Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Fairfield, Connecticut |
| Online | fairfield.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit institution situated on a 200-acre campus along Connecticut's coastal region, approximately 60 miles from New York City. Founded in 1942, the university features a mix of traditional collegiate Gothic and modern architecture, with views of Long Island Sound from several campus locations. The university operates under the Jesuit educational model, emphasizing liberal arts education alongside professional programs, with notable strengths in business, nursing, engineering, and communications. The campus is primarily residential, with most undergraduate students living in traditional dormitories or suite-style housing across campus. Fairfield competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Stags, participating in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Fairfield University is rated within the top 24% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Fairfield University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#128 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#105 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Connecticut
#5 in Best Private Colleges in Connecticut
#513 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#11 in Best Value Colleges in Connecticut
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1240/1380 |
| ACT | 29/32 |
| GPA | 3.67 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,175 |
| Other Fees | $850 |
| Room and Board | $17,400 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,005 |
| Total One Year Cost | $76,940 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 34% |
| Social Sciences | 14% |
| Health Professions | 11% |
| Communication | 8% |
| English and Literature | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Fairfield University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=129242 IPEDS survey data for Fairfield University.
Current students may use the Fairfield University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025