About Sacred Heart University

Founded in 1963, Sacred Heart University. is a Private college. Located in Connecticut, which is a city setting in Connecticut, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 5,428 full time undergraduate students, and 3,104 full time graduate students.

The Sacred Heart University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 280 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Sacred Heart University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate57%
Application Deadline1-Dec
Application Fee50
SAT Range
ACT Range

Admissions at SHU are considered Selective, with ,37% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 13 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

77% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 40% were in the top quarter, and 15% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Sacred Heart University.

8%
“We”re apathetic”
51%
“We know about current events and vote”
37%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
29%
“Sometimes, but not often”
46%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
17%
“All the time, including weekends”
2%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
25%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
74%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
49%
“We bought the gear”
37%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
31%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
41%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
23%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
7%
“Available in class”
49%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
10%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
30%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
51%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
10%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
21%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
50%
“We only party on weekends”
26%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
10%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
55%
“There might be people who do”
26%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
10%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    72 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    51 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    75 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    75 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    75 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 71 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    74 Students rated school activities 4.2 stars. 50 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    73 Students rated local services 4.2 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    74 Students rated academics 3.8 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

Sacred Heart University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Sacred Heart University?

43 Students rated Sacred Heart University

Suzan - 11/30/2024

Sacred Heart University offers a well-rounded college experience with numerous opportunities to thrive academically and socially. The campus is notably safe, providing students with a secure environment to live and learn. One of the standout features is the abundance of events and activities available, especially for freshmen looking to connect and build friendships. For those interested in Greek life, Sacred Heart has a vibrant culture to explore. However, if fraternities and sororities aren’t your thing, there’s no shortage of other ways to get involved. The university boasts a strong emphasis on sports, with numerous D1 and club sports teams catering to a variety of interests and skill levels. Clubs dedicated to specific majors and hobbies are also prevalent, ensuring that every student can find their niche. Dining at Sacred Heart is another highlight. The university offers a variety of dining halls, including popular spots like Thea’s, Linda’s, and 63’s, along with smaller options in other buildings. The food selection is diverse, catering to different tastes with buffet-style meals, pizza-making stations, sushi, acai bowls, omelets, and more. Overall, Sacred Heart University fosters a vibrant, inclusive community where students can pursue their interests, make connections, and feel supported in their journey. Whether through academics, sports, clubs, or dining experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Olympia - 03/16/2021

Not where I would invest my money again. Expect to be sassed over the phone by any office on campus. Grades don't come back for a month or more. There is no real feedback on your work. You are a cash cow to them- they don't care about your experience. Really underwhelming and not challenging work. They use SHU as a business example ALL THE TIME. Can we please see some real case studies? If you get a professor that does not teach, grade, post the material on time. Good luck. They don't care!

Angine - 01/26/2021

I am a current, part-time student at SHU. I had some difficult years and thankfully have a great team at SHU helping me out. It has taken me longer than the average student to complete my BS but that is okay because I wouldn't have been a better student had I not realized how I messed up in my earlier years. SHU has provided me with endless resources and have checked in to make sure I am good to go.

Gianna - 06/15/2020

Sacred Heart University has opened me up to a world of opportunities.

Sacred Heart University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Sacred Heart University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Sacred Heart University is 57%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    I would have to say to definitley take the time to visit all the colleges you're interested in. You'll most likely get that "homey feeling" on one or more of the campuses- take into account how far away it is from home, how much it costs, and if it will help you in the long run for your career/sports. If you know anyone in your area that goes/went to that school I would advise asking them ANY questions you have if you didn't already ask when you visited the school. Go into your freshmen year with an open mind, ready to make new friends. I know there are a lot of horror stories when it comes to gettin your first roommate- don't let that worry you- seriously, there's ways to fix a little problem like that. Don't take your courses lightly, but don't forget to have fun when you can. You shouldn't be stressed out everyday throughout each semester, these are some of the best years of your life that you can't get back once you're in the real world.

    Read all 53 answers
  3. Describe the students at your school.

    Most of my classmates are very well educated, and attended great high schools that provided them with a good background and experience for college. I have also met a lot of great people at this school, and hopefully will keep friendships with them for the rest of my life. I feel like there are a lot of different groups at this school, and it seems that the more wealthy students stay together whereas the middle class students are more diverse.

