The Office of Financial Aid -
Our
Mission, Vision & Role in Your Education
An
Overview of Aid Programs
Our Mission
The Office of Financial Aid is committed to providing the highest quality financial aid services to all eligible students accepted to the University. We strive to guide and assist students in fulfilling their aspirations through the effective and efficient delivery of aid. We serve our students in a timely, equitable, accurate and courteous manner. We observe the highest standards by adhering to all federal, state, and University regulations.
Our Vision
We seek to consistently exceed the expectations of students and families.
Our Role, in accordance with the mission of Fairfield University, "The education of the whole person - mind, body, and spirit" is to:
- Be an advocate for the student; formulate policies and procedures that are sensitive to student needs and to ensure student success,
- Provide equitable and fair service to all those requesting financial services,
- Ensure that financial aid is administered with the highest level of fiduciary responsibility,
- Ensure that financial aid services are complementary to the mission and goals of Fairfield University, and
- To be engaged with other University offices and with others in the community in meeting the goals of both the students and the University.
Overview of Aid Programs
The following chart provides a comprehensive picture of the aid programs available, with information on eligibility and application requirements. Some of these programs are administered by Fairfield University, lending institutions, and other state and federal government agencies. It is important to pay strict attention to deadlines and application instructions for all programs, regardless of the administering agencies.
Please also review our undergraduate financial aid brochure for more information on financing your education at Fairfield University.
NOTE: This list of aid programs is not exhaustive. Many other grant and loan programs exist all over the country, and your eligibility for them often depends on where you live and what high school you attend. Consult your high school guidance counselor to discover what special awards may be available to you and how you may apply for them. Remember, any financial aid you receive will reduce your annual costs and/or your loan repayment obligations. It may be worth doing some extra paperwork to apply for additional aid programs!
Fairfield University Need-Based Aid Programs |
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Program |
Eligibility |
Source |
Annual |
Application Instructions |
Fairfield Tuition |
Full-time undergraduate students with financial need |
Fairfield University |
Varies |
Early Action & Early Decision Applicants ONLY Submit CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Form no later than January 1 Submit FAFSA no later than February 15 First Year Applicants Submit FAFSA no later than February 15 First Year Students Fairfield cannot offer students a financial aid award until both the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and FAFSA are submitted. If you are a student selected for the federal verification process, you will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid of additional requirements. Once you are notified, please submit all requested verification documents by Transfer Students Submit CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE and FAFSA no later than May 1 Returning Students Submit the FAFSA no later than March 1 |
Athletic |
Awarded by the Athletic Department |
Fairfield University |
Varies |
Contact Athletic Department at (203) 254-4216 |
Federal, State and Other Aid Programs |
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Program |
Eligibility |
Source |
Annual Award Ranges |
Application Instructions |
Federal Pell Grant (PELL) |
Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA |
Maximum award for 2011-12 & 2012-13: $5,550 |
See instructions for need-based aid (above) |
|
Federal |
Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA |
Up to $4,000; average award $1000 |
See instructions for need-based aid (above) |
|
Federal TEACH Grant (TEACH) |
Junior and Senior full-time day undergraduate education minors and GSEAP candidates willing to serve four years (of eight) as a highly qualified teacher in certain designated high-need fields, at a Title I school. If federal teaching requirements are not fulfilled by grant recipient, the TEACH grant becomes an unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loan. For additional information, visit Federal TEACH Grant. |
Up to $4,000 |
See instructions for need-based aid (above) |
|
Federal Work-Study (FWS) |
Full-time undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA; awards determined by the University. Details |
$500-$1,500 |
See instructions for need-based aid (above) |
|
Federal
Perkins |
Full-time undergraduate students with exceptional financial need; preference given to first year students and/or eligibility and availability of funds considered in a financial aid appeal (if app.) |
Up to $4,000; average award $1,000 |
See instructions for need-based aid (above) |
|
Federal Nursing Student Loan (NSL) |
Students in the School of Nursing with financial need; awards determined by the University. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information on eligibility. |
Limited funding; awards vary |
See instructions for need-based aid (above) |
|
Federal Direct |
Subsidized - Students with demonstrated financial need, enrolled in at least half-time (six credits) status. Unsubsidized - Students with no financial need (as determined by the FAFSA), enrolled in at least half-time (six credits) status. |
View online |
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Federal Direct |
Loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students |
Cost of Attendance minus financial aid assistance |
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Alternative Student Loan Programs |
Variety of private, credit-based loan programs are available to those who qualify. |
Private Lenders |
Variable |
|
State Grants |
Varies per state |
Variable |
Write directly to your state Board or Commissioner of Education for information. |
|
Tuition Pay |
A Sallie Mae administered, monthly payment plan for Fairfield University parents and students. |
Sallie Mae |
Variable |
1. View online |