Fairfield University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Fairfield University is a private Jesuit school in Connecticut that’s known for pairing strong academics with generous merit awards. If you’re a first-gen parent trying to make sense of the real costs, this page walks through what Fairfield actually charges, how scholarships work, and what aid programs Connecticut families can tap into. You can also check the Connecticut state aid guide for more options.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Fairfield University
| Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12+ credits) | $60,410 | $60,410 |
| Housing & Meal Plan (Double + Unlimited) | $19,740 | $19,740 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,175 | $1,175 |
| Travel | $950 | $950 |
| Personal/Misc. | $1,055 | $1,055 |
| Total (before aid) | $83,330 | $83,330 |
Example: A Connecticut student who qualifies for a $5,000 Willis Grant would see their net price drop from about $83,330 to $78,330 before any Fairfield merit scholarships.
Cost FAQ
Who qualifies for the Connecticut Willis Grant?
Connecticut residents with financial need who file the FAFSA on time.
How much can it save?
Awards vary, but families may receive several thousand dollars per year depending on income and FAFSA results.
Is it automatic or do I apply?
You apply by filing the FAFSA. Fairfield also requires the CSS Profile for certain institutional aid and scholarships, so plan to complete both forms.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Fairfield automatically considers every admitted first-year for institutional merit—no separate scholarship application needed.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Merit Scholarships | $10,000–$30,000/yr (tuition only) | Admitted first-year students; test-optional considered. Awards reflect HS GPA, course rigor, application strength, and (if sent) SAT/ACT. | No — automatic with admission | Yes — up to 8 consecutive semesters; maintain the minimum GPA listed in the award and full-time enrollment | *Upper range tends to go to A/A- students with strong rigor; mid-range often A-/B+ with solid rigor; scores in the SAT ~1270–1370* or ACT ~29–32* strengthen chances if submitted. *estimates |
Range drivers: Fairfield publishes a merit range and uses holistic review (no public cutoffs). Renewal GPA varies by award level and is stated in the student’s award letter.
FAQ — Automatic Merit at Fairfield
Do I need to submit test scores to be considered for merit?
No. Fairfield is test-optional and considers all applicants for merit. (Source: Fairfield Admission — Test-Optional)
Do they superscore?
Fairfield does not post a formal superscore policy on its site. Reputable admissions trackers list Fairfield as superscoring SAT and ACT; if submitting scores, send your best section results from multiple dates. When in doubt, ask your admission counselor. (Cross-check: Compass Prep Superscore Tracker)
Can merit stack with need-based aid?
Yes, institutional aid is packaged up to Cost of Attendance and may be adjusted if other gift aid changes; renewal and stacking details appear in your award. (Source: Financial Aid Policy)
Do I need the CSS Profile?
For many institutional grants and need-based funds, Fairfield uses the CSS Profile. Complete FAFSA and, when asked, the CSS Profile. See our quick walkthrough: CSS Profile Guide. (Source: Financial Aid Policies)
*Estimates disclaimer: GPA/test bands marked with * are inferred from public profile ranges to help families calibrate expectations; Fairfield does not publish merit cutoffs and awards remain holistic.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
Some universities set aside a handful of highly selective “flagship” or competitive scholarships that cover full tuition or even a full ride. These usually require an extra application, essays, or interviews.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Company Scholars | Full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board) | Students from Jesuit or Cristo Rey high schools; first-generation and/or high financial need; strong academics | Yes — competitive cohort program | Yes — if GPA and program standards are maintained | High-achieving, first-gen students from Jesuit/Cristo Rey schools with demonstrated leadership and need |
FAQ — Flagship (Competitive) Scholarships
What is the Company Scholars award?
A highly selective, cohort-based scholarship that covers the full cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, and board) for eligible students.
Who is eligible?
Students graduating from Jesuit or Cristo Rey high schools who are first-generation and/or have significant financial need, with strong academics and leadership.
Is there a separate application?
Yes. Company Scholars requires a separate, competitive application process beyond general admission.
Are interviews or essays required?
Yes. Competitive steps (essays and/or interviews) are part of the selection process.
How many awards are available?
Very limited. This is a small cohort each year.
Is it renewable?
Yes — renewable for up to eight semesters if you maintain the required GPA, remain in good standing, and meet program standards.
Can it stack with other aid?
Because it covers full cost of attendance, other institutional grants are typically adjusted; outside scholarships may be applied per standard packaging rules up to the cost of attendance.
Do I need FAFSA and CSS Profile?
Yes. Because need is considered, plan to file the FAFSA and complete the CSS Profile as directed.
What are the key deadlines?
Deadlines align with the competitive application timeline for Company Scholars; start early and track the program’s stated dates closely.
⭐ What Fairfield University Is Especially Known For
If you want a college that mixes strong undergraduate business credentials, excellent nursing outcomes, and a close, Jesuit-inspired education—Fairfield stands out. Employers know its graduates; Connecticut honors its programs. These are some of the areas where Fairfield punches above its weight.
- Business Analytics, Marketing & Finance (Dolan): These specialties also rank #1 in Connecticut in U.S. News Graduate Business Specialty Rankings. For example, Marketing is #14 nationally, Finance #17, and Business Analytics #20.
- Nursing (Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies): Fairfield’s BSN programs maintain excellent NCLEX first-time pass rates (recent years ~ 95-96 %) reflecting strong preparation.
- Online & Hybrid MBA / Graduate Business Programs: Fairfield’s hybrid/online MBA is recognized—e.g., ranked in top-25 for online MBA programs, and #2 in Connecticut for the part-time MBA program.
- Fairfield is not classified as an “R1” research university. Its strengths are more teaching-/professionally oriented. (Jesuit/private institution, focused masters and select doctoral programs.)
- The Dolan School entered the Poets & Quants Top Undergraduate Business Schools list at **#37 nationally**.
- Ranking movement: Dolan’s undergraduate business programs were noted in U.S. News & World Report for being top in business analytics, accounting, finance, marketing, etc.
🎖️ University Honors Program
Fairfield’s Honors Program is designed for students who want to stretch themselves with smaller seminars, interdisciplinary projects, and close mentorship. It’s not automatic — you apply separately — but accepted students often find the academic community and faculty support worth the extra step.
High school GPA in the A range*, rigorous AP/IB or honors courses, strong writing ability, and demonstrated intellectual curiosity. Leadership and service involvement also strengthen applications.
*estimates based on Fairfield’s admitted student profile; exact GPA/test cutoffs are not published.
- Priority course registration
- Smaller, discussion-based seminars
- Dedicated advising and faculty mentorship
- Capstone project or thesis opportunities
- Special co-curricular programming and community events
FAQ — Fairfield Honors Program
Is admission automatic?
No. Students must apply separately with essays or a writing sample; it’s a competitive process.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. The program is designed to integrate with your chosen major, so students graduate on time.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
Fairfield does not currently publish separate Honors-specific scholarships. Students remain eligible for Fairfield’s automatic merit and need-based awards.
When should I apply?
You’ll typically apply around the same time as your admission application, with priority given to early applicants. Check the University Honors Program page for specific deadlines.
📎 Official Fairfield University Links
📌 Final Thoughts
Fairfield isn’t the kind of school that overwhelms you with a dozen complicated aid programs. Instead, it leads with strong automatic merit, some hidden gems for local and first-gen families, and standout strengths in business and nursing. For parents, the key takeaway is this: the sticker price may look steep, but the right mix of Fairfield’s merit, state grants, and need-based aid can bring the cost down much further. Use this guide to map out deadlines, ask about stacking rules, and see where your student’s profile might land them.
✅ Last updated: September 19, 2025