Is Fairfield University a Catholic college?

Yes. Fairfield University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Its sponsor is Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

What is Fairfield University’s Compass Score?

81 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Where is Mass celebrated at Fairfield University?

Mass is listed at Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

Catholic college

Fairfield University

LocationFairfield, CT
Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 6,289 students
SponsorSociety of Jesus (Jesuits)
TraditionJesuit

Official website

Fairfield University is a Jesuit and Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut, founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942. Campus Ministry, based in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola and directed by a Jesuit priest who is University Chaplain, lists Mass Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM and three Sunday Masses. The Magis Core requires one 1000-level religious studies course and one philosophy course (PHIL 1101) of all undergraduates, with a second course chosen from history, philosophy, or religious studies.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 4

Monday–Friday12:30 PMEgan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola · During the academic year.
Sunday11:00 AMEgan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola · During the academic year.
Sunday5:30 PMEgan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola · During the academic year.
Sunday7:30 PMEgan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola · During the academic year; music by the GraceNotes Chapel Choir.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Sources for these times (4)

Weekday Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/weekday-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
“Join us for Catholic Mass Monday - Friday at 12:30pm in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola.”
Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM in Egan Chapel.
Sunday 11:00AM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-1100am-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
“Sunday 11:00AM Mass”
Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 11:00 AM Mass in Egan Chapel.
Sunday 5:30 PM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-530-pm-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
“Sunday 5:30 PM Mass”
Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 5:30 PM Mass in Egan Chapel.
Sunday 7:30 PM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-730-pm-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
“Sunday 7:30 PM Mass”
Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 7:30 PM Mass in Egan Chapel.

Catholic churches nearby

CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›

Saint Thomas Aquinas R. C. Church — 1.2 mi
Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish — 1.2 mi
Saint Emery Church — 1.4 mi
Saint Anthonys Roman Catholic Church — 1.5 mi
Saint Pius X Church — 1.5 mi
Saint Ann Church — 1.6 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

Sacramental life

91 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Weekday Mass on campus during the academic yearEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Monday-Friday at 12:30 PM in Egan Chapel.)
Sources (1)
1. Weekday Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/weekday-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Join us for Catholic Mass Monday - Friday at 12:30pm in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola.”
  Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM in Egan Chapel.
Yes:
Sunday Mass on campus (including Saturday vigil)Two or more weekend Masses (Sunday 11:00 AM, 5:30 PM, and 7:30 PM in Egan Chapel.)
Sources (4)
1. Sunday 11:00AM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-1100am-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Sunday 11:00AM Mass”
  Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 11:00 AM Mass in Egan Chapel.
2. Sunday 5:30 PM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-530-pm-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Sunday 5:30 PM Mass”
  Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 5:30 PM Mass in Egan Chapel.
3. Sunday 7:30 PM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-730-pm-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Sunday 7:30 PM Mass”
  Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 7:30 PM Mass in Egan Chapel.
4. Mass and Liturgical Ministries | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/liturgy-worship · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “The choir leads music for the Sunday 7:30 p.m. Mass while building a community centered on prayer, friendship, and musical excellence.”
  The GraceNotes Chapel Choir leads music at the Sunday 7:30 PM Mass.
Not enough information:
Scheduled confession on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Eucharistic adorationNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Priests serving studentsAt least one full-time priest chaplain (or a resident community of priests serving campus ministry) (Rev. John Savard, S.J., is Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and lives in 42 Langguth Hall as Resident Jesuit.)
Sources (1)
1. Our Staff | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/our-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Rev. John Savard, S.J. '78 Director, Campus Ministry | University Chaplain | Resident Jesuit: 42 Langguth Hall”
  A Jesuit priest is Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and lives in 42 Langguth Hall.
Yes:
Chapel open for prayer on campusYes (Weekday Mass is celebrated in Egan Chapel; the Campus Ministry spaces on the chapel's lower level are open 6 a.m.-midnight daily.)
Sources (2)
1. Weekday Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/weekday-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Join us for Catholic Mass Monday - Friday at 12:30pm in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola.”
  Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM in Egan Chapel.
2. Our Staff | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/our-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “the spaces are open to students from 6 a.m. – midnight each day”
  The Campus Ministry spaces are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration6 to 11 times a week (8 weekly times documented: 8 Mass, 0 confession, 0 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Theology and core curriculum

57 of 100 points on what we could document.

