Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT · Private · 5,373 undergrads
- Admit rate: 33.3% (15,463 applicants)
- SAT middle 50%: 1260–1390 (ACT 29–32)
- Undergraduates: 5,373 (1.9% international)
- Average net price: $48,095 (per year after aid)
- Graduation rate: 84% (within 6 years)
Deadlines
- Early Action: Nov. 1, 2026
- Early Decision: Nov. 15, 2026
- Early Decision II: Jan. 15, 2027
- Regular Decision: Jan. 15, 2027
Editor's notes
- Interest counts here, and Fairfield says so. Its CDS rates level of applicant's interest as very important, the same weight as your grades and essay, and its FAQ names visits, tours and time with counselors. Book the optional interview before mid-February; it's the most direct way to show it.
- Early decision is where the class is being built. In fall 2025, 566 of 689 ED applicants were admitted, and the university reported a record number of ED applicants for the Class of 2030. Use ED only if Fairfield is truly your first choice, since it's binding.
- Don't plan on the waitlist. In fall 2025, 2,963 students accepted a waitlist spot and 15 were admitted.
- With no Fairfield essay listed, your Common App personal statement does the work. The CDS rates the essay and recommendations very important, and Fairfield says it reads for fit with its Jesuit mission, so a story about what you do for other people fits better than a list of awards.
Sources
- Fairfield University Admission, First-year applicants
- Fairfield University, Common Data Set 2025-26
- Fairfield University News, Largest applicant pool in Fairfield history yields 21% admit rate
- Fairfield University Admission, Interviews
- Fairfield University, Undergraduate merit scholarships
- Fairfield University, Arts and Sciences Guarantee
