Discover Fairfield University
Fairfield, Connecticut
Fairfield University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, CRNA, CNM, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN, ACME, and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
- Doctoral/Professional University
- 4 year or higher institution
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4,706 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
*Includes certificate and degree-seeking students - 1,262 Graduate Students Enrolled
- 52% Acceptance Rate
- 81% Graduation Rate
- 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, Connecticut 6824, US
- 1-203-254-4000
- Visit School
Student Demographics
- 19 Average Age
- 42% Men
- 58% Women
- 1% Veterans
- 87% White
- 7% Hispanic
- 5% Black
- 4% Asian
College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.
Nursing Programs
- $84,600 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
- $63,729 In-State Graduate Tuition*
*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.
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ProgramFormatTuitionScore
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On-Campus Program$56,400 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Hybrid Online On-Campus Programs$37,810 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
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Hybrid Online On-Campus Programs$82,855 In-State Tuition4.3 Program Score
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Hybrid Online On-Campus Programs$50,745 In-State Tuition4.1 Program Score
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Hybrid Online On-Campus Programs$88,530 In-State Tuition4.4 Program Score
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Hybrid Online On-Campus Programs$58,705 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
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On-Campus Program$112,800 In-State Tuition4.2 Program Score
*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology
Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a private, non-profit, Jesuit, Catholic University.
Undergraduate
BS in Nursing (Traditional)
After successful completion of courses and graduation, students are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Second Degree BSN
The Second Degree BSN program is an accelerated program for students that hold a bachelor's degree in another field. After completing the prerequisite nursing courses, students matriculate and complete degree requirements. Students are able to complete the degree program in approximately 15 months. After successful completion of courses and graduation, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Admission (not all inclusive)
- Completed all prerequisite and non-nursing courses prior to admission
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and a B or better in prerequisite courses
- Completed science courses with grades of A or B in the last 3-5 years
- Professional resume
- Personal purpose statement
- Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree
- Two recommendation forms and letters
- Interview
- Measles and Rubella Immunization (born after 12/31/56)
RN to BSN
This program is for RNs who hold a current valid/unencumbered nursing license. RN students may earn advanced placement for a maximum of 30 credits. Other admission requirements match the Traditional BSN program.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing Leadership
The MS in Nursing Leadership is the optimal degree for nurses that do not want an advanced degree as a nurse practitioner but as a way to take on leadership roles.
Informatics
The MS in Nursing Leadership has an option to specialize in nursing Informatics, an advanced education nurse generalist degree that improves coordination of the delivery of nursing care within the healthcare setting.
Nurse Practitioner
Fairfield University's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track is designed to prepare nurses to become nurse practitioners, specializing in families, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention, including diagnosis and management of acute and chronic diseases.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan
The Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and provision of primary mental health care for people across a lifespan.
Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)
Applicants for the MS in Nursing Leadership, MSN Family Nurse Practitioner, and MS Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner tracks must hold a BSN from a regionally accredited college or university (or the international equivalent). A 3.0 average or higher is preferred. RN applicants who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree will be considered on an individual basis.
- Professional resume
- Admission essay
- Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended
- Two recommendation forms and letters
- Current RN License to practice in the state of Connecticut
Certificate of Leadership
The Certificate of Leadership program is a 10-credit program. This certificate helps prepare nurses for a variety of leadership roles. All credits can be used toward an MS Leadership, which is an advanced level degree for leaders who do not want an advanced degree as a nurse practitioner. Classes include combination of onsite, online and distance accessible options. Classes run from September until June.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BSN-DNP
BSN nurses are eligible for this transitional degree on a 3-year, full-time basis; 4 years if part-time.
Family Nurse Practitioner
This program helps students learn to manage healthcare needs of diverse populations across the lifespan of people.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Across the Lifespan
The BSN-DNP program for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Across the Lifespan teaches the student to assess, diagnose, and provide primary mental health care.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia
The 36-month program offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through Fairfield University and a Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia through Bridgeport Hospital. Upon graduation, the student will be eligible to take the National Certifying Examination (NCE) to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In partnership with the Bridgeport Hospital Nurse Anesthesia program, Fairfield University's BSN-DNP program for Nurse Anesthesia prepares students as expert clinicians by focusing on every stage and setting where anesthesia can be performed. There are multiple areas of hands-on experiences such as a variety of regional (neuraxial and peripheral block) and general anesthesia techniques.
