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Fairfield University campus

Fairfield University

https://www.fairfield.edu ↗

Jesuit Mentorship Powers Your Path to Graduate School

Fairfield University scores 82/100, making it a GOOD FIT with strong recommendation despite one significant concern. The university excels i...

82.00
out of 100
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ☆
GOOD FIT

AI Recommendation

Fairfield University scores 82/100, making it a GOOD FIT with strong recommendation despite one significant concern. The university excels in nearly every academic criterion: AACSB-accredited business school with excellent marketing program, Direct Entry DPT program perfect for pre-physical therapy, strong psychology program, and 85%+ pre-law acceptance rate cover all five academic interests. The 12:1 ratio and average class size of 22 students provide the teacher support and smaller classes requested. Outstanding applied learning with 95% of business students completing internships and strong NYC connections (1 hour away) ensure career preparation. The 94% career placement rate validates this strength. Campus culture is excellent - definitively NOT a commuter school with 80% living on campus all four years and vibrant weekend activities. The active social scene thrives without Greek life through 100+ clubs, townhouse culture, and unique beach access. Walk-on dance team opportunities with competition at nationals meet special requirements. However, the climate is a significant concern: only 205 sunny days, cold snowy winters, and limited outdoor activity 6+ months contradict the 'loves sunshine' preference. The suburban location near NYC is strong but not truly urban. Despite the weather concern, the exceptional academic fit across all interests, guaranteed small classes with faculty support, non-commuter active social environment, and dance team opportunities make this a strong candidate worth serious consideration.

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Performance vs. Average College

Academic
37.0 +7.0
Avg: 30.0 93% of max
Culture
24.0 +2.0
Avg: 22.0 80% of max
Environment
12.0 -3.0
Avg: 15.0 60% of max
Special
9.0 +1.0
Avg: 8.0 90% of max
This College
Average

Score Breakdown

Academic Profile
37.0 /40 (93%)
Exceptional match across multiple interests. Dolan School of Business is AACSB-accredited (top 5% worldwide) with strong marketing program and NYC internship connections. Direct Entry 6-year DPT program is perfect for pre-physical therapy interest with guaranteed doctoral admission. Strong psychology program with research opportunities. Pre-law advising track shows 85%+ law school acceptance rate. Covers all 5 academic interests with high-quality programs.
Program Strength
9.0 /10
Exceptional match across multiple interests. Dolan School of Business is AACSB-accredited (top 5% worldwide) with strong marketing program and NYC internship connections. Direct Entry 6-year DPT program is perfect for pre-physical therapy interest with guaranteed doctoral admission. Strong psychology program with research opportunities. Pre-law advising track shows 85%+ law school acceptance rate. Covers all 5 academic interests with high-quality programs.
Student Faculty
9.0 /10
12:1 student-faculty ratio is excellent and meets need for teacher support. Average class size of 22 students with 44% of classes under 20 students ensures personalized attention. Jesuit tradition emphasizes faculty office hours and mentorship. This directly addresses the student's requirement for smaller classes and teacher support.
Applied Learning
10.0 /10
Outstanding applied learning opportunities. 95% of business students complete internships, averaging 2-3 before graduation. Dolan School uses case studies and project-based learning. Strong NYC connections (1 hour away) provide extensive internship pipeline. Psychology and Exercise Science students intern at local hospitals. Jesuit education emphasizes experiential learning across all programs.
Career Prep
9.0 /10
Excellent career outcomes with 94% placement rate within 6 months (96% for business students). Dedicated Career Planning Center offers comprehensive services including resume review, mock interviews, career fairs, and on-campus recruiting. Strong alumni network of 50,000+ especially in NYC metro area. Business graduates average $60,000-65,000 starting salary. Dedicated business career advisors in Dolan School.
Campus Culture
24.0 /30 (80%)
Moderate to strong school spirit with Division I athletics (MAAC conference). 'Stag Nation' student section and basketball games draw good crowds. 91% retention rate indicates strong community. However, no football program limits traditional school spirit compared to larger universities. Beach culture and close-knit community compensate somewhat, but not the most spirited campus.
School Spirit
7.0 /10
Moderate to strong school spirit with Division I athletics (MAAC conference). 'Stag Nation' student section and basketball games draw good crowds. 91% retention rate indicates strong community. However, no football program limits traditional school spirit compared to larger universities. Beach culture and close-knit community compensate somewhat, but not the most spirited campus.
Social Scene
9.0 /10
Very active social scene that perfectly matches requirements. NOT a commuter school with 80% living on campus all 4 years. Campus remains vibrant on weekends with 100+ clubs, townhouse parties, beach trips, and NYC excursions. No Greek life but social scene thrives through campus events and student organizations. Known for social and outgoing student body. Beach access is unique social draw.
Greek Life
8.0 /10
No Greek life present, which can be positive or neutral depending on student preference. Social scene is active without Greek dominance, centered on campus events, townhouses, and student organizations. This creates inclusive environment without Greek exclusivity, though some students prefer having Greek option available. Score reflects strong social scene without Greek presence rather than ideal balance.
Location & Environment
12.0 /20 (60%)
Strong location fit with suburban campus offering safety plus urban access. 1 hour to NYC via Metro-North train provides city opportunities for internships and entertainment. Private beach on Long Island Sound is unique nature feature. 200-acre campus with nature trails. Near affluent Fairfield town with restaurants and shops. However, it's suburban rather than truly urban, requiring transportation to reach city. Combines most desired elements but not perfectly urban.
Location
8.0 /10
Strong location fit with suburban campus offering safety plus urban access. 1 hour to NYC via Metro-North train provides city opportunities for internships and entertainment. Private beach on Long Island Sound is unique nature feature. 200-acre campus with nature trails. Near affluent Fairfield town with restaurants and shops. However, it's suburban rather than truly urban, requiring transportation to reach city. Combines most desired elements but not perfectly urban.
Climate
4.0 /10
MAJOR CONCERN for student who 'loves sunshine.' Connecticut has only 205 sunny days per year (below national average of 205). Cold winters with 25-30 inches of snow. Beach only usable 3-4 months annually. Four distinct seasons mean outdoor activities limited 6+ months. This directly conflicts with sunshine preference. While nature access exists (beach, trails), weather significantly limits enjoyment compared to sunnier climates.
Special Requirements
9.0 /10 (90%)
Excellent dance team opportunity. Fairfield University Dance Team performs at basketball games and competes at UDA College Nationals. Tryouts held each spring with walk-ons explicitly welcome. Club sport level (not NCAA) makes walk-on more accessible. Additional competitive dance club and other dance organizations provide multiple options. Contact information readily available through Campus Recreation.
Dance Team
9.0 /10
Excellent dance team opportunity. Fairfield University Dance Team performs at basketball games and competes at UDA College Nationals. Tryouts held each spring with walk-ons explicitly welcome. Club sport level (not NCAA) makes walk-on more accessible. Additional competitive dance club and other dance organizations provide multiple options. Contact information readily available through Campus Recreation.

