About
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit institution situated in Fairfield, Connecticut. Established in 1942, it is one of the 28 Jesuit universities in the United States. The school provides 54 undergraduate and 52 graduate programs across various disciplines, such as arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, and nursing.
What is the acceptance rate at Fairfield University?
The acceptance rate at Fairfield University stands at 56%, accommodating a student body of over 6,500 individuals and maintaining a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1.
Fairfield University places strong emphasis on comprehensive personal development. Its foundational curriculum, known as the Magis Core, highlights critical thinking, writing, and communication abilities. International undergraduate students face an average annual tuition of about $55,510, while international graduates pay 52,070.
Featuring more than 100 student clubs and organizations, Fairfield University provides diverse extracurricular opportunities in athletics, arts, and music. U.S. News & World Report placed Fairfield University at #115 in its Best Colleges 2023 ranking of National Universities.
Top Reasons to Study in the Fairfield University
- JESUIT EDUCATION: As a Jesuit institution, Fairfield University focuses on developing the whole person, encompassing the body, mind, and spirit. This dedication to holistic learning is visible in its academic framework, which features courses in philosophy, theology, and service learning.
- MAGIS CORE CURRICULUM: The Magis core curriculum is a distinct aspect of Fairfield University. It consists of a challenging series of courses encouraging students to evaluate the world critically and creatively, alongside a concentration on global learning to help them appreciate diverse cultures and viewpoints.
- STELLAR ACADEMICS: Fairfield University boasts a strong academic standing, delivering diverse undergraduate and graduate programs delivered by esteemed faculty members. Its graduates achieve success across numerous fields.
- DIVERSE STUDENT BODY: Fairfield University maintains a diverse community, with learners hailing from 40 states and 41 countries. This variety fosters a dynamic and engaging educational atmosphere where individuals benefit from each other's backgrounds.
- BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS: Fairfield University is set on a picturesque campus in Connecticut. Featuring numerous gardens, walking trails, and athletic fields, the grounds offer an ideal setting for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.
Admissions
Avg acceptance rate (Bachelors)
55%
Application Fee
$65
How to Apply at Fairfield University
UNDERGRADUATE
The procedure for international undergraduate applicants seeking admission to Fairfield University involves these steps:
- Complete the Common Application: This serves as the primary application document for Fairfield University.
- Submit your application fee: International candidates are required to pay a $65 application fee.
- Submit your academic credentials: Provide official transcripts from your high school along with any other records confirming the completion of your secondary education.
- Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Submit two letters of recommendation: These ought to come from teachers or academic professionals who can vouch for your scholastic capabilities and potential for achievement.
- Write a personal statement: Draft a well-crafted essay that introduces yourself to Fairfield University and explains your motivation for studying there.
- Submit your financial documentation: Provide evidence of financial resources accessible to cover your educational expenses.
POSTGRADUATE
The procedure for international postgraduate applicants seeking admission to Fairfield University involves these steps:
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the Non-refundable $65 Application Fee.
- Submit a Personal Statement: A self-evaluation of the applicant's work experience and career objectives.
- Submit a Professional Resume: A current resume that includes the applicant's employment and education history.
- Submit Two Recommendation Forms and Letters: Each recommender should be a current employer, supervisor, or professor. They will be required to submit their recommendations online.
- Submit Official Test Scores: Additional test scores may be required for specific programs.
- Certified English Translations and Course-by-Course Evaluations: Must be submitted by approved evaluators of all foreign academic records.
- Submit English Proficiency Scores: Required from international students whose native language is not English.
- Submit a copy of your passport.
- Financial Documentation: Submit copies of bank statements demonstrating funds to cover the one-year estimated cost of attendance.
- Affidavit of Financial Support: Must be submitted if funds to cover the tuition are being demonstrated by the applicant’s parents, legal guardians, or sponsors.
MASTER'S AND PhD
The procedure for international master's applicants seeking admission to Fairfield University involves these steps:
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the Non-refundable $65 Application Fee.
