Applicants to the Class of 2030 demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, with an average weighted GPA of 3.9 and middle 50% SAT range of 1320-1420 among those who submitted scores. Fairfield received 21,662 applications representing 49 states (plus D.C. and Puerto Rico) and 97 countries.
Fairfield University ranked No.139 (T) overall in the National Universities category in the 2026 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best College Rankings.
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U.S. News 2024
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U.S. universities for return on investment (ROI) and long-term value - Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce.
Fairfield University is featured as one of the nation's "Top Dream Schools” in Dream School: Finding the College That's Right for You by New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Selingo. The book highlights 75 colleges and universities that offer strong career prospects, hands-on learning, and a sense of belonging.
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse also ranked Fairfield No. 108 for Salary Impact The Best Salaries ranking lists schools in order of their impact on graduates’ salaries and how this relates to the cost of attending the college.
The Princeton Review featured Fairfield in The Best 390 Colleges, 2026 Edition. Best Career Services rankings are determined based on students' responses to how they rated their school's career/job placement services.
Fairfield University is #28 in the U.S. on LinkedIn’s Top Colleges 2025 list which highlights institutions with the strongest career outcomes and long-term alumni success. Fairfield stands out for its powerful alumni network, high job placement rates, and emphasis on real-world experience through internships and leadership development. Among Connecticut institutions, Fairfield placed second only to Yale.
Fairfield Dolan’s Finance, Marketing and Business Analytics programs improved their standing in this year’s report and are among the Top 20 in the U.S., and Fairfield Dolan’s Accounting program maintained a high ranking of #26 nationally. In the state of Connecticut, Dolan’s Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance and Marketing programs were ranked #1.
The WSJ/College Pulse Best Colleges in the U.S. ranked Fairfield University No. 6 for Student Experience based on student surveys and government data that evaluates campus facilities, community and social life, and diversity.
College Factual names Fairfield #1 for Best Mental & Social Health Services Schools, Graduate Degree programs, and Best Mental Health Counseling/Counselor Schools in the New England Region for 2024.
Fairfield University ranked No. 25 for Best Undergraduate Teaching in the National Universities category of the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings.
Fairfield’s second year on the Best National Universities list also includes recognition in the Best Value Schools – National Rankings category where the University is ranked No. 131, up 16 spots from 2023.
Statewide, Fairfield was ranked No. 1 among best colleges for business, best colleges for accounting and finance; best colleges for nursing; No.1 best college location; No. 2 best college campus; No. 2 best college for communications; third on the list of colleges with the best student life, and fifth for best college dorms.
No. 1 Best Communication & Journalism Schools in Connecticut by College Factual, and No. 2 Best College in Connecticut for Communications, Niche.
Fairfield was ranked No. 35 for 2026 Best Colleges for Accounting & Finance in America by Niche.
2023-2024 Best Graduate Business Specialty Programs: Part-Time MBA #2 in Connecticut.
Among the Best Nursing Schools that offer Master’s degrees, the Egan School ranked #73 in a tie with four schools including Michigan State and Quinnipiac, and also tied with Quinnipiac for #2 in Connecticut, behind Yale.
Among the Best Nursing Schools that offer Master’s degrees, the Egan School ranked #73 in a tie with four schools including Michigan State and Quinnipiac, and also tied with Quinnipiac for #2 in Connecticut, behind Yale.
Today, there are only 11 Catholic Universities that have an admit rate under 60%. Fairfield has become the 6th most selective Catholic University in the nation.
Fairfield University contributes over $1 billion to the local economy, according to a recent study by the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges.
The total direct spending — the amount of money spent directly by the University and University employees, students, and visitors — topped $744 million, with more than $145 million contributed by employees alone.
