Fairfield University is deeply committed to the students of Bridgeport and their future educational goals. Since 1999, the University has sponsored the Community Partnership Scholars Program at four Bridgeport high schools (Bassick, Central, Harding, and Kolbe-Cathedral). Through this program, Fairfield University collaborates with each participating school to offer admission and financial aid mentoring, resources to cover group visits to campus, and a full tuition scholarship awarded every year at each of the four schools.
Fairfield University has expanded this effort in two significant ways. The first is to provide full tuition scholarships to Bridgeport high school students whose annual family income is under $70,000 and whose financial assets are typical of families with this annual income, effective with the 2025-2026 academic school year. Based on individual circumstances, students may qualify for additional financial aid to cover fees, room, board, and personal expenses related to enrollment. Any Bridgeport resident who is admitted to Fairfield University, graduates from one of the Bridgeport high schools listed below, and has attended that school for all four academic years is eligible to apply for this award.
- Bassick High School
- Bridge Academy
- Bridgeport International Academy
- Bridgeport Military Academy
- Bullard Havens Vocational-Technical High School
- Capital Preparatory Harbor School (Bridgeport)
- Central High School
- Great Oaks Charter High School
- Harding High School
- Kolbe Cathedral High School
- The Interdistrict Magnet Schools at the Fairchild Wheeler Campus (eligibility for Bridgeport residents only)
The second effort includes expansion of Fairfield University's commitment to the Community Partnership Scholars Program by providing additional scholarships to eligible students. Students with additional demonstrated financial need beyond the base award may qualify for further assistance.
Eligibility Guidelines: The full-time, Bridgeport high school student must apply to Fairfield University for undergraduate admission by either the early action or regular decision application deadline each year. Students must be offered admission through the standard admission review process to be eligible.
The CSS Profile, Noncustodial Parent PROFILE (if applicable), and FAFSA applications must be received by the Office of Financial Aid by the January 15 deadline.
The student's family must annually demonstrate a federal Adjusted Gross Income of under $50,000 and have financial assets that are typical of households with this income.
Students are required to complete and submit the Bridgeport Tuition Grant Application with all required forms and documents by the deadline. Proper documentation of income (federal income tax returns) from two-years prior is required from the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent, if applicable. Parent federal tax returns, w-2's, and the verification worksheet for dependent students must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by February 1 to be considered for eligibility. Failure to adhere to all deadline requirements may result in ineligibility for the program.
Students also must be enrolled as full-time, day students at Fairfield University to be eligible for this tuition program. Students must enroll at Fairfield in the first semester following their high school graduation.
Students that have applied for and are receiving the Bridgeport Tuition Grant are required to adhere to Fairfield University’s financial aid awarding policies. Fairfield University reserves the right to request additional documentation as needed to determine initial or renewal eligibility. The award is applicable for eight consecutive semesters as long as the student is meeting the required cumulative GPA.
For additional information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.
