The admission process at Fairfield University is holistic. Our belief in the importance of a thorough and careful review of all aspects of your application reflects our mission as a Jesuit institution. We seek to educate the whole person, and our admission practices reflect that goal.
For that reason, the submission of SAT/ACT test results is optional at Fairfield. To learn more, please refer to our Standardized Test Optional Policy below, in addition to our Admission FAQs section.
Fairfield University recognizes the Common Application as its own application form. If you are applying as a first year student, both your application and the following items must be submitted by the admission deadline (Please note that school counselors and teachers submitting supporting documents are welcome to do so up to two weeks after the student admission deadline):
We regard your academic record from high school as the most important part of your application for admission. Although we certainly consider your final grade point average and overall record over four years, we do look deeper, considering your performance during each year in high school. We look for students who have challenged themselves at the appropriate level, and not only consider your final grades, but the quality of the academic program you have pursued.
In deciding whether or not to submit your standardized test scores, consider your overall academic record. Your decision should be based on whether you believe your scores are an accurate representation of your academic abilities.
While your academic record is clearly a critical element of the entire admission application, we are also interested in the personal qualities, talents, and interests that you will bring to our campus community. We want to know about your extra-curricular involvement, the quality of your writing as reflected in the personal statement, and the reflections of teachers, counselors, and others who submit recommendations on your behalf.
Students who consider Fairfield University to be among their top choices and would like to have their application reviewed early may submit their application under our Early Action program. Applicants for Early Action must submit the completed application by November 1.
Students who are certain that Fairfield University is their first choice for a college education, and are willing to commit to attending if admitted, are welcome to apply as an Early Decision Candidate. Once admitted, an Early Decision candidate agrees to withdraw all other college applications and confirm his or her attendance at Fairfield.
The priority application deadline for entry into the fall semester is April 1 and for entry into the spring semester the priority deadline is November 15. Students who apply by this date will receive priority review for admission, institutional financial aid, scholarship, and housing. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed beyond the priority deadlines on a space and resource available basis.
Fairfield has been a test optional University for more than a decade and does not require students to submit standardized tests as part of the application process. It is the student’s personal responsibility and choice to put forth the best representation of their academic career.
When considering an applicant for admission, we consider all measures of academic achievement, as well as curricular and extra curricular achievement. We want to know about your academic abilities, community engagement, and leadership qualities. Your knowledge of and appreciation for Fairfield's mission and vision are also important factors. Ultimately, our goal is to enroll students who are committed to becoming scholars who will contribute to and benefit from the Fairfield community.
Have a question about our admission process or policy? Contact us directly by phone (203) 254-4100 or email.
All students admitted to Fairfield are automatically considered for a merit scholarship, regardless of whether they have completed an application for financial aid. Eligibility for a merit scholarship is determined after a thorough review of all aspects of a student's application, including their overall academic record, strength of their academic program, and their extra-curricular involvement. In keeping with the University’s holistic review of applications, there are no minimum grades or standardized test scores required for merit scholarship consideration. Merit scholarships range from $17,500 to $28,500.
CLOSE
The Arts & Sciences Guarantee is a distinctive fellowship offered to all College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate students, beginning with the Class of 2026. Designed to offer access to students who want to gain important hands-on industry experience, the Arts & Sciences Guarantee provides funding of up to $2,500 to support undergraduates who obtain an approved unpaid internship, research, or fieldwork experience while studying at Fairfield.
For more information, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Career and Professional Development at CASCareers@fairfield.edu.
CLOSE
Student-athletes are generally recruited by Fairfield University coaches, who identify candidates on the basis of their athletic skill. Prospective students should contact the Athletic Department directly to speak with a coach about grant-in-aid opportunities.
Fairfield University also offers a variety of athletic scholarships and named funds that start at $50,000 and can be payable over 3-5 years. Visit the Friends of Athletics’ scholarships page to learn more.
CLOSE
Fairfield University is deeply committed to the students of Bridgeport and their future educational goals. Since 1999, the University has sponsored the Community Partnership Scholars Program at four Bridgeport high schools (Bassick, Central, Harding, and Kolbe-Cathedral). Through this program, Fairfield University collaborates with each participating school to offer admission and financial aid mentoring, resources to cover group visits to campus, and a full tuition scholarship awarded every year at each of the four schools.
