by our College Data Analytics TeamWondering what the G.I. Bill® actually covers at Fairfield U? The answer depends on the school — benefits are capped and the details vary, so it pays to do your research.
The table below compares the guaranteed Post-9/11 tuition benefit to the cost of attending Fairfield U. Housing and book benefits are covered separately below.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Veteran tuition & fees | $56,360 |
| Guaranteed Post-9/11 tuition benefit | $20,235 |
| Tuition out of pocket | $36,125 |
Because the Post-9/11 tuition benefit is capped near $20,235 per year, tuition above the cap is the veterans responsibility at Fairfield U.
Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Fairfield University and the VA share the cost of tuition above the Post-9/11 cap. Roughly 12 students used Yellow Ribbon benefits here in the latest reporting year.
The exact number of seats and the maximum contribution vary by degree level and program, so confirm the current limits with the schools veteran services office.
DoD Tuition Assistance pays up to $250 per credit hour for active-duty students; here is how the per-credit charge at Fairfield U compares.
| Residency | Per-credit charge | Below $250 cap? |
|---|---|---|
| In-state | $100 |  |
| Out-of-state | $100 | |
Beyond tuition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® pays a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) while you are enrolled. The table compares the housing benefit to estimated living expenses at Fairfield U.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estimated living expenses (room & board, academic year) | $17,500 |
| Post-9/11 monthly housing allowance (MHA) | $3,171/mo |
| Housing benefit (academic year, ~8 months) | $25,368 |
| Estimated surplus in your pocket | $7,868 |
The benefit generally more than covers off-campus living costs here. Your actual MHA depends on your rate of pursuit and the school’s location.
Eligible veterans receive up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies; Fairfield U estimates these costs at about $1,175, leaving about $175 out of pocket.
Beyond the coverage math above, this is how much veteran education-benefit money actually flows to Fairfield U.
In the latest reporting year, about 40 students drew Post-9/11 GI Bill® tuition benefits totaling $635,918.
| Benefit | Recipients | Total disbursed | Average / recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| GI Bill® (all students) | 10 | $56,205 | $5,621 |
| GI Bill® — undergraduate | 9 | $55,765 | — |
| GI Bill® — graduate | 1 | $440 | — |
GI Bill® benefits follow the veteran; DoD Tuition Assistance is an active-duty benefit paid while serving.
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at benefits.va.gov/gibill.