Fairfield University’s incoming class of first-year students is the most academically accomplished in the Jesuit institution’s recent history, and the new Stags were selected from a record number of just over 15,450 applicants, up from the previous record-breaking number of applications received last year.

The average weighted high school GPA of Class of 2027 applicants was 3.85, up from last year’s average GPA of 3.74. There were also significant gains in diversity and geographic diversity. Members of the Class of 2027 represent 29 states, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as 13 countries.

The incoming class of 2027 features exemplary students who are focused on academic success and leadership within their communities. “Students and families continue to recognize that Fairfield University is an exceptional place for scholars and leaders to call home,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Corry Unis. “We embrace the talents of the Class of 2027 as we welcome them to our community.”

Fairfield University has a measured and strategic focus on expanding the University’s national and global reach. This year’s class is the largest in the University’s history, with an acceptance rate that has dropped to 44.9 percent. 

Admissions officers were most proud of aspects of the Class of 2027 that go beyond analytics. “We all know that our class is academically amazing, but deeper than that there is a buzz about the character of the students who have chosen Fairfield University,” Unis said. “Our team spends a lot of time cultivating relationships with school counselors, students, and parents to showcase the transformative power of a Fairfield education. The students in the Class of 2027, similar to those who preceded them, really take our mission and what we are called to do seriously.”

Many were inspired to apply because of the 81-year-old school’s Jesuit values and mission to serve as “men and women for others.” Members of the University community are committed to respecting and valuing one another, finding the common good, and working collaboratively.

There are almost 100 students coming from Jesuit and Cristo Rey high schools. In fact, Fairfield has tripled its enrollment of students from Jesuit and Cristo Rey schools over the last five years.

Also significant to note this year is that the University has its second cohort of Company Scholars, an elite group of 20, first-year students from Cristo Rey Network and Jesuit high schools who are academically excellent and engaged in community service. These are scholars from as far away as Micronesia, and as close to home as Fairfield and Fordham Prep.

Fairfield University established the Company Scholars program honoring the principles of the Jesuits and their longstanding mission to provide underserved communities with pathways to higher learning. The unique program provides four-year, full-tuition scholarships to Fairfield to students attending Jesuit and Cristo Rey high schools. Selected students are connected to a supportive network, including faculty mentors and career advisors, research initiatives, and many opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

The hope is to continue to grow the program, which has a reach goal of 25 students for next year. 

Unis is excited about continuing to find exceptional students. “We will continue to work hard to find amazing students in the Class of 2028,” he said. “We are expecting additional gains in our application pool moving forward.”