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Sacred Heart University

Liaison Partner

Fairfield , CT

Sacred Heart University is a private Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded in 1963, the university has grown to become one of the leading institutions of higher education in the region. With approximately 9,000 students from diverse backgrounds, Sacred Heart University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its various schools and colleges.

The university is known for its strong commitment to academic excellence and personalized education. Sacred Heart University offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in areas such as business, healthcare, education, arts and sciences, engineering, and more. The faculty comprises highly qualified professors who are dedicated to providing students with a challenging and supportive learning environment.

In addition to its academic offerings, Sacred Heart University also places a strong emphasis on community engagement and service. The university encourages students to participate in volunteer activities and community service initiatives, fostering a sense of social responsibility and compassion. The vibrant campus life at Sacred Heart University further enhances the student experience, with numerous clubs, sports teams, and cultural events that provide opportunities for personal growth and extracurricular involvement. Overall, Sacred Heart University strives to create a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for successful careers and meaningful lives.

Sacred Heart University is a private university located in Fairfield, CT and set in a suburban environment. It has an acceptance rate of 67%. The freshman retention rate at Sacred Heart University is 85% and the six-year graduation rate is 75%.

For transfer students, the application deadline is July 15.

Discover more about what you can expect if you get into Sacred Heart University.

Quick Facts

6,960

Total Number of Undergraduate Students

$52,090

Tuition

16:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

75%

Graduation Rate

Admissions

You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the school in order to increase your chances of being accepted. Here are the most essential data you have to know about admission at Sacred Heart University.

According to the newest data, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 9,667 in 2024. Sacred Heart University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores for the applicants who choose to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.

Test Scores

Out of the number of those who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 14.1% and ACT scores 2.4%. 3.7% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600, 66.5% between 1,200 and 1,399, 29.7% between 1,000 and 1,199, and 1.3% of the students between 800 and 999. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 28.9, 62.2 between 24-29 and 8.9 in the range between 18-23.

The ACT composite average score for all the admitted students in 2024 was 27 and the average GPA was 3.65. Therefore, the chances are that you'll need a GPA higher than the average for acceptance, and the same goes for your ACT score.

The SAT Critical Reading average score was 612 for the enrolled first-year students, while the average SAT Math score was 605. If you are applying as a transfer student, the application deadline is July 15.

Average Test Scores

Retention Rate

The percentage of new students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. Why is that information important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.

As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Sacred Heart University was 85%, a reflection of the high standards and excellent educational experience at this school.

Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this school, the rate of students graduating within six years is 75%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.

Student Body

Figuring out which school is the right fit for you is not a task you should take lightly. Obtaining a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.

Main Student Body

In 2024, the institution enrolled 11,179 students.

The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 72.7% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the institution was 6,960, 75 of which were international students. 138 students enrolled as transfer students.

Student Population Gender Ratio

With a coeducational student body, the school had 3,444 male and 5,578 female full-time students in 2024. There were 1,116 full-time graduate male and 1,280 full-time graduate female students at this school.

Student Population Diversity

Higer Education is committed to focusing on the diversity of its student body and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. Diversity promotes critical thinking, challenges preconceived notions, and encourages intellectual growth, so it helps students develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.

This school had 117 Asian students and 239 Afro-American students in 2024. 898 students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 163 identified with more than one race. The school also had 2 students who declared as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 7 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 124 students whose ethnicity is unknown.

Cost

The financial aspect is one of the most important things to think about before applying to any college or university. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.

Tuition and Fees

Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Sacred Heart University estimated tuition fees.

As a full-time domestic student, you were required to pay tuition of $52,090 in 2024. Since this is a private institution, there is no difference in tuition for out-of-state or international students. Full-time students in 2024 needed to pay additional fees in the amount of $320.

Books and Supplies

When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to consider the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. Most students have to set aside about $1,300 for books and supplies during their time at Sacred Heart University.

Boarding

Before you apply to a college or university, you should, among other things, think about the price of a dorm room and cafeteria meals. What do colleges and universities typically charge for room and board?

The cost of room and board (on campus) per academic year at Sacred Heart University was $19,900 in 2024. The cost of a dorm room only at this school in 2024 added up to $13,200 for one academic year.

Tuition $ 52,090
Room and Board $ 19,900
Book and Supplies $ 1,300
Total Expense $ 73,290

Financial Aid

Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial help can be a great deal for many students. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based aid students could get at Sacred Heart University.

The most recent records show that 1,179 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students added up to $28,049.

Need-based

Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.

There were 3,688 students who received need-based financial aid of any kind. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need came to be 3,710. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution summed up to $9,557,776, and state $1,223,750. The students of Sacred Heart University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $68,183,551, and external in the amount of $5,059,858.

$17,993

Average Amount of Aid Received

Non-Need Based

Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. Most students get non-need-based financial aid as Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the TEACH Grant.

Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 723 students overall (including freshmen) at Sacred Heart University in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 281 full-time freshmen. The total amount of institutional scholarships and awards that were not based on financial need was $58,823,020. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. $4,293,221 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).

Open Applications

Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.

The Common Application for Transfer (Common App for transfer)

Fall 2026

Apply

Spring 2026

Apply

Majors

Faculty

16:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio is the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.

According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Sacred Heart University was 16:1: that means 16 students per one teacher. This school has recently reported to have 1,074 faculty members. Out of that number, there were 447 male and 627 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Sacred Heart University.

Student Population Diversity Graph

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Campus Life

Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some details about social life at Sacred Heart University.

Its campus is 311 acres in size.

Student Organizations

Involvement in student organizations can make your educational experience more dynamic and gratifying.

According to the most recent information, there are 198 open-membership organizations at Sacred Heart University. That includes sororities and fraternities. At this school, 18% of male students are members of social organizations, while that percentage is 40 for female students. The student organization that has the biggest membership is National Society Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), followed by Business Administration Club and American Sign Language Club. Other popular student organizations at this school are Exercise Science Club and Student Nurses Association.

Students who have a talent for music can join the Sacred Heart University band or chorus. If you're interested in acting, you have the option to join a drama club. You have a talent for media and communication? Sacred Heart University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.

Student Services

At Sacred Heart University, there are many amenities required for a pleasant and safe life on campus.

24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.

There is a medical clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs are available to the students of Sacred Heart University.

All in all, campus life at Sacred Heart University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.

Career Services

Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Sacred Heart University.

Career Counselling

At Sacred Heart University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.

Job Placement

Being aware of the projected salary upon finishing your studies can be important in determining if a specific school is in line with your career ambitions.

Students who find employment within six months of graduating can expect an average base annual starting salary of 59,266 USD.

$59,266

Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation

FAQ

Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, CT.

According to the latest information, you would need to pay about 52,090 USD per academic year for Sacred Heart University.

This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.

The most recent reported acceptance rate for Sacred Heart University is 67%.

According to the latest information, the freshman retention rate for Sacred Heart University is 85%.

Contact Information

Sacred Heart University

5151 Park Avenue

Fairfield , CT

06825

203 371-7999

School Website

Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.

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