About Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University has built its reputation as a Catholic research institution focused on business education and competitive Division I sports. The university enrolls 6,904 students on its suburban Connecticut campus, drawing most from out-of-state despite being in expensive Fairfield County. Notable graduates include WWE executive Linda McMahon and former MLB manager Bobby Valentine, reflecting the school's emphasis on leadership and business success.
Students face a hefty price tag, with total costs reaching $68,110 annually. The average net price after aid is $45,459, though only 15.17% of students receive need-based federal aid. Graduates typically earn $75,059 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments around $265. The 96% employment rate suggests strong career placement despite the high upfront investment.
The student body skews heavily female at 64.18% and predominantly white at 76.46%. Sacred Heart fields 29 varsity sports teams with over 1,000 student-athletes competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio and 84.84% freshman retention rate indicate solid academic support, though the 74.5% six-year graduation rate lags behind peer institutions.
Students face a hefty price tag, with total costs reaching $68,110 annually. The average net price after aid is $45,459, though only 15.17% of students receive need-based federal aid. Graduates typically earn $75,059 ten years after graduation, making the median debt load of $25,000 manageable with monthly payments around $265. The 96% employment rate suggests strong career placement despite the high upfront investment.
The student body skews heavily female at 64.18% and predominantly white at 76.46%. Sacred Heart fields 29 varsity sports teams with over 1,000 student-athletes competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio and 84.84% freshman retention rate indicate solid academic support, though the 74.5% six-year graduation rate lags behind peer institutions.
Academics & Faculty
Sacred Heart University built its academic reputation around business programs that connect students directly to corporate opportunities in nearby New York City. The Catholic research university operates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that enables professors to provide personalized attention across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Students graduate at a 74% rate within six years, reflecting the supportive academic environment. The business school draws recruiters from major corporations who value the university's emphasis on practical skills and ethical leadership rooted in Catholic values. Pre-professional programs in nursing and education also attract students seeking career-focused education. The university's relatively young history since 1963 means modern facilities and modern curriculum design shape the academic experience.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 73.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.5%
- Retention Rate
- 84.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,059
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,829 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $74,929 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $74,652 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $71,202 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $69,338 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $66,989 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,653 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Certificate | $62,012 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
Campus Life
Sacred Heart's 56-acre campus sits in suburban Fairfield, about an hour from New York City by train. You'll need winter coats here - Connecticut winters mean snow and temperatures regularly dropping into the 20s. The campus houses 3,619 students in residence halls, meaning about half the 6,904 enrolled students live on campus.
Women make up 64.18% of the student body, creating a campus culture that feels distinctly different from male-dominated schools. The Catholic identity shapes daily life through campus ministry programs and service opportunities, though students from all backgrounds attend. Division I athletics draw major crowds, especially when the Pioneers compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. With 1,052 varsity athletes across 29 sports, you'll see team gear everywhere on campus.
Weekends often mean trips into Bridgeport or catching the train to New York City. The proximity to Manhattan gives students internship opportunities that show in career outcomes - graduates earn a median of $75,059 ten years after graduation. The 84.84% retention rate suggests most students find their footing here quickly.
Women make up 64.18% of the student body, creating a campus culture that feels distinctly different from male-dominated schools. The Catholic identity shapes daily life through campus ministry programs and service opportunities, though students from all backgrounds attend. Division I athletics draw major crowds, especially when the Pioneers compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. With 1,052 varsity athletes across 29 sports, you'll see team gear everywhere on campus.
Weekends often mean trips into Bridgeport or catching the train to New York City. The proximity to Manhattan gives students internship opportunities that show in career outcomes - graduates earn a median of $75,059 ten years after graduation. The 84.84% retention rate suggests most students find their footing here quickly.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,619 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
69 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 16 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 9 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–38°F
- July Avg
- 67°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.6"
Student Demographics
Sacred Heart draws students primarily from outside Connecticut, with nearly 80% coming from other states seeking the university's strong business programs and Division I athletic culture. Women make up about two-thirds of the 6,904 students, reflecting the school's emphasis on health sciences, education, and social work alongside its well-regarded business school. The student body is predominantly white at 76%, though Hispanic enrollment reaches 13%. Only 15% receive Pell Grants, indicating Sacred Heart attracts middle and upper-middle class families willing to invest in the Catholic university's career-focused education and campus life.
- Men
- 35.8%
- Women
- 64.2%
- White
- 76.5%
- Black
- 3.5%
- Hispanic
- 13.0%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 21.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.2%
Location
Sacred Heart University sits in Fairfield, Connecticut, just 60 miles northeast of New York City. The campus occupies 350 acres in this affluent Fairfield County suburb, where median home values exceed $500,000. Students can reach Manhattan by train in about an hour, making weekend trips to the city common. The school draws only 21.94% of its students from Connecticut, with many attracted by the proximity to both New York's internship opportunities and New England's coastal charm. Fairfield's location near Long Island Sound provides access to beaches and sailing, while the surrounding area offers typical suburban amenities rather than a traditional college town atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare Sacred Heart University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Fairfield, Connecticut 06825-1000
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $75,059
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $73,671
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Sacred Heart University?
Sacred Heart University accepts 65.71% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Catholic institution. The school attracts students primarily from the Northeast, with only 21.94% coming from Connecticut despite its Fairfield location.
How much does Sacred Heart University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $45,459 annually, though this varies by family income. Students typically graduate with a median debt of $25,000, which is relatively manageable given the school's strong employment outcomes.
What is Sacred Heart University known for academically?
Sacred Heart maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly recognized for its business programs. The Catholic research university has built a solid reputation in the competitive Connecticut higher education market since its founding in 1963.
What are the job prospects for Sacred Heart University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 96.0% employment rate and earn a median salary of $75,059 ten years after graduation. The school's 74.50% six-year graduation rate reflects its commitment to student success in both academics and career preparation.
Where do students live at Sacred Heart University?
The campus houses 3,619 students in its residence halls, serving about half of the 6,904 total enrollment. The suburban Connecticut setting provides a traditional college experience while remaining accessible to major metropolitan areas.
Does Sacred Heart University have strong athletics programs?
Sacred Heart competes in NCAA Division I with 29 varsity sports and 1,052 total athletes. The Pioneers invest heavily in athletics with $14.3 million in athletic scholarships, competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
