Sacred Heart University
SHU
Fairfield, Connecticut 06825-1000
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Strong graduate outcomes — known for health sciences
Sacred Heart University is a private institution in Fairfield with particular strength in health sciences and business.
A mid-sized campus of 6.9K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
75% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $75,059 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $45,459.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •History Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 by Walter W.
- •Former American ambassador and Diplomat Thomas Patrick Melady served as president of the university from 1976 to 1986.
- •In 1990, Sacred Heart built the first dorms, and began accepting residential students.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Admissions
Application Platforms
Early Decision (Binding)
November 15
Decision by December 15
Aid deadline: November 15
Early Decision II (Binding)
February 1
Decision by February 15
Early Action
November 15
Decision by December 15
Regular Decision
February 1
Decision by March 15
Reply by May 1
Sacred Heart University is test-optional for most applicants.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Decision Notifications
Transfer Admission
Fall Transfer
July 15
Spring Transfer
December 1
International Students
English Proficiency Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Need-blind for domestic students.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
43.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
4.0%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,860
Academics
Sacred Heart has a Catholic liberal arts core curriculum.
View all 23 majors›
Programs (107)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
After Graduation
Top Employers
Top Graduate Schools
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
85%
Campus Life
Division I athletics with strong programs in ice hockey, football, and lacrosse.
Housing & Residential Life
Housing Styles
Dining
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
49
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from CT state average + suburban adjustment
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Getting Around
Walkability
Suburban campus; shuttle service connects main campus to satellite locations.
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
Long Island Sound
Beaches and waterfront recreation nearby.
Downtown Fairfield
Historic town center with shops and restaurants.
Bridgeport
Nearby city with dining and entertainment.
New York City
60 minutes by car or train for cultural attractions and internships.
Days out near Fairfield
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Bridgeport, from real bookable tour times.
- Stevens Institute of Technology · William Paterson University of New JerseyPublic and private77 days
- Mount Saint Mary College · State University of New York at New PaltzUnder $25k a year16 days