FAIRFIELD — Fairfield University had a direct economic impact of $1.24 billion as it created and supported 9,000 jobs in the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Of the economic impact, $743.6 million was in direct spending and $500.9 million was in induced spending, according to the university’s annual Community & Economic Report, which was just released. The report states Fairfield University is the largest private employer in Fairfield.
The report also shows the campus welcomed 100,000 campus visitors for arts, athletics, student evens and tours. It also shows there are now 974 alumni-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut.
“This new annual report captures the many ways Fairfield University engages with purpose — broadening pathways to opportunity, strengthening our economy, and preparing students to lead meaningful, purposeful lives,” said President Mark R. Nemec, PhD.
Fairfield University’s impact is felt through community-engaged learning, volunteering with local non-profits, mentoring youth and supporting local small businesses.
Here are some of the highlights detailed in the report:
- Fairfield hosted six career fairs connecting nearly 1,700 students with 292 companies.
- Marion Peckham Egan nursing students logged 546 clinical hours and 112 lab hours, partnering with 100+ regional hospitals and clinics.
- Students, faculty and staff logged more than 45,000 community service and engagement hours.
- The Main Campus hosted 208 free events open to the community.
- Fairfield partners with 95 local non-profits and organizations.
- The Fairfield University Art Museum and Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts attracted more than 33,000 local residents and school groups.
- There were a total of 56,335 visitors for college athletics.
- Eighty percent of the Fairfield Bellarmine’s first graduating class graduated. The new school based in Bridgeport’s East End is made up of 96% of students of color representing 11 communities, 68% of which are from Bridgeport.
More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools.
