Fairfield University
Fairfield, Connecticut · Private
Fairfield University admitted 25% of 21,299 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1280–1370 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 84% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Fairfield University
Enter a score to see whether Fairfield University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (25%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Fairfield University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 15, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 15, 2027
The application fee is $65 ($0 for international applicants), and Fairfield University accepts the Common App fee waiver. Fairfield University asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation. For financial aid it uses the FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Fairfield University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 82% (566 of 689), compared with 25% for all applicants.
Fairfield University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
10,741 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 2,963 took it, and 15 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Fairfield University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Showing interest
Important
- Interview
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Character
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Considered
- Class rank
- Test scores
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
Not considered
- State residency
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.71 GPA. 30% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $76,940 a year. After grants, students paid $47,630 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Fairfield University’s acceptance rate?
Fairfield University admitted 25% of applicants: 5,336 of 21,299 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Fairfield University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 15, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 15, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Fairfield University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1280 to 1370, with a median around 1330. A score at or above 1330 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Fairfield University’s application fee?
The application fee is $65 ($0 for international applicants) for 2026–27, and Fairfield University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Fairfield University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Fairfield University asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation.
Does Fairfield University have supplemental essays?
No. Fairfield University has no supplemental essays for 2026–27. You send only the Common App personal essay.
Does Fairfield University require the CSS Profile?
Yes. Fairfield University uses the CSS Profile for financial aid, along with the FAFSA, and it may ask a noncustodial parent to fill one out too.
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