Top Strengths 6

  • 1 Perfect academic match across all 5 interests: AACSB business/marketing, Direct Entry DPT program, strong psychology, pre-law advising with 85%+ acceptance rate
  • 2 Excellent teacher support: 12:1 ratio, average class size 22, Jesuit emphasis on mentorship and office hours
  • 3 Outstanding internship opportunities: 95% of business students complete internships, strong NYC pipeline 1 hour away
  • 4 Definitively NOT a commuter school: 80% live on campus all 4 years with vibrant weekend social scene
  • 5 Walk-on dance team available with competition at UDA College Nationals plus additional dance clubs
  • 6 Unique beach access on campus provides nature element and social draw

Things to Consider 6

  • 1 CLIMATE MISMATCH: Only 205 sunny days, cold winters with 25-30 inches snow directly conflicts with 'loves sunshine' preference - this is the primary concern
  • 2 Beach and outdoor activities only viable 3-4 months per year due to Connecticut weather
  • 3 Suburban location requires train/car to reach NYC - not truly urban despite proximity
  • 4 Limited economic diversity (13% Pell Grant) means predominantly wealthy student body
  • 5 High cost of attendance ($70,000+ total) though strong merit scholarships available ($15,000-$30,000)
  • 6 School spirit is moderate rather than exceptional - no football program

Detailed Research

Internships

95% of business students complete internships. Strong connections to NYC (1 hour away) and Fairfield County companies. Dolan School has dedicated internship coordinator. Students average 2-3 internships before graduation

Avg Class Size

Average class size is 22 students. 44% of classes have fewer than 20 students

Teaching Style

Jesuit education emphasizes discussion-based learning, experiential education, and applied learning. Strong focus on internships and real-world application. Dolan School uses case studies and project-based learning

Academic Support

Academic Resource Center, Writing Center, peer tutoring, disability services, first-year advising program, faculty office hours emphasized in Jesuit tradition

