At $45,459/yr net price, Sacred Heart University graduates earn $75,059/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,059/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $45,459 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $181,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,059/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,059/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 74.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $37,374/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $38,526/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $43,128/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $47,177/yr |
| $110,001+ | $47,318/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,829 | $32,406 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $74,929 | $27,000 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $74,652 | $61,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,949 | $31,434 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $71,202 | $42,460 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $69,338 | $31,170 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $66,989 | $20,563 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,653 | $20,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Certificate | $62,012 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $26,191 |
The Risk Factor
74.5% of students at Sacred Heart University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 26% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Sacred Heart University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in healthcare programs but concerning debt loads in some fields. The $75,059 median earnings after 10 years provide a reasonable return on the $45,459 annual net price, though you'll need to choose your major carefully.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning over $90,000 annually and manageable debt around $32,000. Business administration also performs well at nearly $74,000 in earnings with similar debt levels. However, rehabilitation and therapeutic professions present a warning signal with debt reaching $61,500 in some tracks while earnings hover around $71,000 to $74,000.
The 74.5% graduation rate creates financial risk if you don't finish your degree. With only 15% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to full price, making this school financially challenging for middle-class families who don't qualify for need-based assistance but struggle with the high costs.
Sacred Heart works best financially if you're pursuing nursing or business and can afford the steep price tag without excessive borrowing. The Connecticut job market supports these programs well, particularly with proximity to healthcare systems and corporate employers in the region.
Skip this school if you're considering lower-earning majors, need substantial financial aid, or would graduate with debt exceeding $40,000. The high net price demands strong post-graduation earnings to justify the investment, which only select programs deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sacred Heart University worth the high tuition cost?
Sacred Heart University's $45,459 annual net price is steep for graduates earning $75,059 after 10 years. The nursing programs justify the cost with $92,829 median earnings, but other majors struggle to deliver strong returns on investment.
What programs at Sacred Heart University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs at Sacred Heart University lead earnings at $92,829, followed by rehabilitation and therapeutic professions at $74,652. Business graduates earn $73,949, while other programs typically fall below the overall graduate average.
How much student debt do Sacred Heart University graduates typically have?
Sacred Heart University graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the high net price. However, this debt load becomes problematic for graduates in lower-earning programs outside of nursing and healthcare.
Does Sacred Heart University provide good financial aid to students?
Sacred Heart University's $45,459 net price suggests limited financial aid effectiveness given the school's high sticker price. The relatively low $25,000 median debt indicates some aid, but the overall cost remains a barrier for many students.