Partly:
Theology or religious studies courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (Tier 1 requires one 1000-level RLST course. Tier 2 requires two courses from two different disciplines among history, philosophy, and religious studies; a second religious studies course is optional.)
Sources (1)
1. Core Curriculum | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Philosophy: PHIL 1101 (all sections) Religious Studies: RLST at the 1000 level”
  The Tier 1 core requires PHIL 1101 and one 1000-level religious studies course.
  “History, Philosophy, Religious Studies: Two (2) Courses, choose from two different disciplines (HIST at 2000 or 3000 level; PHIL, RLST at 2000 level).”
  Tier 2 requires two courses from two different disciplines among history, philosophy, and religious studies.
  “All undergraduate students, regardless of school or major, will complete the Magis Core Curriculum requirements.”
  The Magis Core applies to all undergraduates.
Not enough information:
Required theology includes explicitly Catholic content (Scripture, Catholic tradition, sacraments)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Philosophy courses required of all bachelor's studentsOne course (PHIL 1101 is required; a second philosophy course is one option in Tier 2.)
Sources (1)
1. Core Curriculum | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Philosophy: PHIL 1101 (all sections) Religious Studies: RLST at the 1000 level”
  The Tier 1 core requires PHIL 1101 and one 1000-level religious studies course.
  “History, Philosophy, Religious Studies: Two (2) Courses, choose from two different disciplines (HIST at 2000 or 3000 level; PHIL, RLST at 2000 level).”
  Tier 2 requires two courses from two different disciplines among history, philosophy, and religious studies.
Yes:
Core curriculum explicitly draws on the Catholic intellectual traditionYes, stated in the catalog or core description (The Jesuit & Catholic Identity page says the intellectual tradition of Catholic Christianity grounds the core curriculum; the core page itself describes the core as 'rooted in Jesuit ethos'.)
Sources (1)
1. Jesuit & Catholic Identity | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/about/jesuit-and-catholic-identity · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “The 2,000-year-old intellectual tradition of Catholic Christianity grounds our core curriculum, in its broad humanism and commitment to reasoned inquiry.”
  The university states that the Catholic intellectual tradition grounds the core curriculum.
Yes:
Theology or religious studies major offeredYes (Religious Studies major and minor; a Catholic Studies minor is also offered.)
Sources (1)
1. Religious Studies | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/religious-studies · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Students majoring in Religious Studies at Fairfield are devoted to studying religion as a human phenomenon.”
  A Religious Studies major is offered.
Not enough information:
Publicly affirms Ex Corde Ecclesiae in mission or governance documentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Campus culture and residence life

84 of 100 points on what we could document.

