Fairfield University
Fairfield, United States • Founded 1942 • World Rank #4403
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Established in 1942, the Fairfield University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Fairfield (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Connecticut.
This institution also has branch campuses in Austin, Bridgeport and Shanghai. Officially accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Fairfield University (FU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Fairfield University (FU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 82-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. FU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Fairfield University's coordinates, postal address, and the contact channels admissions teams respond on. Campus tour bookings often have their own page distinct from general contact channels.
Academic Details
Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Fairfield University are summarised below. These numbers help you size the institution against your shortlist and weigh academic depth alongside programme fit.
Academic Structures
Fairfield University's organisational chart for teaching: faculties, schools, institutes, and constituent units. Research-intensive universities often add institutes or centres alongside teaching faculties.
Unit 5 items
- Charles F. Dolan School of Business
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies
- School of Education and Human Development
- School of Engineering
Programs Offered
Browse Fairfield University's programmes by level, or filter by name to find a specific course. The grouping helps when you have a target qualification tier but want to compare specific programme content.
113 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 48 programmes
Showing 10 of 48.
Master's Degree 39 programmes
Showing 10 of 39.
Doctorate 1 programme
Professional Doctorate 2 programmes
Certificate 1 programme
Postgraduate Certificate 22 programmes
Showing 10 of 22.
How to apply to Fairfield University
A short guide to applying to Fairfield University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Research programmes at Fairfield University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Fairfield University runs 113 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Fairfield University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Fairfield University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.fairfield.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (203) 254 4000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairfield University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Fairfield University, drawn directly from institutional records.
How old is Fairfield University?
The institution opened in 1942 (approximately 84 years ago).
What city is Fairfield University in?
Fairfield University operates from Fairfield, United States.
Is Fairfield University a public or private institution?
Fairfield University operates as a private institution.
How big is Fairfield University's student body?
Fairfield University serves approximately 6,000-6,999 students.
What is Fairfield University's ranking?
Fairfield University holds rank #4403 globally and #469 in United States.
What is Fairfield University's religious tradition?
Fairfield University is associated with Christian-Catholic.
How is Fairfield University organised academically?
Fairfield University has 5 academic units.
Who recognises Fairfield University?
Fairfield University is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education.
What is Fairfield University's official website?
The institution's website is www.fairfield.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Below: the United States's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Fairfield University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Members of Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)
Network-level rankings exist for some Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) groupings (e.g., U21, Universitas 21). These differ from country rankings and reflect coordinated members' shared performance.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Curriculum integration of Christian-Catholic content varies — some affiliated universities maintain core religious modules, others treat affiliation as cultural orientation only. Worth verifying programme by programme.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Fairfield University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Faculty publication output for Education & Teaching researchers at each the United States institution signals research-active culture. Active publication usually correlates with funded supervision capacity.
Universities Compared with Fairfield University
Peer cohort post-graduation outcomes — employment rates, graduate-school placement, salary data — often track closely across institutions at Fairfield University's level. Comparable cohorts tend to land in comparable places.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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