Meet Fairfield’s Class of 2030

The countdown is over. The time has arrived! September 4 marks the official welcome to Fairfield University’s Class of 2030.

Hailing from 31 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 15 countries, the 1,465 newest members of Stag Country are filling bright red moving carts with clothes, bed linens, and keepsakes from home as they settle into their residence halls. For some, the day brings pure excitement; for others, a hint of anxiety. Either way, Fairfield faculty, staff, and volunteers are ready to make the first-year students’ first day on campus one to remember.

Welcome to Stag Country!

Selected from a record-high number of applicants, the Class of 2030 is Fairfield’s most academically accomplished incoming class to date, with an admit rate of just 21 percent. The record interest comes as Fairfield continues to earn national recognition for student outcomes, including recent LinkedIn rankings of No. 27 among Top Colleges for Career Success and No.9 nationally for job placement.

As Fairfield’s national profile continues to rise, so does the geographic reach of the incoming students, with an increased concentration coming from outside the tri-state region. A record number of Early Decision (ED) applicants further underscores Fairfield’s position as a first-choice institution.

"The Class of 2030 reflects Fairfield’s remarkable momentum,” said Corry Unis, vice president for enrollment management. “What really excites me is who these students are, beyond the numbers. They are talented, engaged, and drawn to the values of Jesuit education. We are incredibly proud that they chose Fairfield, and I cannot wait to see what they accomplish as Stags.”

 Beyond academic achievements, the newest Stags also bring leadership, social responsibility, and a passion for sports to campus. Nearly 10 percent of the incoming class will compete in D1 athletics, embracing the Jesuit value of cura personalis, or care for the whole person.

The faces of Fairfield change with every new class but the traditions, values, and sense of belonging endure from one generation to the next. This year, 15 percent of the Class of 2030 has a legacy connection—that is, a parent, grandparent, or sibling who graduated from or is currently enrolled at Fairfield. This strong legacy representation speaks to the lasting value of a Fairfield education and the generations of families who continue to place their trust in the University.

Orientation: Where the Journey Began

The Fairfield journey for the Class of 2030 began this summer with 94.4 percent of the incoming class attending an in-person Orientation session on campus. During each of the four session days, Fairfield’s deans offered welcome remarks and introduced students to the Magis Core Curriculum. Class members participated in academic sessions, advisor meetings, and course registration, and took care of practical matters like having their Stag Card photos taken and downloading the Stag Card app.

Orientation was also an opportunity to kickstart friendships that will shape the college experience. Social programming offered a chance to connect with peers and hear directly from New Student Leaders (NSLs)—upperclassmen who answered questions and offered an inside look at life on campus.

While students were getting familiar with their home for the next four years, their families took part in programming designed to help them best support the transition to college. Sessions explored the Jesuit mission, student belonging, and talks by NSLs about their own journeys at Fairfield.

With Move-In Day and Fall Welcome Week now underway, first-year students are busy settling into campus life, meeting classmates, and discovering the academic and extracurricular experiences that will shape their next four years at Fairfield.

Welcome, Class of 2030!

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