per Fidem ad Astra' (Through Faith to the Stars).