Selective55% Acceptance Rate

Chances of Getting Into Fairfield University

Fairfield, Connecticut Private University • #2 National • Founded 1942

Fairfield Admissions Statistics 2025–2026

55%
Acceptance Rate
3.55
Average GPA
1265
Average SAT
28
Average ACT
14,500+
Total Applicants
1,100
Class Size
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio

Fairfield SAT & ACT Scores

SAT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range1190-1340
Average1265
10001600

ACT Scores (Middle 50%)

Score Range26-31
Average28
2036

About Fairfield University

Fairfield University is a Jesuit university in Fairfield, Connecticut, consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the North. Located just an hour from New York City and on the Connecticut coastline, Fairfield offers a strong Jesuit liberal arts education with excellent nursing, business, and engineering programs. The Dolan School of Business is AACSB-accredited and benefits from proximity to NYC's financial industry.

Top Programs

NursingBusiness (Dolan)FinanceBiologyEngineering

What Makes Fairfield Unique

  • Jesuit tradition emphasizing education of the whole person — mind, body, and spirit
  • Located on the Connecticut coast, one hour from New York City
  • Dolan School of Business is AACSB-accredited with strong finance and accounting placement
  • Nursing program is one of the best in the Northeast with excellent NCLEX pass rates
  • Beautiful 200-acre campus with its own beach on Long Island Sound

Fairfield Cost & Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Tuition$55,910/yr
Total Cost$75,500/yr
Median Earnings (10yr)$68,200/yr

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Aid88%
Avg Aid Package$30,000+
School TypePrivate

Fairfield Application Deadlines

Regular Decision
January 15
Early Decision
November 1
Early Action
November 1

How to Get Into Fairfield: Admission Tips

1

Apply EA or ED (November 1) for priority admission and scholarship consideration

2

Test-optional — GPA and course rigor are the most important academic factors

3

Nursing is highly competitive — highlight any clinical or volunteer experience

4

Demonstrated interest matters — campus visits, info sessions, and interviews help

5

88% of students receive financial aid — apply for scholarships early

The Brutal Truth About Fairfield Admissions

The numbers are brutal. With a 55% acceptance rate, Fairfield rejected over 6,525 applicants in the most recent cycle. Many of those rejected students had perfect GPAs and 1550+ SATs.

Stats are table stakes, not differentiators. At Fairfield, having a 3.55 GPA and 1265 SAT puts you at average — not above average. What separates admitted students from rejected ones is everything else: essays, activities, recommendations, and authentic passion.

The biggest mistake applicants make: Treating their application like a résumé. Fairfield doesn't want a list of accomplishments — they want to understand who you are as a person and what you'll contribute to their community.

Bottom line: Apply if Fairfield genuinely excites you — but build a balanced college list. Don't put all your eggs in one 55%-acceptance-rate basket.

Fairfield Admissions FAQ

What is the acceptance rate at Fairfield University?

Fairfield University has an acceptance rate of 55% as of the most recent admissions cycle. Out of 14,500+ applicants, approximately 1,100 students were admitted to the incoming class.

What GPA do I need to get into Fairfield?

The average GPA of admitted students at Fairfield University is 3.55. Most successful applicants have GPAs above 3.40, with many in the top 5-10% of their high school class.

What SAT score do I need for Fairfield?

The middle 50% SAT range for admitted Fairfield students is 1190-1340. The average SAT score is 1265. For ACT, the range is 26-31 with an average of 28.

Is Fairfield hard to get into?

Yes, Fairfield University is selective with an acceptance rate of just 55%. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed admission. Holistic review means essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations all play critical roles.

How much does Fairfield cost?

Tuition at Fairfield University is $55,910 per year, with total cost of attendance at $75,500. However, 88% of students receive financial aid, with the average aid package exceeding $30,000+.

What are my chances of getting into Fairfield?

Your chances of getting into Fairfield University depend on your GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and more. With a 55% overall acceptance rate, admissions are highly competitive. Use AdmitOdds to get a personalized assessment of your chances based on your actual profile.

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What Are Your Chances at Fairfield?

Enter your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars. Get a personalized, brutally honest assessment of your odds — plus scholarship estimates.

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