Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a private Catholic university and the second-largest Catholic university in New England. Established in 1963, SHU offers a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, emphasizing a liberal arts tradition and career-focused education.

Academics

Sacred Heart University offers over 100 undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees across its nine colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. The university's academic approach combines critical studies with practical, skill-based learning, particularly evident in programs like the Film, Television, and Media Arts department. Popular majors include Nursing, Business, Research and Experimental Psychology, Finance, and Exercise Physiology. The student to instructor ratio is 13 to 1, which is better than the typical college, suggesting more instructional attention.

International Students

Sacred Heart University welcomes international students who do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and require an F-1 student visa. International students comprise 1% of the total student body, contributing to a diverse campus community. The university requires non-native English speakers to submit official English language proficiency exam scores, accepting tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. While specific international student support services are not detailed, the university generally offers numerous cultural organizations and multicultural events to foster integration.

Campus & Location

Sacred Heart University's main campus is situated in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, approximately 55 miles northeast of New York City and less than three hours south of Boston. The campus offers a safe and thriving environment with access to entertainment, outdoor activities, museums, and shopping. On campus, students can attend Division I sports games, performances at the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts, or dine at a 1950s-themed diner. The university also has other campuses and learning sites within Connecticut and an international campus in Dingle, Ireland.

Career Outcomes

Sacred Heart University boasts a high placement rate, with 98% of graduates employed according to the 2023 Graduate Outcome Survey. The median salary for graduates was reported as USD 61,000. The Center for Career & Professional Development offers extensive services, including career communities that provide resources for exploring majors, professions, and building professional networks. Graduates have been employed by notable organizations such as Yale New Haven Health, Northwell Health, KPMG, and Deloitte.