From its founding, Fairfield University has been committed to providing educational opportunities to motivated students of diverse social and economic backgrounds. While students and families have the primary responsibility for college expenses, Fairfield University sees this as a shared endeavor and will assist students with as much financial aid as possible.
Investing in a college education is often a major financial decision and many students and families might need to look beyond their own resources for assistance. Affording a Fairfield education is possible, if viewed in the broadest perspective and with the proper financial planning. Without question, the lifelong benefits of a Fairfield education will far exceed the expenses involved.
2018-2019 Full-Time Undergraduate Resident
(Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, Nursing)
Tuition: $47,650
Room & Board: $14,710
Books & Supplies: $1,150
Transportation: $800
Personal Expenses: $930
Fees: $700
Total: $65,940
*The cost of attendance (COA) varies by academic year. The COA is the total amount it may cost for a full-time resident student to attend Fairfield University during a specified period of enrollment. This information is very useful for financial planning purposes and for securing loans, if necessary. The COA includes two types of related educational expenses, direct and indirect. Direct costs are the costs for which a student will be billed by the Office of the Bursar. These costs include, but are not limited to, tuition, room/board and fees. Indirect costs will not be billed, but may be incurred as expenses while attending Fairfield University. These costs can include books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.
The following chart provides a comprehensive picture of the aid programs available, with information on eligibility and application requirements. Some programs are administered by Fairfield University, lending institutions, and state and federal government agencies. It is important to pay close attention to application deadlines and instructions for all programs, regardless of the administering agencies.
This list of aid programs is not exhaustive. Many other grant and loan programs exist all over the country, and eligibility often depends on a student's state of residence and high school attended. We recommend that students consult with high school counselors to discuss what special awards may be available. Remember, any financial aid received will reduce the annual costs and/or future loan repayment obligations. It may be worth doing some extra paperwork to apply for additional aid programs!
Fairfield University offers need-based aid as well as merit scholarships.
| Fairfield University Aid Programs | |||||||
| Program | Eligibility Requirements |
Source of Funds |
Annual Awards |
Application Instructions by Student Status |
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| Fairfield University Need-Based Grants - names may vary by program |
Full-time undergraduate students with financial need |
Fairfield University | Varies | Early Action/Decision Applicants Submit CSS Profile by December 1 Submit FAFSA by December 1 |
First Year Regular Decision/Early Decision II Submit CSS Profile & FAFSA by January 15 |
Transfer Applicants Submit CSS Profile & FAFSA by June 1 |
Returning Students Submit CSS Profile & FAFSA by April 15 |
| Financial aid awards cannot be processed until both the CSS Profile and FAFSA have been received (including the Noncustodial PROFILE, when applicable). To confirm eligibility, students may be selected for the verification process. If selected, students will be notified by the Office of Financial and should submit all required documents no later than August 1. | |||||||
| Athletic Grant- in-Aid | Awarded by the Athletics department |
Fairfield University | Varies | Contact the Athletics Department at (203) 254-4216 | |||
| Federal, State and Other Aid Programs | ||||
| Program | Eligibility Requirements |
Source of Funds |
Annual Award Ranges | Application Instructions |
| Federal Pell Grant | Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA | Federal | Maximum award for academic year 2018-19: $6,095 | Learn more |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant |
Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA | Federal | Up to $4,000; awards vary | Learn more |
| Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant | The IASG is available to eligible students whose parents or guardians died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 and who are not eligible for the Pell Grant. | Federal | For any 2018-2019 Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant first disbursed on or after 10/1/2019, and before 10/1/2019, the maximum award of $6,095 is reduced by 6.2 percent ($377.89) resulting in a maximum award of $5,717.11 | Learn more |
| Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship | The Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship is available to Pell-eligible students whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer. The student is eligible to receive a maximum Pell Grant for the award year for which the determination of eligibility is made. To qualify for this scholarship, a student must be Pell-eligible and have a Pell-eligible EFC (up to 5486 for the 2018-2019 award year), and be less than 24 years of age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent’s or guardian’s death. | Federal | The bill gives children of fallen officers who qualify for Pell Grants the maximum Pell Grant amount authorized by federal law, which is currently $6,095 per year. | Contact Fairfield University's Office of Financial Aid |
| Federal TEACH Grant | Students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA. 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. Additional information and eligibility requirements. |
Federal | Up to $4,000 | Learn more |
| Federal Work-Study |
Full-time undergraduate students with exceptional financial need as determined by the FAFSA; awards determined by the University. | Federal | Maximum up to $2,000 | Learn more |
| Federal Nursing Student Loan | Students in the School of Nursing with financial need; awards are determined by the university. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information. |
Federal | Limited funding; awards vary |
Learn more |
| Direct Loan |
Subsidized - Students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA |
Federal | View loan limits |
After you submit the FAFSA, complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling |
| Direct PLUS Loan | Loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students Additional information and eligibility requirements |
Federal | Cost of Attendance minus - financial aid assistance | After you submit the FAFSA, complete a credit check and Master Promissory Note |
| Alternative Student Loan | Credit-based programs available to qualifying applicants | Private Lenders | Cost of Attendance minus - financial aid assistance | |
| State Grant | Varies per state | State | Varies | Contact your resident state's Board or Commissioner of Education for information. |
| Tuition Payment Plan | For Full-Time Undergraduate students, the University offers the option to pay for the semester on a monthly basis via a payment plan administered by Tuition Management Systems (TMS). This semester-based plan allows you to spread the semester balance due over a 5 month period. | See enrollment instructions Contact the Office of the Bursar |
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