    Read all 33 answers
  4. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Everyone is from long island, mass, or new york

    Read all 29 answers
  5. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Sacred Heart is a great school if your looking for something on the smaller side. Eventually you begin to know people just by faces. I think it is the perfrect size. The classes have just the right amount of people. The school spends a lot of money on unneccessary things when we need more parking lots and dorms. There aren't a lot of options for juniors and seniors to live so a lot of people live off campus in houses. We have great athletic teams but not a lot of people go to games. Only when it is important and on tv. Everyone who comes to Sacred Heart begins to love it at some point, if not immediately.

    Read all 28 answers
  6. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    EVERYONE IS FROM LONG ISLAND!!!

    Read all 26 answers
  7. What are the academics like at your school?

    Like every school, some teachers are great and others are not so great. Everyone loves teaching here. My favorite classes are my business classes or anything that has to do with business. I am not a fan of my core classes...especially the religion and philosophy classes. Everyone is required to take 3 of those courses. Depending on the teacher class participation can vary. Some teachers lecture where as others ask a lot of questions and ask for participation. I'm in the business school and all the teachers there are great. Many, if not all, have tremendous experience in their field and can offer sooo much knowledge and wisdom. Many tell you they won't teach you anything they haven't personally experienced. After my business classes I feel as though I have learned so much and will be ready to go out into the real world after.

    Read all 26 answers
  8. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    There are a ton of clubs on campus. We have a club for almost anything. I am on the dance team which is ranked 4th in the nation. It is considered a club sport but we do more than just dance at the football and basketball games. The dorms are always a fun place. For the most part people leave their doors open and everyone intermingles. It just depends on the the people that live on your floor. If they aren't, then just go to another floor and walk around. The school brings some pretty cool people to come and speak. We've had Robin Roberts and Lisa Ling these past 2 years. They offer an interesting lecture series. We have frats and sororities but they aren't the popular thing to do. But they are here if interested. They aren't national frats or sororities so your friends from home will have never heard of them. On the weekend everyone typically goes to the same bar down the road. It is all SHU students. Once you get older people will take the train into New Haven and goes out to the bars and clubs there. There are a couple of 18+ clubs that you can go to. Or just the usual house party.

    Read all 24 answers
  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    What is unique about my school is the sense of community. Sacred Heart is like a big High school, people say. It's easy to adjust, and there are many oppurtunities to get involved, especially in the surrounding community. We also have a really great placement rate within our desired field of study upon graduation.

    Read all 18 answers
  10. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    They are very unorganized and tend to jerk there students around.

    Read all 14 answers
  11. What's unique about your campus?

    In my opinion, Sacred Heart University is perfect for me because it is relatively close to home, has Nursing as a major, and is surrounded by some of the best hosiptals to get experience from.

    Read all 11 answers
  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    Because I am in the nursing program, for the most part i brag about that. It is very well put together, lots of clinial work and help when needed, hands on labs and learning, etc. This is the main reason I am at this school.

    Read all 11 answers
  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Sacred Heart University is acclaimed best for it's outreach programs, as well as it's award winning sports teams. While there is a population which is comprised of hard working diligent students, many of the students come from wealthy families, where the students slack off in classes, don't take their education seriously and go shopping every day and party every night. A close friend of mine failed out of the university twice and his father had to pay his way back into the university.

    Read all 9 answers
  14. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A Catholic party school.

    Read all 9 answers
  15. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    There is no diversity and the campus is ugly.

    Read all 8 answers
  16. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Sacred Heart is a university designed for someone who desires to be a part of a school that has teachers who always have their students in mind and not only the paycheck the recieve.

    Read all 8 answers
  17. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    There are people here that are all different and it seems that everyone has found the social group that they know they should belong to.

    Read all 8 answers
  18. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The most frustrating thing on campus is the size. The school has so much going on you would expect it to be a lot bigger then campus truly is. But although the school is small, the people make the experience at Sacred Heart Univeristy bigger than life.

    Read all 6 answers
  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    there is none

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

64%

female

36%

male

5,428

Total Undergrad Enrollment

3,104

Total Grad Students

72%

Out-Of-State

27%

In-State

1%

International

Organizations

85

Student Organizations

3

Fraternities

6

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

36%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
4%
% Hispanic/Latino
10%
% White or Caucasian
73%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending Sacred Heart University receive some sort of financial aid. 16% were awarded federal grants. While 67% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$38,300

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,200

Books and Supplies

$14,450

Room and Board

53,950

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$32,703
$30 - $48K
$35,366
$48 - $75K
$38,552
$75 - $110K
$39,345
$110K & UP
$40,274

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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