Fairfield University has expanded this effort in two significant ways. The first is to provide full tuition scholarships to Bridgeport high school students whose annual family income is under $50,000 and whose financial assets are typical of families with this annual income. Based on individual circumstances, students may qualify for additional financial aid to cover fees, room, board, and personal expenses related to enrollment. Any Bridgeport resident who is admitted to Fairfield University, graduates from one of the Bridgeport high schools listed below, and has attended that school for all four academic years is eligible to apply for this award.
The second effort includes expansion of Fairfield University's commitment to the Community Partnership Scholars Program by providing additional scholarships to eligible students. Students with additional demonstrated financial need beyond the base award may qualify for further assistance.
Eligibility Guidelines: The full-time, Bridgeport high school student must apply to Fairfield University for undergraduate admission by either the early action or regular decision application deadline each year. Students must be offered admission through the standard admission review process to be eligible.
The CSS Profile, Noncustodial Parent PROFILE (if applicable), and FAFSA applications must be received by the Office of Financial Aid by the January 15 deadline.
The student's family must annually demonstrate a federal Adjusted Gross Income of under $50,000 and have financial assets that are typical of households with this income.
Students are required to complete and submit the Bridgeport Tuition Grant Application with all required forms and documents by the deadline. Proper documentation of income (federal income tax returns) from two-years prior is required from the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent, if applicable. Parent federal tax returns, w-2's, and the verification worksheet for dependent students must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by February 1 to be considered for eligibility. Failure to adhere to all deadline requirements may result in ineligibility for the program.
Students also must be enrolled as full-time, day students at Fairfield University to be eligible for this tuition program. Students must enroll at Fairfield in the first semester following their high school graduation.
Students that have applied for and are receiving the Bridgeport Tuition Grant are required to adhere to Fairfield University’s financial aid awarding policies. Fairfield University reserves the right to request additional documentation as needed to determine initial or renewal eligibility. The award is for one year only. Renewal eligibility will be based on meeting renewal deadlines, income/asset thresholds and various other financial aid eligibility requirements.
For additional information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
CLOSE
In 1540, St. Ignatius of Loyola founded the Society of Jesuits with six of his closest companions. From that moment on, this group of “God’s soldiers,” also known as the “The Company of Jesus," would go on to “set the world aflame,” serving the underserved and dedicating their lives to social justice through education.
Honoring these same principles, Fairfield University established The Company Scholars, a unique program that provides four-year, full-cost scholarships to a cohort of students attending Jesuit and Cristo Rey high schools. Students selected to participate in the program become part of an elite group of scholars, who are engaged in academic excellence and equipped with a supportive network and a platform to make a difference.
Students enrolled in The Company Scholars program receive:
In order to apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Application Process
For more information, contact Na'Shyra Yates, Assistant Director of Admission, at nashyra.yates@fairfield.edu.
CLOSE
Fairfield University’s Faculty Children Exchange Program (FACHEX) and Tuition Exchange Program (TUIEX) are available to children of full-time Fairfield University faculty and staff, as well as qualifying children from other participating institutions. For details and guidelines, please visit the Office of Human Resources’ webpage. CLOSE
Does Fairfield accept the Common Application?
Fairfield University uses the Common Application as its only application.
What are the application deadlines?The application deadline for Early Action consideration is November 1, for Early Decision I November 15, and for Early Decision II and Regular Decision January 15.
Does Fairfield University offer early admission programs?Yes. Students who consider Fairfield University to be among their top choices for their undergraduate education and who would like to have their application reviewed early may submit their application under our Early Action program. Applicants for Early Action must submit a completed application by November 1.
Students who are certain that Fairfield University is their first choice for a college education, and are willing to commit to attending if admitted, are welcome to apply as an Early Decision candidate. Once admitted, an Early Decision candidate agrees to withdraw all other college applications and confirm his or her attendance at Fairfield.
What are the criteria for admission?A competitive applicant has a solid A/A- average weighted GPA in a strong college preparatory program which includes some honors and/or advanced placement classes. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1300-1410 on the SAT, and between 27 and 31 on the ACT.
Fairfield also seeks to enroll students for whom Fairfield is a good fit. We appreciate when students have taken the time to get to know the campus through visit programs, tours, and time with our counseling staff. Students who take an active role in their admission process demonstrate that they have an interest in Fairfield and have taken the necessary steps to decide that we may be the right place to continue their academic journey.
How competitive is admission?Fairfield University received 18,508 applications for undergraduate admission for the Class of 2028. The admit rate for the Class of 2028 was 33%.
Test Optional Policy
Why did Fairfield adopt a test optional policy?
