Fairfield University

09/24/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Fairfield University Builds on Enrollment Success with Strong Rankings in U.S. News and World Report 2025 Best Colleges List

Fairfield University Builds on Enrollment Success with Strong Rankings in U.S. News and World Report 2025 Best Colleges List

Boasting a 33% admit rate this year, Fairfield is ranked 7th nationally among all national Doctoral/Professional Universities (DPU), as classified by the Carnegie classification system.

Fairfield University also maintained a solid position at No.65 (T) among nationally ranked private universities, and No. 45 (T) for Undergraduate Teaching - National Universities. Fairfield's consistent placement underscores its strength as one of the premier private universities in the country, having placed in the top 75 among national private universities since its move to the national category 3 years ago.

Media Contact: Susan Cipollaro, [email protected], 203-254-4000 x2726

Fairfield University continues to solidify its position as a leading academic institution, earning notable rankings in the 2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report's Best College Rankings.

On the heels of tremendous enrollment success, Fairfield recently welcomed first-year students of the Class of 2028, who were among a record-breaking pool of 18,505 applicants, and the most academically competitive class to be admitted in the University's history- boasting an average weighted GPA of 3.96. Fairfield's academic selectivity has driven our acceptance rate down to an unprecedented 33 percent, a significant decrease from the previous year.

"These rankings reflect the tremendous progress we've made this year, underscoring Fairfield's dedication to academic excellence and innovation. Our continued rise among national universities is a direct result of our expanding programs, increased student success, and strategic investments in faculty and resources," said President Mark R. Nemec, PhD. "We are poised for even greater acceleration in the coming years, as we remain focused on delivering a transformative educational experience that prepares our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

U.S. News & World Report's rankings assess nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities based on up to 17 academic quality measures, with a focus on social mobility and post-graduation outcomes.

Among 442 institutions in the National Universities category, Fairfield University is ranked No. 132 overall, and earned recognition in several specialty categories, reflecting the University's dedication to academic excellence and student success. Out of 161 national Doctoral/Professional Universities (DPU), as classified by the Carnegie classification system, Fairfield is No. 7.

Key Rankings for Fairfield University

  • National Universities: No. 132
  • Undergraduate Teaching - National Universities: No. 45 (T)
  • Best Undergraduate Business: No.127(T)
  • Best Undergraduate Engineering - Non-Doctorate: No. 78 (T)
  • Best Undergraduate Nursing: No. 96 (T)
  • Best Undergraduate Psychology: No. 201 (T)

Fairfield's performance places it among the top universities in Connecticut, after only Yale University and the University of Connecticut. Fairfield remained in the top 45 out of 97 nationally ranked universities in the Northeast.

Fairfield University's Dolan School of Business continues to shine in specialized areas, with standout rankings in key business disciplines

  • Accounting: No. 18 (T)
  • Finance: No. 16 (T)
  • Marketing: No. 16 (T)
  • Management: No. 38 (T)
  • Business Analytics: No. 13 (T)

Fairfield's strong showing in these programs highlights the University's commitment to delivering a top-tier business education that equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their respective industries.

Additional Specialty Rankings

  • Best Value Schools - National Universities: No. 131
  • Best Colleges for Veterans - National Universities: No. 89 (T)

For more on Fairfield University's rankings, visit fairfield.edu/rankings.

Posted On:September 24, 2024

Volume: 56 Number: 39

Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world's oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 46 states, 73 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled in the University's five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.