Fairfield University
A good fit for students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $80,100 within 10 years; strong 84% graduation rate.
About This School
Fairfield University is a private nonprofit institution located in Fairfield, Connecticut with approximately 5,373 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 33% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $48,095 per year. The graduation rate is 84%, and the typical graduate earns $80,100 within 10 years of enrollment.
Fairfield University is a private Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. It was founded by the Jesuits in 1942. In the fall of 2024, the university had about 5,400 full-time undergraduate students and 1,500 graduate students, including full-time and part-time students. It offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees through its five schools and colleges.
This is a strong option for students who want a tight-knit, academically serious environment — a 90% freshman retention rate and 84% graduation rate signal that students who enroll tend to stick with it and finish. The median earnings of $80,100 ten years out are solid, and a median debt of $23,251 is relatively manageable compared to many comparable private schools. The main concern is the $46,274 average net price, which is still steep — families should run the net price calculator carefully and compare aid offers before committing.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: -3% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,373 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Connecticut
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT · Public
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
Post University
Waterbury, CT · Private for-profit
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT · Public
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit
Yale University
New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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