Fairfield University uses a holistic review process in the evaluation of our prospective students, looking at all aspects of a student's record in making our admission assessment. This process reflects our educational mission as a Jesuit institution. We strongly believe in the education of the whole person and look for signs of academic and community engagement - factors that are not well measured by test scores.
Based on our research, we know that a student's academic record in high school - including the strength of curriculum and the student's performance in that curriculum - provides the best information about his/her potential success at Fairfield.
How does Fairfield evaluate applicants who do not send their scores?Our application review process for students who do not submit scores and those who do submit scores is very similar. We review all applications holistically. The most important aspect of any application is the student's academic record over four years in high school. We look carefully at the quality of the academic program the student has pursued, as well as their performance throughout high school. We also consider all of the subjective aspects of a student's application, including the personal statement, recommendations from teachers and counselors, and the student's interests and extra curricular activities.
Is the application process any different for students who choose not to submit their scores?Students who have chosen not to submit their scores must indicate on the Fairfield University Supplement to the Common Application that they have chosen that option.
How will I know whether to submit my scores?Students should reflect on their standardized test scores and their overall academic performance in high school. If a student feels that the scores are an accurate reflection of his/her academic ability and potential and would like them to be considered by the admission committee, the scores should be included. If a student does not feel the scores accurately reflect his/her ability and potential, the scores do not need to be submitted.
Is there any disadvantage in not submitting test scores?No. Students who do not submit their test scores will have the same opportunities for admission as those who do.
Are there any exceptions to this policy?Yes. Students who have been homeschooled during high school are still required to submit their SAT or ACT results. International students whose English is not their native language must submit the results of the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
When does this policy take effect?This policy took effect beginning with first year students who applied for the fall of 2010, and for transfer students who applied for admission for the spring of 2010.
Can I be considered for a merit scholarship if I do not submit test scores?Yes. All applicants, regardless of whether or not they have submitted SAT or ACT results, will be eligible for merit scholarship consideration.
Financial Aid Process
What Financial Aid forms are required?
Please visit the Office of Financial Aid's applications and deadlines page.
Does Fairfield University offer merit scholarships?Yes. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships, regardless of whether they have completed an application for financial aid. To find out more about this scholarship opportunity, please visit our scholarships page.
What percentage of students receive financial aid?Over 90% of the entering class received a merit scholarship, need-based financial aid, or a combination.
AP and College Credits
Fairfield University will award 3 or 4 credit hours for each AP course taken by a student, provided that the student has taken the Advanced Placement Test prepared by the CEEB program and obtained a test score of 4 or 5. A maximum of 15 AP credits will be awarded.
Official score reports, transcripts, and related documentation should be sent to Pamela Kelly (if sending electronically, email asr@fairfield.edu), Academic Commons, DiMenna-Nyselius Library Complex, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824-5195.
Higher Level International Baccalaureate Courses:Fairfield University recognizes the advanced nature of Higher Level International Baccalaureate courses and will award 3 or 4 credit hours provided a grade of 6 or 7 is achieved. A maximum of 15 IB credits will be awarded.
Official score reports, transcripts, and related documentation should be sent to Pamela Kelly (if sending electronically, email asr@fairfield.edu), Academic Commons, DiMenna-Nyselius Library Complex, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824-5195.
Courses Taken for College Credit while in High School:For students who pursue college courses while in high school, upon receipt of an official college transcript, the course work will be evaluated by the appropriate academic administrator in consultation with the respective curriculum area, provided the following criteria are met:
College/school officials will determine the appropriateness of the transfer credit for the student’s program and decide whether it has met Fairfield’s curriculum standards. A maximum of 15 credits of approved coursework will be awarded transfer credit. The grades will not be transferred.
College level courses will be evaluated upon receipt of the following documentation:
It is the discretion of college/school officials to determine if AP, IB, or transfer credit may be used to exempt students from specific University courses or requirements.
Official score reports, transcripts, and related documentation should be sent to Pamela Kelly (if sending electronically, email asr@fairfield.edu), Academic Commons, DiMenna-Nyselius Library Complex, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824-5195.
Is housing guaranteed?
Housing is required of incoming freshmen who reside outside of a radius (typically 30 miles) determined by the University. A portion of upperclassmen enter a lottery each year to take advantage of additional housing options at Fairfield Beach. Approximately 80% of all students live on campus in a traditional residence hall, suite-style residence hall, an apartment or townhouse.
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, Connecticut 06824
(203) 254-4000
