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Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT·Private nonprofit·6,904 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students considering a private nonprofit institution in Connecticut. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $61,800 within 10 years.

68%
Accept
6,904
Students
$45,459
Net Price
75%
Grad Rate
$61,800
Earnings
10 yr
$19,860
Debt

About This School

Sacred Heart University is a private nonprofit institution located in Fairfield, Connecticut with approximately 6,904 undergraduate students enrolled. Sacred Heart University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 68%. The average net price after financial aid is $45,459 per year. The graduation rate is 75%, and the typical graduate earns $61,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States. It was founded in 1963 by Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Sacred Heart was the first Catholic university in the United States to be staffed by the laity.

Founded as the first lay-staffed Catholic university in the U.S., this Fairfield, CT school offers a solid return on investment — median earnings of $61,800 ten years out, with a relatively manageable median debt of $19,860 at graduation. The 85% freshman retention rate signals that students are generally happy once they arrive, though the 75% graduation rate means roughly 1 in 4 students don't finish, which is worth asking about during a visit. Worth considering if you're drawn to a mid-sized Catholic university with a strong Connecticut location and can negotiate the $45,459 average net price down further through aid.

Founded
1963
Setting
Large suburb

Popular Programs

Health Professions30%
Business & Marketing24%
Biological Sciences14%
Psychology7%
Communications5%
Social Sciences3%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
English1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John RatzenbergerKevin NealonRomain CannoneLydia Hearst-ShawJustin Danforth

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$48,460
Out-of-State Tuition
$48,460
Avg Net Price
$45,459
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$19,860

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
75%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
85%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$61,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$19,860
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$19,860
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$47,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$61,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White76%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino13%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (6,904 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Sacred Heart University

5151 Park Ave

Fairfield, CT 06825-1000

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Connecticut

Browse all Connecticut schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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