Acceptance Rate
65%
“Catholic university in affluent coastal Connecticut training future nurses, therapists, and business leaders amid suburban lakes and spirited sports.”
Fairfield, CT
Location
Large Suburb
Campus Setting
Sacred Heart University traces its roots to 1963, when the Diocese of Bridgeport established it as the region's first Catholic university on a former seminary site in Fairfield. Students who thrive here tend to be driven East Coasters seeking hands-on professional preparation alongside a sense of community and purpose, often drawn to faith-infused yet accessible values. The campus exudes a polished, supportive personality—modern buildings hugging two serene lakes, fostering close-knit bonds in a setting that feels both ambitious and approachable.
Fairfield offers a leafy, upscale suburb vibe with quick train rides to New York City, but you'll drive or bus for bigger-city energy. Tradeoffs include steep tuition around $46,000 annually and a high local cost of living that stretches budgets, plus chilly, damp New England winters that keep you indoors more than you'd like. Those craving urban bustle or endless nightlife might find the quieter suburban rhythm a slower start.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Sacred Heart shines in practical fields like nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, and the AACSB-accredited John F. Welch College of Business, where you'll tackle real-world projects from day one. Classrooms mix intimate discussions in upper-level courses with larger lectures for intros, and professors often stay after hours to guide career paths in health professions or media. Undergrads can dip into research through faculty-led labs in exercise science or join honors programs blending faith and ethics with majors.
The intellectual culture emphasizes application over pure theory, suiting students who want direct routes to jobs rather than abstract pursuits. Popular programs like occupational therapy fill quickly, so early declaration helps, and while student-faculty interactions feel personal, core classes in high-enrollment majors lean bigger.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
7,204 undergrad • 3,818 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
62%
Black / African American
4%
Hispanic / Latino
10%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
22%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Fairfield, CT
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life pulses with Pioneer pride, especially around Division I hockey and football games that pack the stands on crisp fall weekends, blending tailgates with school spirit. A typical week mixes classes, club meetings—think service trips or broadcasting your own radio show—and evenings unwinding in suite-style dorms or lakeside paths. Traditions like the annual Pioneer Pursuit adventure race keep things lively, while optional campus ministry events add layers for those seeking reflection.
Most undergrads live on campus, creating a residential feel despite the 7,000-plus enrollment, but Greek life stays modest amid abundant intramurals and fitness centers. The social scene skews preppy and friendly, with house parties and beach days nearby, though the suburban spot means coordinating rides for off-campus fun. Winters limit outdoor hangs, nudging you toward cozy study sessions or gym routines.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
No
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$35,846
$30K – $48K
$38,263
$48K – $75K
$41,854
$75K – $110K
$44,916
$110K+
$45,646
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
83%
4 Years Graduation Rate
67%
6 Years Graduation Rate
73%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$75,059
83% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Sacred Heart University and return in the fall. 67% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 73% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
67%
4-6 years
6%
Non-grad
27%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$46,310
Acceptance
65%
Undergrads
7,204
4-Year Grad Rate
67%
Endowment
$61M
Fairfield, CT 06825-1000