Partly:
Campus ministry staffing (chaplains, ministers, and professional staff)Two to four (4 Catholic ministry staff: Director/University Chaplain, Associate Director, Program Coordinator (immersions and justice), Director of Music and Liturgy. Muslim and Jewish chaplains and the operations assistant are not counted.)
Sources (1)
1. Our Staff | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/our-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Rev. John Savard, S.J. '78 Director, Campus Ministry | University Chaplain | Resident Jesuit: 42 Langguth Hall”
  A Jesuit priest is Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and lives in 42 Langguth Hall.
  “Katie Byrnes Associate Director, Campus Ministry kbyrnes@fairfield.edu”
  Katie Byrnes is Associate Director of Campus Ministry.
  “Kathleen Haimoff Program Coordinator, Campus Ministry and Assistant for Immersions & Justice”
  Kathleen Haimoff is Program Coordinator for Campus Ministry and immersions.
  “Daniel J. Horstmann Director of Music and Liturgy daniel.horstmann@fairfield.edu”
  Daniel J. Horstmann is Director of Music and Liturgy.
Yes:
Retreats offered to students each yearFour or more distinct retreats (Escape (first-year), Kairos, Senior Retreat, and Cura.)
Sources (1)
1. Retreats and Community Building | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/retreats-and-community-building · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Fairfield Escape is an overnight retreat for First-Year Students to meet peers, discuss college expectations, and have fun.”
  Escape is an overnight retreat for first-year students.
  “is a three-day retreat focused on examining our relationships with others, ourselves, and God”
  Kairos is a three-day retreat held at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, CT.
  “Senior Retreat allows current seniors to reflect on their past and future while engaging in conversations and having fun with classmates.”
  A Senior Retreat is offered in the spring semester.
  “Cura is a retreat for LGBTQ+ students focused on nourishing mental, physical, and spiritual health”
  Campus Ministry offers the Cura retreat.
Yes:
Catholic student organizations and faith-formation groupsThree or more (Weekly Bible study groups, OCIA, GraceNotes Chapel Choir, Student Liturgy Board and liturgical ministries. No Catholic student club appears in the official club list.)
Sources (3)
1. Retreats and Community Building | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/retreats-and-community-building · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Students are invited to join Campus Ministry staff for one of several weekly groups that meet to study the gospel for the upcoming Sunday and to share faith with fellow students.”
  Campus Ministry staff lead several weekly Bible study groups on the upcoming Sunday gospel.
2. Sacramental Life | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/sacramental-life · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Through prayer, formation, and community, University Students prepare to celebrate Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.”
  OCIA prepares students for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
3. Mass and Liturgical Ministries | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/liturgy-worship · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “The choir leads music for the Sunday 7:30 p.m. Mass while building a community centered on prayer, friendship, and musical excellence.”
  The GraceNotes Chapel Choir leads music at the Sunday 7:30 PM Mass.
  “The Student Liturgy Board is the student leadership team for the Liturgical Ministry Program.”
  Students serve on a Student Liturgy Board and as lectors, servers, sacristans, and musicians.
Partly:
Single-sex residence optionsSingle-sex floors or wings only (Halls are co-ed by wing, floor, or suite; individual townhouse and apartment units are single-sex.)
Sources (1)
1. Residence Halls | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/housing-and-living-experience/residence-halls · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “All residence halls are co-ed, either by wing, floor, or suite. Individual townhouse and apartment units are single-sex.”
  Residence halls are co-ed by wing, floor, or suite; townhouse and apartment units are single-sex.
Partly:
Overnight guest policy in residence hallsVisitation hours or guest limits apply (Guests must be registered 24 hours in advance, two guests at a time, stays of no more than two days; overnight guests need roommate approval.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Conduct Code | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/about/offices-and-departments/dean-of-students/student-handbook/student-conduct-code · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Students are permitted two registered guests at any time. All guests must be registered 24 hours in advance of their arrival.”
  Residents may have two registered guests at a time, registered 24 hours in advance.
  “Guests may not remain on campus for more than two (2) days.”
  Guest stays are limited to two days.
Yes:
Faith life in residence halls (hall chaplains, hall Masses, or faith-based living communities)Yes (The Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain is listed as Resident Jesuit in 42 Langguth Hall, home of the Sophomore Ignatian Residential College.)
Sources (2)
1. Our Staff | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/our-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Rev. John Savard, S.J. '78 Director, Campus Ministry | University Chaplain | Resident Jesuit: 42 Langguth Hall”
  A Jesuit priest is Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and lives in 42 Langguth Hall.
2. Sophomore Residential College | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/housing-and-living-experience/sophomore-residential-college · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “All three tracks are located in 42 Langguth.”
  The Sophomore Ignatian Residential College is housed in 42 Langguth, where the University Chaplain is Resident Jesuit.
Yes:
Office or senior officer for mission and Catholic identityYes (Vice President, Mission & Ministry (Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J.) on the senior leadership team.)
Sources (1)
1. Senior Leadership | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/about/leadership/senior-leadership · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Rev. Paul Rourke, S.J. Vice President, Mission & Ministry”
  A Vice President for Mission & Ministry serves on the senior leadership team.

Service and Catholic social teaching

79 of 100 points on what we could document.

