Fairfield University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on June 18, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~25%
- Middle 50% ACT: 29
- Middle 50% SAT: 1365
- Average GPA: 3.9
- Below the typical ranges: Treat Fairfield as a reach. Focus on strong grades, meaningful activities, and a thoughtful application—this is not a school where merit will “save” a weaker academic profile.
- In the typical ranges: You’re in the game for admission, but merit money is not guaranteed. Apply early and present a well-rounded application to stay competitive for limited scholarships.
- Well above the ranges: This is where Fairfield can make sense financially. Top students have the best shot at merit, but even here, awards are selective—not automatic.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Fairfield University at a Glance
- Most merit aid is competitive—not automatic: There are no guaranteed GPA/test score scholarships here, so families can’t assume discounts just for being a strong student.
- Early Action can matter for scholarships: Applying early gives you the best shot at being considered for limited merit funds.
- CSS Profile is required: Fairfield uses both FAFSA and CSS Profile, which can change your expected family contribution compared to FAFSA-only schools.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Fairfield University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 29; SAT: 1365.
Average net price? About $47,630/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Fairfield University Company Scholars program page: https://www.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/company-scholars/
Fairfield University merit scholarships page: https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/merit-scholarships/
Fairfield University Bridgeport Tuition Grant page: https://www.fairfield.edu/admission-and-aid/scholarships-and-grants/bridgeport.html
Global Fairfield study abroad scholarships page: https://www.fairfield.edu/undergraduate/global-fairfield/get-involved/scholarships.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Fairfield University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $59,460 | $59,460 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $20,810 | $20,810 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $80,270 | $80,270 |
Average Federal Net Price: $47,630 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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.
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.
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
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
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.