The first time board pass rates in 2017 were 92% with a 100% second time pass rate. The attrition rate for the most recent graduating class is 7%, 1 out of 14.
Clinical Affiliations
The approved clinical sites are within a 40-mile radius of Bridgeport, CT. The majority of the clinical opportunities are provided at Bridgeport Hospital, which is the parent institution for the nurse anesthesia program. There are offsite locations that provide enrichment rotations. Most students rotate to each of the sites at least once during their clinical rotations.
Nurse Anesthesia Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)
- GREs are no longer required
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Two recommendations
- BSN from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 with a science GPA of 3.0
- Two semesters of biology, at least one semester of Chemistry, one semester of Microbiology, and one semester of college math
- Physics strongly recommended
- Current RN license to practice in the United States at the time of application; Connecticut RN license will be required upon admission
- Minimum of 1-year experience as an RN in a critical care setting (ER does not fulfill this criteria); critical care experience must be within 5 years of the application date
- Current BCLS, ACLS, & PALS certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross only)
Nurse Midwifery
The program attendance is full-time, partially front-loaded program and is designed to meet the competencies for the practice doctorate in midwifery set forth by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and to meet the ACNM Core Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice.
Post Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice
This Advanced Practice DNP is a practice-focused doctorate in an advanced specialty of nursing practice. The Advanced Practice MSN-DNP will give students the skills to excel in today's complex, challenging and ever-changing healthcare environment.
E-DNP
The E-DNP is a practice-focused doctorate for current nurse executives/administrators. This program focuses on leadership and specifically designed in a flexible, hybrid format for the working professional nurse.
Admission - DNP Excluding Nurse Anesthesia (not all inclusive)
- Professional resume
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts verifying completion of undergraduate BSN entry and MSN entry
- Two recommendation forms and letters
- Current RN License; license to practice in the state of Connecticut will be required upon admission
- Proof of immunization or titre for Measles and Rubella (born after 12/31/56)
Accreditation and Approval
Fairfield University is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing, Master's Degree in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) pre-accredited the Nurse Midwifery program.
The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accredited the Nurse Anesthesia Program.
The Connecticut Department of Higher Education and the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing approved the Nursing programs.
Rankings and Accolades
US News & World Report (2019)
- #1 in Regional Universities North
- #5 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
- #21 in Best Value Schools
- #64 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
- #47 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
NICHE (2019)
- Best Catholic Colleges in America #20
- Best Colleges for Nursing in America #58
- Best Value Colleges in America #113
- Top Private Universities in America #146
- Best Colleges in America #224
- Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #245
- Colleges with the Best Academics in America #272
- Best College Campuses in America #315
- Best College Locations in America #432
- Best College Dorms in America #452
- Colleges with the Best Professors in America #535
- Most Conservative Colleges in America #536
- Safest College Campuses in America #857
- Most Diverse Colleges in America #894
- Best Colleges for Nursing in Connecticut #1
- Best Value Colleges in Connecticut #3
- Best College Locations in Connecticut #3
- Best College Campuses in Connecticut #3
- Most Conservative Colleges in Connecticut #3
- Colleges with the Best Student Life in Connecticut #4
- Best College Dorms in Connecticut #4
- Top Private Universities in Connecticut #4 of 15
- Best Colleges in Connecticut #5
- Colleges with the Best Academics in Connecticut #7
- Colleges with the Best Professors in Connecticut #7
- Safest College Campuses in Connecticut #11
- Most Diverse Colleges in Connecticut #16
- Best Value Colleges in New York City Area #7
- Best Colleges in New York City Area #10
Forbes (2018)
- #145 Top Colleges
- #105 in Private Colleges
- #67 in the Northeast
The Washington Monthly ranked Fairfield in the top 50 master's degree granting universities for 2018.
Fairfield University was named among the best schools in the nation by The Princeton Review and Forbes.
Money Magazine ranked Fairfield University #160 "Best Colleges for Your Money" (2018).
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Program selected the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing as one of four schools to address the nursing shortage.
2018 NCLEX Pass Rates
- 93% BSN
- 91% ABSN
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