Fairfield University

Fairfield University, in Southern Connecticut, is a Jesuit school that stands out for its comparatively high graduation rate. The school admits students of all faiths, but the curriculum does require some religious studies for all of the roughly 4,000 undergrads. Those theological offerings are more varied than some might expect: While the school has a center for Catholic studies, it has one for Jewish studies, too. Of the school's 44 majors, the most popular courses of study include accounting, business, marketing, and nursing. The university also places an emphasis on community service and social justice. Its Center for Faith and Public Life, for example, helps students prepare for professional humanitarian work, often with international volunteer trips. Tuition at Fairfield is high, but about 85% of students receive some form of financial aid. Many students play for one of the school's 20 varsity teams, which are part of the fabric of the surrounding Fairfield, a town of about 60,000 people. Relax at one of the town's five beaches along the Long Island Sound, or visit one of the many restaurants and coffee shops in the downtown area. If students want the bright lights of a more urban setting, New York City is an hour and a half drive away.