Fairfield University ranks among top 75 private colleges, earns the top 25 spot for undergraduate teaching in U.S. News 2026 rankings

U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges rankings once again highlight Fairfield University among the nation’s top schools. Among nationally ranked private institutions, Fairfield placed in the Top 75, demonstrating its continued excellence and impact. The University also earned a spot in the Top 25 for Undergraduate Teaching – National Universities, solidifying its reputation for providing high-quality classroom experiences and faculty commitment. The University was ranked #139 (T) overall in the National University category.

Fairfield University’s Charles F. Dolan School of Business excelled in specialized areas once again this year, achieving notable rankings in the following undergraduate business programs:

Business Analytics: #14 (T)
Finance: #14
Marketing: #15
Accounting #17 (T)
Management: #17

Additional specialty rankings for Fairfield’s Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies include Best Undergraduate Nursing: #74 (T), up 22 spots from last year.

Fairfield University was also recently recognized by LinkedIn, which named Fairfield one of its Top Colleges for 2025, placing it among the top 30 institutions nationwide that best prepare graduates for sustained career growth—based on factors such as job placement, alumni networks, internships, and leadership advancement.

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The University has been selected as one of the nation’s top “Dream Schools” in Dream School: Finding the College That’s Right for You by New York Times bestselling author Jeffrey Selingo—recognized for its strong outcomes, accessible admissions, and engaging student experiences. The book highlights 75 colleges and universities that offer strong career prospects, hands-on learning, and a sense of belonging.

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings evaluated more than 1,700 U.S. colleges and universities using up to 17 key measures of academic quality for National Universities including Student Outcomes (graduation rates, retention, and post-graduation earnings), Peer Assessment (surveys of college presidents, provosts, and admissions deans), Faculty Resources (faculty salaries, studentfaculty ratio, share of fulltime faculty, and quality instruction), Financial Resources per student, and Faculty Research outputs (for doctoralgranting institutions) among others.

The Best Undergraduate Teaching rankings are based solely on a peer assessment survey in which college presidents, provosts, and admissions deans nominate up to 15 schools in their Best Colleges category for excellence in undergraduate instruction. To be included in the list, a school must receive at least seven nominations.

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Fairfield University ranks among top 75 private colleges, earns the top 25 spot for undergraduate teaching in U.S. News 2026 rankings