Yes:
Service or volunteer centerYes (Campus Ministry community service programs and the Center for Social Impact.)
Sources (2)
1. Campus Ministry | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Campus Ministry offers a wide range of community service programs including after school programs, animal welfare, daycare, Fairfield Volunteer Corps, mentoring, and many more.”
  Campus Ministry runs community service programs, including Fairfield Volunteer Corps.
2. Center for Social Impact | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/academics/centers-and-institutes/center-for-social-impact · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Community-Engaged Learning programs link academic study and community service, so that each is strengthened and both are transformed.”
  The Center for Social Impact runs community-engaged learning and service programs.
Partly:
Service-learning or community engagement in the curriculumAvailable (courses or programs) (Community-Engaged Learning courses through the Center for Social Impact; not required of all students.)
Sources (1)
1. Community-Engaged Learning | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/academics/centers-and-institutes/center-for-social-impact/community-engaged-learning · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “In Community-Engaged Learning courses, students work alongside community partners on projects and activities that enhance their learning and contribute to positive social impact.”
  Community-Engaged Learning courses are offered.
Not enough information:
Catholic social teaching in the curriculum (course, minor, center, or core requirement)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Pro-life engagement (student pro-life group, support for pregnant and parenting students, or institutional initiatives)One (Pregnant and Parenting Students' Policy in the student handbook.)
Sources (1)
1. General Policies and Procedures | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/about/offices-and-departments/dean-of-students/student-handbook/general-policies-and-procedures · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Fairfield University hereby establishes a policy and associated procedures for ensuring protection and equal treatment of pregnant students, students with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents.”
  The handbook includes a Pregnant and Parenting Students' Policy.
Yes:
Justice and solidarity programs (immersion trips, poverty, migration, or care-for-creation initiatives)Two or more (St. Oscar Romero International Immersion (Belize), spring break domestic immersions (U.S.-Mexico border), Eco-Justice Immersion, Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice.)
Sources (1)
1. Immersion Trips | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/immersion-trips · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Inspired by the desire to express solidarity—a core principle of Catholic teaching and a Christian virtue focused on social justice, the pursuit of equality, and the value of human dignity—these immersion experiences allow students to connect with international communities in need.”
  Campus Ministry immersion trips are framed by the Catholic principle of solidarity.
  “While in-country, Fairfield students will assist with parish and school-based programs and partner with Jesuit ministries in two distinct regions of Belize”
  The St. Oscar Romero International Immersion Program includes a trip to Belize working with parishes and Jesuit ministries.
  “This program explores the impact of living near the U.S./Mexico border and the challenges faced by families, farmers, businesses, and the Chicano community.”
  A spring break immersion in San Diego focuses on the U.S.-Mexico border.
  “Join Campus Ministry for a weekend at the Benincasa farm in Guilford, CT learning about eco-sustainable living, organic farming, farm-worker justice”
  Campus Ministry offers a weekend Eco-Justice Immersion in Guilford, CT.
  “The Ignatian Family Teach In for Justice (IFTJ) is an annual gathering for members of the Ignatian family”
  Students attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Catholic mission (run with campus ministry or the mission office, or framed by Catholic social teaching)Yes (Service and immersion programs are run by Campus Ministry and framed by Catholic teaching on solidarity.)
Sources (2)
1. Immersion Trips | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/immersion-trips · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Inspired by the desire to express solidarity—a core principle of Catholic teaching and a Christian virtue focused on social justice, the pursuit of equality, and the value of human dignity—these immersion experiences allow students to connect with international communities in need.”
  Campus Ministry immersion trips are framed by the Catholic principle of solidarity.
2. Campus Ministry | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Campus Ministry offers a wide range of community service programs including after school programs, animal welfare, daycare, Fairfield Volunteer Corps, mentoring, and many more.”
  Campus Ministry runs community service programs, including Fairfield Volunteer Corps.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

