Overview of Aid Programs

From its founding, Fairfield University has been committed to providing educational opportunities to motivated students of diverse social and economic backgrounds. While students and families are primarily responsible for college expenses, Fairfield University sees this as a shared endeavor and will assist students with as much financial aid as possible.
Investing in a college education is often a major financial decision, and many students and families need to look beyond their own resources for assistance. A Fairfield education is possible with proper financial planning, and the lifelong benefits will far exceed the expenses involved.

Review 2024-2025 Full-Time Undergraduate Resident Tuition & Costs

Contact the Office of the Bursar for More Information

The following charts provide a comprehensive picture of the aid programs available, with information on eligibility and application requirements for programs administered by Fairfield University, lending institutions, and state and federal government agencies. It is important to pay close attention to application deadlines and instructions for all programs, regardless of the administering agencies.

Fairfield University offers need-based aid as well as merit scholarships. Learn more about the Fairfield University Financial Aid Programs, Federal Aid options, and aid application and payment plan deadlines.

Fairfield University Aid Programs

Fairfield University Aid Programs
Program Eligibility Requirements Source of Funds Annual Awards

Fairfield University Need-Based Grants - names may vary by program

Full-time undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need

Fairfield University

Varies based on eligibility

Financial aid awards cannot be processed until both the FAFSA and CSS Profile have been received (including the Noncustodial PROFILE, when applicable). To confirm eligibility, students may be selected for the verification process. If selected, students will be notified by the Office of Financial and should submit all required documents no later than August 1. Returning students only need to complete the CSS Profile during their freshman year. However, the FAFSA is required every academic school year.

Athletic Grant- in-Aid

Awarded by the Athletics department

Fairfield University

Varies

Program Application Instructions by Student Status

Fairfield University Need-Based Grants – names may vary by program

Early Action/Early Decision Applicants

Submit CSS Profile by December 1

Submit FAFSA by December 1

First-Year Applicants, Regular Decision/Early Decision II

Submit CSS Profile & FAFSA by January 15

Transfer Applicants

Submit CSS Profile & FAFSA by June 1

Returning Students

Submit FAFSA by April 15

Athletic Grant-in-Aid

Contact the Athletics Department at (203) 254-4216

Federal, State, and Other Aid Programs

Federal, State, and Other Aid Programs
Program Eligibility Requirements Source of Funds Annual Award Ranges Application Instructions

Federal Pell Grant

Undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs as determined by the FAFSA Undergraduate students with a parent killed in the line of duty.

Federal

Maximum award for academic year 2024–25: $7,395

Learn More

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA

Federal

Up to $4,000; awards vary

Learn More

Federal Work-Study

Full-time undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA; awards determined by the University.

Federal

Average FWS awards are $2,000

Learn more from the Office of Financial Aid once enrolled.

Direct Loan

Subsidized - Students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA Unsubsidized - Students with no financial need as determined by the FAFSA

Additional information and eligibility requirements

Federal

View loan limits

After you submit the FAFSA, complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling

Direct PLUS Loan

Loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students

Additional information and eligibility requirements

Federal

Cost of Attendance minus - financial aid assistance

After you submit the FAFSA, complete a credit check, and Master Promissory Note.

Alternative Student Loan

Credit-based programs available to qualifying applicants

Search for alternative loans

Cost of Attendance minus - financial aid assistance

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State Grant

Varies per state

State

Varies

Contact your resident state's Board or Commissioner of Education for information.

Tuition Payment Plan

For Full-Time Undergraduate students, the University offers the option to pay for the semester every month via a payment plan administered by Nelnet Campus Commerce. This semester-based plan allows you to spread the semester balance due over 4 months.

n/a

n/a

See enrollment instructions

Contact the Office of the Bursar

Payment & Payment Plan Deadlines

Payment & Payment Plan Deadlines
Date Deadline

Approx. July 5

FALL semester e-bills sent to all students via university email (and authorized e-bill users)

July 20

Deadline to enroll in a fall monthly payment plan

August 1

Payment due for FALL semester

December 1

SPRING semester e-bills sent to all students via university email (and authorized e-bill users)

December 20

Deadline to enroll in a spring monthly payment plan

January 1

Payment due for SPRING semester

Federal Work-Study

Federal work-study (FWS) is a program funded by both the federal government and Fairfield University that provides part-time employment to undergraduate students who have significant financial need. Eligible students can earn money to help with educational expenses while gaining valuable professional experience in University or community service jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions: FWS Eligibility

Undergraduate, full-time students* with significant financial need, as outlined in federal and institutional awarding policies, may be eligible for federal work-study (FWS). Students must apply for financial aid each year by completing the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial aid, including federal work-study (FWS). Eligibility for FWS is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Eligible students are notified in a financial aid award notification from the Office of Financial Aid.

 *Graduate and part-time students are not eligible for FWS due to limited funding.

Eligibility is calculated using the results from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), in combination with institutional guidelines. FWS awards, similar to all other federal financial aid sources, are NOT guaranteed from one year to the next.
What do I do if I am eligible for FWS?
Students interested in FWS eligibility should:

  • Meet all application deadlines and submit all required documents (for employment and financial aid verification)
  • Acknowledge receipt of a final award notification of approved FWS (if eligible) from the Office of Financial Aid
  • If you are eligible for Federal Work Study, you must log into your my.Fairfield account for more information on the application and hiring process. ​​ Students search for FWS jobs in the Student Job Listing in Workday (accessed through my.Fairfield).

*Graduate and part-time students are not eligible for FWS due to limited funding.

There are a variety of University offices and facilities that offer part-time employment to students. Students can search for available non-FWS (NWS) jobs on the Student Job Listing in Workday (accessed through my.Fairfield). For more information you can email studentemploy@fairfield.edu. Graduate students can review the University's available graduate assistantships on our website.

Federal work-study jobs may be available in office administration, research, athletics, lifeguard, mentoring, tutoring, science laboratory assistance, community service, media, theater, and many other areas. There are also limited off-campus community service agencies that provide FWS employment. These positions are associated with private, non-profit organizations, public agencies, or community service, where the work is in the public interest.

Students can search for available FWS jobs on the Student Job Listing in Workday (accessed through my.Fairfield). Typically, job listings become available during mid-summer for the next academic year. Students must make sure they have a FWS award offer from Financial Aid (check the student Financial Aid portal in my.Fairfield). For more information you can email fws@fairfield.edu.

Community agencies interested in Fairfield's Federal Work-Study program can write to the program administrator at fws@fairfield.edu.

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