- Submit a Personal Statement: A self-evaluation of the applicant's work experience and career objectives.
- Submit a Professional Resume: A current resume that includes the applicant's employment and education history.
- Submit Two Recommendation Forms and Letters: Each recommender should be a current employer, supervisor, or professor. They will be required to submit their recommendations online.
- Submit Official Test Scores: Additional test scores may be required for specific programs.
- Certified English Translations and Course-by-Course Evaluations: Must be submitted by approved evaluators of all foreign academic records.
- Submit Official TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO Test Scores: Scores are required from international students whose native language is not English.
- Submit a copy of your passport.
- Financial Documentation: Submit copies of bank statements demonstrating funds to cover the one-year estimated cost of attendance.
- Affidavit of Financial Support: This must be provided if the expenses for tuition are being shown by the applicant's parents, legal guardians, or sponsors.
Documents Required to Apply to Fairfield University
UNDERGRADUATE
The paperwork needed to apply to Fairfield University for an undergraduate degree as an international candidate includes:
- A completed Common Application.
- The application fee.
- Academic records.
- TOEFL or IELTS results.
- Two Letters of Recommendation.
- A personal statement.
- Financial paperwork.
POSTGRADUATE
The paperwork needed to apply to Fairfield University for a postgraduate program as an international applicant includes:
- A completed Online Application.
- A non-refundable Application Fee.
- A Personal Statement.
- A Professional Resume.
- Two Recommendation Forms and Letters.
- Certified English Translations and Course-by-Course Evaluations.
- Official TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO Test Scores.
- A copy of your passport.
- Financial paperwork.
- An Affidavit of Financial Support.
Additional requirements:
- Official Test Scores.
- Work Samples or a Portfolio.
- A Research Proposal.
MASTER'S AND PhD
The paperwork required to apply to Fairfield University for a master's program as an international applicant includes:
- A completed Online Application.
- A non-refundable Application Fee.
- A Personal Statement.
- A Professional Resume.
- Two Recommendation Forms and Letters.
- Certified English Translations and Course-by-Course Evaluations.
- Official TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO Test Scores.
- A copy of your passport.
- Financial paperwork.
- An Affidavit of Financial Support.
Additional requirements:
- Official Test Scores.
- Work Samples or a Portfolio.
- A Research Proposal.
Exams Accepted By Fairfield University
Fairfield University accepts these English language proficiency exams and minimum scores for international students:
- TOEFL: 80 (Internet-based) or 213 (computer-based).
- IELTS: 6.5
- DUOLINGO: 105
Campus Life
Campus locations Connecticut
Transportation in the city
There are multiple ways to get around Fairfield, Connecticut, with some of the most favored choices including:
- Public transportation: Fairfield is served by the Metro-North Railroad, featuring three stations in town: Fairfield Center, Fairfield Metro, and Southport. Several bus routes also operate locally, such as the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority (GBT) and CTfastrak.
- Dial-A-Ride: Dial-A-Ride is a paratransit service that offers travel assistance to individuals with disabilities who are unable to use standard bus or train networks.
- Taxis: A number of taxi companies operate within Fairfield, including Yellow Cab and Red Dot Taxi Service.
- Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft are practical choices when travelling with a group or carrying heavy bags.
- Bicycles: Fairfield is a cycling-friendly town equipped with numerous bike paths and trails across the area.
Services offered by the university
Here are some details regarding several services provided by Fairfield University:
- Academic support: Fairfield University provides academic assistance such as tutoring, writing help, and career counseling. Tutoring covers subjects including mathematics, science, English, and foreign languages. Writing assistance aids students with essays, research papers, and other written assignments.
- Dining: The dining hall at Fairfield University serves a variety of meals covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The coffee shop provides various coffee drinks, pastries, and snacks, while the convenience store supplies most groceries, snacks, and beverages.