Mass is celebrated every weekday and three times on Sunday in Egan Chapel.
Sources (4)
1. Weekday Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/weekday-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Join us for Catholic Mass Monday - Friday at 12:30pm in the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius of Loyola.”
  Mass is celebrated Monday through Friday at 12:30 PM in Egan Chapel.
2. Sunday 11:00AM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-1100am-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Sunday 11:00AM Mass”
  Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 11:00 AM Mass in Egan Chapel.
3. Sunday 5:30 PM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-530-pm-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Sunday 5:30 PM Mass”
  Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 5:30 PM Mass in Egan Chapel.
4. Sunday 7:30 PM Mass - Fairfield Universityevents.fairfield.edu/event/sunday-730-pm-mass · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Sunday 7:30 PM Mass”
  Campus Ministry's calendar lists a Sunday 7:30 PM Mass in Egan Chapel.
A Jesuit priest directs Campus Ministry as University Chaplain and lives in a sophomore residence hall.
Sources (2)
1. Our Staff | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/our-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Rev. John Savard, S.J. '78 Director, Campus Ministry | University Chaplain | Resident Jesuit: 42 Langguth Hall”
  A Jesuit priest is Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and lives in 42 Langguth Hall.
2. Sophomore Residential College | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/housing-and-living-experience/sophomore-residential-college · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “All three tracks are located in 42 Langguth.”
  The Sophomore Ignatian Residential College is housed in 42 Langguth, where the University Chaplain is Resident Jesuit.
Campus Ministry offers four retreats (Escape, Kairos, Senior Retreat, Cura) and weekly Bible study groups.
Sources (1)
1. Retreats and Community Building | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/retreats-and-community-building · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Fairfield Escape is an overnight retreat for First-Year Students to meet peers, discuss college expectations, and have fun.”
  Escape is an overnight retreat for first-year students.
  “is a three-day retreat focused on examining our relationships with others, ourselves, and God”
  Kairos is a three-day retreat held at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, CT.
  “Senior Retreat allows current seniors to reflect on their past and future while engaging in conversations and having fun with classmates.”
  A Senior Retreat is offered in the spring semester.
  “Cura is a retreat for LGBTQ+ students focused on nourishing mental, physical, and spiritual health”
  Campus Ministry offers the Cura retreat.
  “Students are invited to join Campus Ministry staff for one of several weekly groups that meet to study the gospel for the upcoming Sunday and to share faith with fellow students.”
  Campus Ministry staff lead several weekly Bible study groups on the upcoming Sunday gospel.
Campus Ministry runs international and domestic immersion trips framed by the Catholic principle of solidarity.
Sources (1)
1. Immersion Trips | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/immersion-trips · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Inspired by the desire to express solidarity—a core principle of Catholic teaching and a Christian virtue focused on social justice, the pursuit of equality, and the value of human dignity—these immersion experiences allow students to connect with international communities in need.”
  Campus Ministry immersion trips are framed by the Catholic principle of solidarity.
  “While in-country, Fairfield students will assist with parish and school-based programs and partner with Jesuit ministries in two distinct regions of Belize”
  The St. Oscar Romero International Immersion Program includes a trip to Belize working with parishes and Jesuit ministries.
  “This program explores the impact of living near the U.S./Mexico border and the challenges faced by families, farmers, businesses, and the Chicano community.”
  A spring break immersion in San Diego focuses on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Concerns

The core requires one religious studies course and one philosophy course; a second course in either is optional.
Sources (1)
1. Core Curriculum | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/academics/core-curriculum · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “Philosophy: PHIL 1101 (all sections) Religious Studies: RLST at the 1000 level”
  The Tier 1 core requires PHIL 1101 and one 1000-level religious studies course.
  “History, Philosophy, Religious Studies: Two (2) Courses, choose from two different disciplines (HIST at 2000 or 3000 level; PHIL, RLST at 2000 level).”
  Tier 2 requires two courses from two different disciplines among history, philosophy, and religious studies.
Residence halls are co-ed by wing, floor, or suite; only townhouse and apartment units are single-sex.
Sources (1)
1. Residence Halls | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/housing-and-living-experience/residence-halls · verified Oct. 7, 2026
  “All residence halls are co-ed, either by wing, floor, or suite. Individual townhouse and apartment units are single-sex.”
  Residence halls are co-ed by wing, floor, or suite; townhouse and apartment units are single-sex.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry Center, Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola

Address: 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Location: On campus
Facilities: chapel, lounge rooms, free coffee, tea, and snacks

View on map ↗

Source: fairfield.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026, fairfield.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026, fairfield.edu, verified Oct. 7, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

14 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 10 off campus

Other 1

Ignatian Family Teach-In for JusticeOff campus
Annual gathering of Jesuit institutions in Washington, D.C.
fairfield.edu

