Lana Oconnell
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, a coastal town along Long Island Sound. Founded in 1942, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,968 students as of Fall 2023. The campus size spans 200 acres, and the university offers over 100 student clubs and organizations. The student body is predominantly Catholic, and 80% of the students come from four states: Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The university has a strong alumni network, with 21% of alumni donating to their alma mater in Fiscal Year 2023, higher than the average alumni giving rate across US colleges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding | 1942 |
| Location | Fairfield, Connecticut |
| Campus Size | 200 acres |
| Type of Institution | Private |
| Student Population | 4,968 (Fall 2023) |
| Number of Undergraduate Alumni | Nearly 44,000 |
| Percentage of Alumni Living in Connecticut | Almost a third |
| Percentage of Alumni Living in New York | Almost a fifth |
| Well-Represented Alumni States | Massachusetts and New Jersey |
| Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid | Approximately 90% |
| Average GPA of Enrolled Freshmen | 3.64 |
| Middle 50% Range of Composite SAT Scores | 1220-1340 |
| Middle 50% Range of ACT Composite Score | 26-30 |
| Popular Majors | Finance, Nursing, Marketing, Psychology, and Accounting |
| Student Clubs and Organizations | Over 100 |
| Roommate Policy for First-Year Students | University assigns roommates |
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What You'll Learn
Fairfield University's student population by state
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit Catholic university founded in 1942. It is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, a coastal town less than 60 miles from New York City. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,968 students (as of Fall 2023) and a campus size of 200 acres.
The university attracts students from various states, with a significant percentage coming from Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Almost a third of undergraduate alumni live in Connecticut, while about a fifth reside in New York. These four states account for 80% of the student body.
The university offers a variety of academic programs, with the Dolan School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Egan School of Nursing being the most popular choices among students. The School of Engineering and Computing is smaller, with around 300 undergraduates.
Fairfield University provides a close-knit community for its students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing a deep commitment to service and learning. The university also offers numerous opportunities for student involvement, including over 100 student clubs and organizations on campus.
The university has a strong record of graduate employment, with over 99% of graduates in the last eight years securing full-time employment or enrolling in graduate or professional school.
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The university's application and admissions process
Fairfield University's admissions process is holistic and considers applicants' unique experiences, passions, and potential as future members of the Fairfield community. The University moved to a "test-optional" admissions policy in 2010, allowing students to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, students who do not submit standardised test scores are encouraged to schedule an interview.
The University has an acceptance rate of 45% and an early acceptance rate of 46.5%. For the Fall 2019 admissions cycle, Fairfield received 12,315 freshmen applications, admitted 7,035 (57.1%), and enrolled 1,176 students. The average GPA of enrolled freshmen was 3.64, and the middle 50% range of composite SAT scores was 1220-1340.
Fairfield University offers an Early Action program for students who consider the University among their top choices. Early Action candidates must submit all application materials, including the Common Application, high school transcript, and school counsellor recommendation, by November 1. They may also request a campus interview by November 15. Early Action admission decisions are announced before January 1, and the program is non-binding, allowing students until May 1 to make their college selection.
Fairfield also offers two Early Decision admission programs, which are binding agreements. The application deadline for Early Decision I is November 15, with notifications sent by December 15, while the deadline for Early Decision II is January 15, with notifications sent by February 15. Students admitted under Early Decision guidelines must agree to withdraw any pending college applications and confirm enrolment at Fairfield.
For Regular Decision applicants, the deadline to submit all application materials is January 15. The University strongly recommends a campus visit and/or an optional personal interview. Applicants whose first language is not English may be required to take a standardised language test unless they meet certain residency criteria.
All applicants must submit evidence of their interest in and competence for college studies, including a complete record of high school studies and other supporting materials. Candidates interested in mathematics, engineering, business, and the sciences are encouraged to pursue a fourth unit of lab science and mathematics, preferably calculus. Candidates for nursing must have completed one laboratory course in chemistry.
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The institution's history and founding
Fairfield University is a private, Jesuit Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut, a coastal town along Long Island Sound. The university was founded in 1942 and has a rich history that informs its modern campus.
