Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a Jesuit and Catholic University that is rooted in one of the world's oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. Fairfield prepares students for leadership and service in a constantly changing world through broad intellectual inquiry, the pursuit of social justice, and cultivation of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Students choose Fairfield because of its integrated approach to learning which results in graduates who are intellectually prepared and adaptable to face the ever-changing issues of the 21st century.

Located in the coastal town of Fairfield, Connecticut, the University's 200-acre campus is just one hour outside of New York City, in the heart of a region with the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the nation. Fairfield has a student population of approximately 6300 students; 5000 undergraduates and 1300 graduate students. Students represent 38 states, Washington, D.C., and 42 countries, and are enrolled in the University's five schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the School of Education and Human Development, the School of Engineering and Computing, and the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies.

Fairfield offers a wide range of opportunities for research, internships, service, civic engagement, and personal enrichment through a comprehensive core curriculum, 46 undergraduate majors, 22 interdisciplinary minors, 48 master's degree programs, 7 doctoral programs, 20 Division I athletic teams, and more than 100 student clubs and organizations. A significant achievement for Fairfield University is that over 68 graduates have been tapped as Fulbright scholars since 1993.

In addition to a four-year honors program, five-year combined degree programs, and part-time study opportunities, Fairfield offers its own study abroad programs. From international and domestic internships to clinical and research opportunities in over 50 study abroad programs, Global Fairfield offers a breadth of unique and customizable experiences designed to globalize your education and hone your professional competencies. In this way, Fairfield offers international experience that will help you thrive in today’s global landscape.

When considering an applicant for admission, Fairfield looks at measures of academic achievement, students' curricular and extracurricular activities, their life skills and accomplishments, and the degree to which they have an appreciation for Fairfield's mission and outlook. Students are challenged to be creative and active members of a community in which diversity is encouraged and honored.

Fairfield University has developed a unique educational model to ensure that students receive the motivating guidance they need to reach their fullest potential. The integration of living and learning is at the heart of a Fairfield education. Students have opportunities to learn what it means to be a fully engaged member of the campus by choosing to participate in a living and learning community based on their interests. With an impressive 12:1 student to faculty ratio, Fairfield's faculty get to know their students as individuals and encourage them to develop and follow their passion through internships, volunteer and research opportunities, and a course of study that deepens and expands their knowledge. Full integration of all learning opportunities helps students discern how they want to put their gifts and education to work in the world.

As a result of this holistic model of education and focus on career-oriented activities and internships, Fairfield University graduates have been highly successful in gaining admission to selective graduate schools, while others go on to achieving successful and satisfying careers. Within six months of graduation, over 98% of graduating students are either employed, attending graduate school or participating in volunteer service.