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
- Flagship (competitive) and community-based full awards
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~25% (recent class)
- Middle 50% SAT (submitted): 1310–1420
- Middle 50% ACT (submitted): 27–31
- Average Weighted HS GPA (admitted): ~3.90
Source: Fairfield Admissions Profile & First-Year Applicants pages (Class of 2029 snapshot).
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Fairfield at a Glance
Last verified: October 23, 2025
Fairfield automatically reviews all admits for tuition-only merit ($10k–$30k/yr). The big needle-movers are competitive, mission-driven awards: Company Scholars (for students from Jesuit/Cristo Rey high schools) offers full tuition, and the Community Partner and Bridgeport Tuition Grant can deliver full tuition for qualifying students. With the right fit and timeline, families can bring Fairfield’s private-school price into a very workable range.
Use this guide to see what’s possible and what it takes. If you’re comparing offers or planning around state programs, start with our Connecticut Grants & Scholarships page, then come back here to map Fairfield’s options line-by-line.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes. Fairfield is test-optional; applicants choose whether to submit SAT/ACT. (Superscore policy not explicitly published.)
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? SAT 1310–1420 (among submitters); ACT 27–31 (among submitters). Fairfield reports an average admitted weighted GPA around 3.90.
What’s the average net price? About $47,630 (latest IPEDS/NCES-based figure). Net price varies by income and aid. See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does Fairfield offer full-tuition or full-cost scholarships? Yes (competitive). Company Scholars provides full tuition for students from Jesuit/Cristo Rey high schools. Community Partner Scholarship awards full tuition (one per partner school annually), and the Bridgeport Tuition Grant provides full tuition for eligible Bridgeport HS graduates under set income/asset guidelines.
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/apply/first-year-applicants/admission-profile/
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/apply/first-year-applicants/
https://www.fairfield.edu/news/2025/march/record-setting-admission-cycle.html
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships/
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/company-scholars/
https://www.fairfield.edu/news/2024/august/incoming-class-breaks-academic-records.html
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/community-partner-scholarship/
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/bridgeport-tuition-grant/
https://datausa.io/profile/university/fairfield-university
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?129242-Fairfield-University=
💰 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 |
| Total (billed by the university, before aid) | $80,150 | $80,150 |
Note: This table includes direct, billed costs (tuition, fees, housing, and meals). Additional indirect expenses—like books & supplies (~$1,175), travel (~$950), and personal costs (~$1,055)—are not paid directly to Fairfield but should be budgeted for in your total college costs.
Example: A Connecticut student who qualifies for a $5,000 Willis Grant would see their billed total drop from about $80,150 to roughly $75,150 before factoring in any Fairfield merit scholarships.
Cost FAQ
Who qualifies for the Connecticut Willis Grant?
Connecticut residents who demonstrate financial need and submit the FAFSA by the state’s priority deadline.
How much can it save?
Awards range up to $5,000 per year depending on income, assets, and FAFSA data.
Do I need to apply separately?
No separate state application is required. Submit the FAFSA and, for Fairfield aid, the CSS Profile by Fairfield’s published deadlines.
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/tuition-and-fees/
https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/
https://portal.ct.gov/office-of-higher-education/financial-aid/roberta-b-willis-scholarship
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/fairfield-university/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?129242-Fairfield-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Fairfield automatically considers every admitted first-year for institutional merit—no separate scholarship application needed. Awards are tiered and reflect the strongest elements of your application; final award and name appear in your offer letter.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magis Scholarship | $28,000–$30,000/yr | Top first-year admits (A/A-, high rigor); SAT/ACT optional, but high scores (~1370+ SAT/30+ ACT) may help | No — automatic | Yes — up to 8 semesters, minimum GPA per award letter | A-range GPA; high rigor; exemplary activities/essays | Jan 15 (RD) / Nov 1 (EA/ED) |
| Bellarmine Scholarship | $24,000–$27,000/yr | Strong first-years; A- average or upper B+, AP/IB/Honors rigor | No — automatic | Yes — up to 8 semesters, minimum GPA per award letter | A-/B+ with solid rigor, leadership or service | Jan 15 (RD) / Nov 1 (EA/ED) |
| Arrupe Scholarship | $18,000–$23,000/yr | Solid admits; B+/B, reasonable rigor | No — automatic | Yes — up to 8 semesters, minimum GPA per award letter | B+/B, leadership or service a plus | Jan 15 (RD) / Nov 1 (EA/ED) |
| Loyola Scholarship | $10,000–$16,000/yr | Qualifying admits, includes B- range and test-optional | No — automatic | Yes — up to 8 semesters, minimum GPA per award letter | Awarded to broad range; B-/B average, good essays/fit | Jan 15 (RD) / Nov 1 (EA/ED) |
Fairfield uses a published merit range with tiered, named scholarships, but does not publish official cutoffs. Eligibility and amounts are determined holistically and communicated with admission.
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 publish a formal superscore policy but multiple reputable sources and guidance counselors report that both ACT and SAT are superscored for merit. (Cross-check: Compass Prep Superscore Tracker)
Can merit stack with need-based aid?
Yes, institutional merit packages with need-based funds up to cost of attendance, but may be adjusted if other outside gift aid changes; stacking and renewal are addressed in the student’s award letter. (Source: Financial Aid Policy)
What is the main deadline for being considered?
Apply by November 1 (Early Action/Early Decision) for the earliest and strongest merit consideration. Regular Decision applicants should apply by January 15.
*Estimates for GPA and test ranges are evidence-based and may fluctuate; Fairfield University does not publish minimums or precise award bands.
Fairfield Merit Scholarships – https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships/
Fairfield Financial Aid Catalog – https://catalog.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/tuition-fees-financial-aid/financial-aid/
Admission Catalog (test-optional, automatic consideration) – https://catalog.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/admission/
External: Compass Prep Superscore Table – https://www.compassprep.com/superscore-and-score-choice/
College Bound Mentor (tier examples) – https://collegeboundmentor.com/fairfield-university/
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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, additional essay and interview required | Yes — up to 8 semesters if all GPA and program standards are maintained | High-achieving, first-gen students from Jesuit/Cristo Rey schools with demonstrated leadership and need | Nov 1 (EA); Jan 15 (RD); additional program essay/interview by Feb/Mar |
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, including essays and an interview, on top of general admission.
How many awards are available?
Very limited. Each cohort is small, and selection is highly competitive.
Is it renewable?
Yes — for up to eight semesters, provided you maintain the required GPA, good program standing, and confirmed financial need.
Can it stack with other aid?
Since Company Scholars covers the full cost of attendance, other institutional grants are typically adjusted, but outside scholarships may be applied per standard packaging rules up to the COA.
What are the critical deadlines?
Apply to Fairfield via Common App by Nov 1 (EA) or Jan 15 (RD). Company program essays/interview deadlines follow (usually Feb–Mar); check the website for current cycle dates.
Fairfield Company Scholars – https://www.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/company-scholars/
Fairfield Scholarships Overview – https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/
🎖️ 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 is a competitive process and not included automatically with admission.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. The program is coordinated to integrate with your chosen major and graduation timeline.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students?
Fairfield does not currently publish any Honors-specific scholarships. Students in Honors remain eligible for all standard Fairfield merit scholarships and need-based aid.
When should I apply?
Apply to the Honors Program at the same time as your university admission application; many programs prioritize early applicants. Check the University Honors Program page for the most up-to-date deadlines.
University Honors Program — https://www.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/academics/programs/honors/
Academic Catalog, Honors — https://catalog.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/schools/arts-sciences/programs/honors/
Scholarships Policy — https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships/
⭐ 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.