Daily Voice Leaders: Fr. Charles Allen, Fairfield University

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- As education costs continue to rise, students and parents are faced with difficult financial decisions. While an education at most four-year colleges and universities can carry a price tag nearly a quarter million dollars, Fr. Charles Allen, S.J., says it's important for college bound families to make the aid discussion a two-sided conversation.

Daily Voice sits down with Fr. Charles Allen, Fairfield University Chaplain and Special Assistant to the President, to discuss higher education.

Photo Credit: John Haffey

John Haffey

03/08/2016 10:00 a.m.

As Special Assistant to President Jeffrey Paul von Arx, S.J. at Fairfield University, Fr. Allen has been involved in recruiting and admission for the nearly 5,000 student Catholic university in coastal Connecticut. Drawing students from 34 states and 20 counties, Fairfield has been the southernmost Jesuit university in New England since its founding in 1942.

Fairfield University draws heavily from the Tri-State and Massachusetts corridor, and Fr. Allen has helped families from all walks of life make Fairfield their four-year home. With nearly 80 percent of students receiving some sort of aid through the school, Allen stresses that families be reasonable with themselves and know what is affordable. "Are you willing to sit down and negotiate with the school and say 'this is what you'd like me to pay and this is what I can pay'", said Fr. Allen.

To hear Fr. Allen discuss life at Fairfield University, the school's plan for growth and several of its programs, watch the full interview above.

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