In its early years, Fairfield University was closely associated with the Fairfield College Preparatory School, an all-male preparatory high school that has been aligned with the university since its founding. The first president of the university, John J. McEleney, was also the Vicar of the Fairfield College Preparatory School.
The State of Connecticut chartered Fairfield University to grant degrees in 1945, and the College of Arts and Sciences admitted its first class of 303 male students in 1947. The university held its first summer session of undergraduate courses in 1949.
In 1970, Fairfield University became co-educational, admitting its first undergraduate class of women. That same year, the School of Nursing was formed, offering four-year undergraduate programs. Today, the School of Nursing is part of the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies.
The university has a strong commitment to service and learning, shaped by its Jesuit Catholic foundation. It offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations, including community service organizations, club and intramural sports, and more. The university also has a high retention rate, with 90% of freshmen choosing to remain enrolled since the pandemic, and 80% of students graduating on time.
Fairfield University's campus covers 200 acres and is home to a close-knit community of students, faculty, and staff. The campus includes the Barone Campus Center, named in honour of university Provost and Chemistry Professor Dr. John Barone, and the DiMenna-Nyselius Library, which underwent a major renovation and expansion in 2001.
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The makeup of the student body
The student body is primarily made up of students from four states, with a significant number of alumni residing in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. These states are well represented at the university, allowing students to build valuable connections for internships and job opportunities after graduation.
The university attracts high-achieving students with an average GPA of 3.64 for enrolled freshmen. The middle 50% range of composite SAT scores for admitted students was 1220-1340, with 610-670 for evidence-based reading and writing, and 600-680 for math. The university also offers a "test-optional" admissions policy, allowing students to choose whether to submit standardized test scores.
Fairfield University has a diverse range of academic programs, with nearly half of the students enrolled in the Dolan School of Business. The College of Arts and Sciences, the Egan School of Nursing, the School of Engineering and Computing, and the School of Nursing and Health Studies also attract a significant number of students. The university's most popular majors include finance, nursing, marketing, psychology, and accounting.
The student experience at Fairfield University is enhanced by the variety of student organizations and clubs on campus. The Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) is the largest student organization and represents the issues and concerns of full-time undergraduate students. The university also offers over 100 student clubs and organizations, including community service groups and intramural sports teams, providing opportunities for students to pursue their interests and connect with others.
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The university's location and setting
Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, a coastal town along Long Island Sound. It is less than 60 miles from New York City. The university's campus is situated in a suburban setting and spans 200 acres. The campus is home to Fairfield College Preparatory School, a 900-student all-male preparatory high school that has been aligned with the college since its founding in 1942. The Barone Campus Center is the hub of student life, housing various dining options, offices, and student affairs. The DiMenna-Nyselius Library, originally built in 1968, underwent a major renovation in 2001 and was renamed in recognition of a donation from an alumnus.
The university's suburban setting offers a close-knit community feel, with a strong commitment to service and learning rooted in its Jesuit Catholic foundation. The campus community is welcoming and friendly, fostering a deep sense of connection among students, faculty, and staff. Fairfield University attracts students from various states, with a significant percentage coming from Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. The downtown area of Fairfield provides a typical college town experience, with dining and retail options, and the university's bookstore located in the central business district.
The university's location along the coast offers a scenic backdrop to the campus, and its proximity to New York City provides convenient access to the cultural and professional opportunities the city has to offer. The university provides a shuttle bus service to the Metro North commuter railroad station, making it easy for students to travel to and from the city. However, driving into New York City by car can be challenging due to heavy traffic and road construction on Interstate 95. The Merritt Parkway is an alternative route but can also experience congestion.
Fairfield University's campus and its surrounding area offer a blend of natural beauty, a vibrant college town, and convenient access to nearby cities. The university's location contributes to its unique character and provides a rich environment for students to pursue their academic and extracurricular interests. The blend of a close-knit community and diverse student body enhances the overall university experience, creating a memorable and transformative impact on its students.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2023, 4,968 students are enrolled at Fairfield University.
Fairfield University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, less than 60 miles from New York City. Almost a third of undergraduate alumni live in Connecticut, with large numbers also living in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.
Fairfield University attracts good students, typically with grades of B+ or A-. Eighty percent of the student body comes from the four states mentioned above.