Career Placement

94% career outcomes rate (employed or in graduate school within 6 months). Business school reports 96% placement rate

Program Rankings

  • No dedicated pre-law major but offers pre-law advising track through Politics department. 85%+ law school acceptance rate for advised students
  • Dolan School of Business is AACSB-accredited (top 5% worldwide). Marketing program is well-regarded regionally. Ranked #9 Regional Universities North by U.S. News 2024
  • Marketing major within Dolan School of Business with strong NYC internship connections
  • Strong undergraduate psychology program with research opportunities, part of College of Arts & Sciences
  • Offers Exercise Science major and 6-year Direct Entry DPT program with guaranteed admission to Doctor of Physical Therapy program

Student Faculty Ratio

12:1

Greek Life

NO Greek life (fraternities/sororities). Social scene centers around campus events, townhouses (senior housing), beach, and student organizations

Social Scene

Very active social scene despite no Greek life. 100+ student clubs. Townhouse parties for upperclassmen. Beach proximity is major social draw. Close-knit community feel. Known as social and outgoing student body

School Spirit

Moderate to strong school spirit. Division I athletics (MAAC conference). Basketball games draw good crowds. 'Stag Nation' student section. Beach culture influences social scene. Strong sense of community but not football-focused

Retention Rate

91% freshman retention rate

Graduation Rate

81% six-year graduation rate

Weekend Activity

Active residential campus - NOT a commuter school. 80% of students live on campus all 4 years. Weekend activities include campus events, beach trips, NYC excursions. Campus remains vibrant on weekends

Political Climate

Moderate to slightly liberal. Jesuit values emphasize social justice and community service. Mix of perspectives but generally inclusive atmosphere. Strong service/volunteer culture

Setting

Suburban campus in Fairfield, CT. 200-acre campus with beach access. 1 hour from NYC, near Long Island Sound. Combines suburban safety with urban access

Sunny Days

Approximately 205 sunny days per year. Connecticut has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy (average 25-30 inches snow). Summers are warm. Fall is beautiful. Spring can be rainy

Nature Access

Campus has private beach on Long Island Sound (major attraction). Nearby parks and trails. Connecticut coastline access. Nature trails on campus. 45 minutes to hiking in Connecticut hills. Beach volleyball and outdoor activities popular

Transportation

Metro-North train station nearby (Fairfield Metro station) with direct service to NYC Grand Central (1 hour). Campus shuttle services. Car helpful but not essential. Zip car available on campus

Nearest Airport

Westchester County Airport (30 minutes), Bradley International Airport Hartford (1 hour), JFK and LaGuardia (1.5 hours), Newark (1.5 hours)

Surrounding Area

Fairfield is affluent suburban town. Downtown Fairfield has restaurants and shops. Nearby towns: Westport (upscale), Bridgeport (urban), New Haven (30 min). Beach town vibe in summer. Safe area with New England charm

Dance Team

Fairfield has a Dance Team called 'Fairfield University Dance Team' that performs at basketball games and competitions. Competes at UDA College Nationals. Tryouts held each spring - walk-ons welcome. Team is club sport level, not NCAA. Also has competitive dance club and other dance organizations

Recreation

RecPlex fitness center with pool, courts, cardio and weight equipment. Intramural sports very popular (flag football, basketball, soccer, volleyball). Club sports available. Beach volleyball on campus beach. Group fitness classes. Outdoor recreation includes beach access and trails

Food Quality

Multiple dining halls and options. Barone Campus Center is main dining. The Stag, Jazzman's Cafe, and food trucks. Meal plans required for underclassmen. Generally rated average to above-average. Variety includes made-to-order stations, allergen-friendly options

Campus Beauty

Beautiful 200-acre campus with New England collegiate architecture. Red brick buildings, white columns, tree-lined paths. Campus is well-maintained. Beach access is unique feature. Bellarmine Hall is iconic. Rolling lawns and modern facilities blend with traditional architecture

Housing Quality

Guaranteed housing all 4 years. Freshmen in traditional dorms (Regis, Jogues, Loyola). Sophomores in suite-style. Juniors in apartments. Seniors in townhouses (very popular - beach access, most desirable). Housing quality improves each year. Recent renovations to several buildings

Dance Team Contact

Contact through Campus Recreation or Student Activities. Email: recreation@fairfield.edu or check Stag Nation Athletics page. Instagram: @fairfielddanceteam

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Data Quality & Confidence

Confidence Level
MEDIUM 72/100
Last Updated
Oct 25, 2025
1 week ago
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