Retreats 4

Escape retreatOff campus
Overnight retreat for first-year students at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, CT.
fairfield.edu
Kairos retreatOff campus
Friday evening to Sunday afternoon
Three-day peer-led retreat at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, CT.
fairfield.edu
Senior RetreatOff campus
Spring semester
Retreat for seniors at the Incarnation Center in Ivoryton, CT.
fairfield.edu
Cura retreatOff campus
Campus Ministry retreat for LGBTQ+ students.
fairfield.edu

Service 5

IGNITE Service ImmersionOff campus
Before the fall semester
Three-day early-arrival service program for first-year students.
fairfield.edu
Community service programsOff campus
After-school programs, animal welfare, daycare, Fairfield Volunteer Corps, mentoring, and food-insecurity service.
fairfield.edu
St. Oscar Romero International Immersion (Belize)Off campus
International immersion working with parishes, schools, and Jesuit ministries in Belize City and Punta Gorda.
fairfield.edu
U.S.-Mexico Border Immersion (San Diego)Off campus
Spring break
Domestic immersion on immigration and border communities.
fairfield.edu
Eco-Justice ImmersionOff campus
Weekend at the Benincasa farm in Guilford, CT on sustainable living and farm-worker justice.
fairfield.edu

Faith formation 2

Bible StudyOn campus
Weekly
Several weekly groups led by Campus Ministry staff study the gospel for the upcoming Sunday and share faith.
fairfield.edu
OCIAOn campus
Fall and spring semesters
Preparation for Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist for students.
fairfield.edu

Liturgy and prayer 2

GraceNotes Chapel ChoirOn campus
Rehearsals Thursdays 4:30-5:45 PM; sings at Sunday 7:30 PM Mass
Student chapel choir and instrumental ensemble.
fairfield.edu
Liturgical Ministry Program and Student Liturgy BoardOn campus
Students serve as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, ministers of hospitality, sacristans, and musicians; the Student Liturgy Board leads the program.
fairfield.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Fairfield University Campus Ministry

Sources (1)

Our Staff | Fairfield Universityfairfield.edu/student-life/campus-ministry/our-staff · verified Oct. 7, 2026
“Rev. John Savard, S.J. '78 Director, Campus Ministry | University Chaplain | Resident Jesuit: 42 Langguth Hall”
A Jesuit priest is Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain and lives in 42 Langguth Hall.
“The Office of Campus Ministry is located on the lower level of the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola where we invite you to relax in one of our comfortable rooms and enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks.”
Campus Ministry is on the lower level of Egan Chapel, with lounge rooms and free coffee, tea, and snacks.
“The Office of Campus Ministry is located on the lower level of the Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola where we invite you to relax in one of our comfortable rooms and enjoy free coffee, tea, and snacks.”
Campus Ministry is on the lower level of Egan Chapel, with lounge rooms and free coffee, tea, and snacks.
“the spaces are open to students from 6 a.m. – midnight each day”
The Campus Ministry spaces are open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight.
“1073 North Benson Road Fairfield, CT 06824”
The university's address is 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Reach out

Contact details for Rev. John Savard, S.J. (Director, Campus Ministry; University Chaplain) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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My rating and notes

Academic Excellence

90 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score84%
First-year retention 20% of score91%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,335 · ACT 30.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score12 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$15,558

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	4,968
Total students	6,289
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$48,095
Cost of attendance (per year)	$76,074
Median federal debt at graduation	$26,000
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	84%
First-year retention	91%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$88,794
Admission rate	33%
Students receiving Pell grants	7%

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1335
SAT reading & writing	630–700
SAT math	630–690
ACT composite	29–32
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 56 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Diocese of Bridgeport

The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: bridgeportdiocese.org, bridgeportdiocese.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county using NCES Catholic school records. Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 129242
Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Roman Catholic
Report an error or a newer source

Questions families ask

Is Fairfield University a Catholic college?: Yes. Fairfield University is a Catholic college in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Its sponsor is Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
What is Fairfield University’s Compass Score?: 81 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Fairfield University?: Mass is listed at Egan Chapel of St. Ignatius Loyola. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.

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