- Housing: Fairfield University supplies several housing selections to accommodate all student needs. On-campus residence halls feature different room layouts, including single, double, triple, and quad options. Off-campus apartments are also accessible.
- Health and wellness: University health and wellness provisions encompass medical care, mental health support, and physical therapy. Counseling services assist students with challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression, while the fitness center offers equipment and fitness classes.
- Transportation: The shuttle bus network runs trips to and from the campus, and the bike share initiative lets students borrow bicycles at no charge.
Student life at Fairfield University
- Join an organization: Fairfield University features over 100 student-run clubs and societies, spanning academic-focused groups as well as political and cultural organizations. There are also chances to participate in the arts, sports, and community service.
- Attend sporting events: Fairfield University runs a Division I athletics program, allowing students to watch games for free. The institution's top sports are men's basketball and women's lacrosse.
- Get involved in the community: Fairfield University presents various volunteer openings for students, who can also secure internships with local businesses and groups.
- Go to the theatre: Fairfield University maintains a student-run theatre troupe that stages performances throughout the year alongside hosting visiting artists and actors.
- Explore the surrounding area: Fairfield sits just a short drive away from the beach, New York City, and other prominent tourist spots. Students can easily plan day trips or weekend breaks to relax.
On campus accomodation at Fairfield University
Fairfield University supplies diverse on-campus housing choices for students, with residence halls grouped into four distinct residential communities:
- The North Residential Community (NRC) houses first-year students, situated centrally on campus near academic buildings, dining halls, and the University Center.
- The South Residential Community (SRC) accommodates sophomores and juniors, positioned on the southern border of campus close to athletic fields and the beach.
- The East Residential Community (ERC) is home to sophomores and juniors, located on the eastern side of campus near the library and the DiMenna-Nyselius Center for the Arts.
- The West Residential Community (WRC) accommodates juniors and seniors, set on the western edge of campus near science buildings and the Chapel of St. Ignatius.
Every residential neighborhood features different housing options, such as conventional double rooms, suites, and apartments. Every residence hall comes equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and laundry amenities.
Cost: On-campus living expenses at Fairfield University fluctuate based on the specific room style and residential neighborhood. A standard single room in a residence hall averages $10,000 annually.
Faculty
University Faculty Statistics
Key details regarding the faculty at Fairfield University:
- The student-to-faculty ratio stands at 12:1.
- The institution includes 336 full-time instructors and 352 part-time instructors.
- 90% of professors possess the terminal degree in their respective disciplines.
- Typical classes contain an average of 20 students.
Career Opportunities
Internship Programs at Fairfield University
Fairfield University provides diverse internship and part-time employment options, enabling students to acquire practical experience, investigate potential career directions, and build professional connections.
Internships
- Standard internships: These immersive positions typically span a single semester or the summer term. They may offer compensation or be unpaid, and opportunities can be found domestically or internationally.
- Micro-internships: These brief, compensated projects generally require 5-40 hours of work. They can be done online or in person, providing an excellent method to build expertise in a targeted field.
- Teacher internships: Tailored for individuals aiming for an education career, these placements provide hands-on classroom experience within a public school environment.
Part-time employment
- On-campus employment: Positions situated directly on the Fairfield University campus feature roles like resident advisor, cafeteria staff, and library aide.
- Off-campus employment: Roles located within the local community include positions such as retail sales associate, barista, and academic tutor.
Career Outcomes at Fairfield University
Placement: Alumni from Fairfield University enjoy a robust employment success rate. Data from the Career Center indicates that 98% of alumni attained full-time jobs, entered graduate or professional degree programs, or engaged in volunteer service initiatives within half a year of commencement.
Top Employers: Prominent organizations that frequently hire Fairfield University alumni include:
- Bank of America
- Deloitte
- Goldman Sachs
- Pfizer
- PwC
- Raytheon
- Robert Half
- Teach for America
- UnitedHealth Group
Salaries: Graduates of Fairfield University command an average initial compensation of $58,830, not including bonuses.
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Last updated August 14, 2026

