By Sue Luse

About Fairfield

Fairfield University is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the United States.  They promote a holistic approach to education with the intent to educate the whole person – mind, body and spirit. They are committed to offering a comprehensive core curriculum, and distinctive living and learning experiences.  Fairfield believes in lifelong learning and the pursuit of social justice and global citizenship. They are recovering well from Hurricane Sandy and with their own power plant, they did not lose power during the hurricane.

Location

Located approximately one hour north of New York City, in Fairfield, Connecticut, which is considered a traditional New England town. Fairfield County’s population of 55,000 comprises a rather affluent community, with a reputation for being a very safe area. Fairfield is also considered to be a “beach town” with approximately 300 seniors living at the beach.

Enrollment/Demographics

Many regional students from Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire.  Recently acquiring more students from the Midwest area.  Lots of Jewish, Muslim and Catholic students. Fairfield is not a “suitcase school” where students tend to disappear on weekends. Roughly 50% of students attended a private high school and roughly 50% attended a public high school. Their student body is approximately 20% diverse.

Academics

• Fairfield is very strong in the Health Sciences field and is known for having a great pre-professional track with excellent advising for Pre-Med. Also known for Direct-Entry Nursing.
• A competitive applicant has a solid A-/B+ average in a strong college preparatory program which includes some honors and/or advanced placement classes. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1690-1910 on the SAT, and between 25 and 28 on the ACT.
• Fairfield accepts the Common App and their admissions process is test optional.
• Their business school holds a 70% acceptance rate.

Student Life/Recreation

Very socially active student life and trips to the City are popular! Fairfield is conveniently located near New York City, Providence, Hartford and New Haven.

Fairfield’s location puts numerous internship opportunities at students’ fingertips and most take advantage of this during their junior or senior year.

More than 400 students participate in intercollegiate, varsity athletics at the University. More than 1,500 are active in club sports, intramurals, and other recreation and fitness programs. While Lacrosse is very popular, Fairfield also offers the following varsity sports – baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s crew, men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball.

Housing

Housing is guaranteed for four years to all incoming freshmen. Approximately 80% of all students live on campus in a traditional residence hall, suite-style residence hall, an apartment or townhouse. All freshmen live together in traditional-style halls, and sophomores live mostly in traditional-style halls with some living in suite-style halls depending upon availability. Approximately one-third of the junior class lives in suite-style halls. Seniors live in townhouses, apartments, or off campus (on a limited basis).