On-Campus Living At Fairfield University: A Comprehensive Overview

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded in 1942 and has since grown to accommodate thousands of students. In fall 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,968 students, with a gender distribution of 42.7% male and 57.3% female. The university offers a variety of academic programs and extracurricular activities to its students, including over 40 undergraduate majors, dozens of advanced degrees, and about 80 campus organizations. The campus spans 200 acres and is located about 60 miles from New York City, offering a unique blend of suburban and coastal life for its students.

The undergraduate population at Fairfield University

Fairfield University offers a variety of academic programs to its undergraduate students. The most popular majors among undergraduates include Nursing, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Communication, Psychology, Biology, and English. The university also offers a range of campus housing options, with 76% of students living in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, and 24% living off-campus.

The university's undergraduate acceptance rate for 2022 was 52.2%, with a total of 6,971 students accepted out of 13,359 applicants. The average net price for students, after taking grants and loans into account, is $46,065. The university provides financial aid to a significant portion of its undergraduate students, with 90% receiving aid through grants and 49% through loans in 2022.

Fairfield University's undergraduate population benefits from a low faculty-to-student ratio of 12:1, ensuring personalized attention and support for their academic pursuits. The average class size is 22 students, and 80% of classes have fewer than 30 students.

The gender distribution of students

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university in Fairfield, Connecticut, founded in 1942. The university has a strong commitment to cura personalis, meaning care for the whole person, which is fundamental to its Jesuit Catholic foundation and roots. This commitment extends to its recognition and celebration of diversity, including gender diversity, among its student body.

In 1970, Fairfield University became co-educational, admitting its first undergraduate class of women. Since then, the university has continued to foster a culture of inclusion and respect for all genders. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 6,019 students, comprising 5,261 full-time and 758 part-time students. Of these, 47.3% were women and 33.8% were men, with the remaining students not disclosing their gender identity.

Fairfield University's Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs plays a crucial role in promoting gender inclusivity and equality on campus. The office strives to create a safe, affirming, and inclusive community for all students, regardless of their gender identity or expression. The university offers a range of gender-inclusive resources, such as gender-inclusive housing and restrooms, ensuring that students can live and study in an environment that aligns with their true selves.

The university also offers a range of student clubs and organizations that promote gender diversity and inclusion. These clubs provide opportunities for students to engage outside of the classroom, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Additionally, the university encourages dialogue and communication around issues of gender diversity, creating a culture of understanding and respect.

Fairfield University's commitment to gender inclusivity extends beyond its campus to the wider community. The university's Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs office collaborates with various university offices, student organizations, and faculty to integrate diversity into developmental and social programs for students. This holistic approach ensures that students not only feel welcomed and supported on campus but also empowered to contribute to a more inclusive society.

The number of students living on campus

Fairfield University, a private Jesuit university in Connecticut, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to its students. The university's commitment to student life and campus accommodation is evident, with a large percentage of students choosing to live in college-owned or affiliated housing.

As of fall 2023, Fairfield University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,968 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 43% male and 57% female. Of these, 76% of the students chose to live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing, while 24% opted to live off-campus. This percentage equates to around 3,775 students living on campus and 1,193 living off-campus.

The university's campus accommodation options include apartments for single students (30%), special housing for disabled students (1%), and other housing options (1%). Fairfield ensures that campus housing is available to all unmarried students, regardless of their year of study.

The total number of students enrolled at Fairfield University in 2022 was 6,019, with 5,261 full-time and 758 part-time students. The university's retention rate for full-time undergraduates was an impressive 91%, higher than the average for similar institutions.

With a focus on community and service, Fairfield University offers a rich and diverse learning environment for its students, whether they choose to live on or off campus.

The cost of tuition

Full-time undergraduate students at Fairfield University can expect to pay $28,725 per semester in tuition fees. This amount is for students taking 12 to 20 credits per semester. Students taking more than 20 credits will be charged extra. Additionally, there is a general fee that applies to the full year or just the spring semester if the student is registered as full-time only in the spring.

Part-time undergraduate students have different tuition rates depending on the number of credits they are taking. For example, students taking less than 12 credits per semester will pay $12,875 per semester, while students taking 12 credits or more will pay the full-time rate of $28,725 per semester. It's important to note that part-time students may not be eligible for financial aid, as it is based on full-time enrollment.

Fairfield University also offers a variety of fee structures for specific programs, such as nursing, engineering, and part-time students. These fees can include orientation fees, laboratory fees, and health insurance requirements. Additionally, there are fees for residence halls, dining plans, and other student activities.

The cost of attendance (COA) is an important consideration for students, as it includes both direct and indirect expenses. Direct costs include tuition, room and board, and fees, while indirect costs cover books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The COA can be useful for financial planning and securing loans if needed.

The racial demographics of the student population

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded by the Jesuits in 1942 and became co-educational in 1970. The university is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, recognising the inherent value and dignity of each person.

Racial Demographics of the Student Population

The student population at Fairfield University consists of approximately 5,513 students, including 4,231 undergraduates and 582 graduate students. The racial demographics of the student population are as follows:

• 77% White
• 7.44% Hispanic or Latino
• 2.34% Asian
• 2.13% Black or African American
• 1.83% Two or More Races
• 0.0332% American Indian or Alaska Native
• 0.0166% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

Additionally, 397 students (6.6%) did not report their race. The university has a below-average racial-ethnic diversity, with 15% of the student population belonging to racial-ethnic minority groups.

The undergraduate population, comprising 59% women and 41% men, has a similar racial breakdown. The most common racial/ethnic group among undergraduates is White, followed by Hispanic or Latino, then Black or African American, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.

The graduate student population, on the other hand, consists of 66% women and 34% men. While the racial breakdown is similar to that of the undergraduate population, there is a slightly higher percentage of Hispanic or Latino students and a lower percentage of White students among graduate students.

Fairfield University's Office of Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive living and learning community. The university encourages dialogue, communication, and community partnerships to create a culture of understanding, respect, and valuing of differences. The university also offers affinity clubs and resources that support students from diverse backgrounds, including the Fairfield University Alumni of Color Network, which supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students.

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