
5151 Park Avenue https://www.sacredheart.edu/, Fairfield, CT 06825, USA


Sacred Heart University supports a robust athletics program that includes a variety of sports for both men and women, providing numerous opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the NCAA Division I level. The university fields teams in sports such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and volleyball, among others, fostering a competitive environment that emphasizes both academic achievement and athletic excellence.
The athletics facilities at the university are designed to accommodate training, competitions, and athlete development. These amenities contribute to a comprehensive experience, enabling students to balance their academic commitments with their athletic pursuits effectively. Additionally, Sacred Heart encourages student involvement through club sports and recreational activities, expanding options for engagement beyond varsity competition.
Prospective students interested in collegiate sports at Sacred Heart will find a community that values teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. The coaching staff typically emphasizes skill development and sportsmanship, aiming to prepare athletes not only for competition but also for success beyond their university years.
Sacred Heart University offers a variety of student organizations that cater to diverse academic and personal interests. Among these groups are the Student Nurses Association, the Exercise Science Club, the American Sign Language Club, the Business Administration Club, and the National Society Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA).
These organizations provide opportunities for students to connect with peers who share their professional and extracurricular passions. With a student body consisting of approximately 2,340 men and 4,192 women, involvement in these clubs contributes to a vibrant campus community.
Sacred Heart University draws a diverse student body with a wide range of backgrounds and academic paths. The university enrolls a relatively large cohort of freshmen, around 1,905, which is considered high compared to similar institutions. Transfer student numbers are more modest with 138 new transfers annually, placing them in the average range. Overall enrollment stands at just over 2,000 new students, positioning the university in the top 40% for incoming student volume.
The composition of students by residency status reveals distinct contrasts. In-state students pay notably low tuition fees, among the lowest 5% nationally, while out-of-state students face significantly higher costs, ranking in the top 5%. Almost all students are from the United States, at 99%, placing Sacred Heart University in the upper 30% for domestic enrollment proportions. The international student population is small, with representation from only one foreign country, aligning with average levels compared to other institutions.
Examining the age distribution, undergraduates are primarily traditional college age, with the majority between 18 and 21 years old. There are 3,193 students aged 18-19 and 2,954 aged 20-21, supplemented by smaller numbers in slightly older age brackets. Graduate students tend to be older, with most between 22 and 34 years, including 1,746 aged 22-24 and 1,222 aged 25-29. Overall, the student population spans across a broad age range, including some in their 40s, 50s, and even above 65, reflecting a commitment to serving both traditional and non-traditional students.
In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, Sacred Heart University has a predominantly White student body, with 5,279 students, placing it in the top 25% for this demographic. Hispanic students number 898, while African American students total 239, both groups at average representation levels compared to other universities. Smaller populations include Asian students (117), Native American students (7), Pacific Islanders (2), and those identifying with two or more races (163), each group falling within average percentile ranges. A number of students (124) chose not to disclose their racial or ethnic identity.
Sacred Heart University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that contribute to a dynamic student life. Students have access to a variety of campus media and performing arts groups, including a newspaper, drama productions, radio station, band, chorus, and television. These options provide multiple platforms for creative expression and involvement beyond academics.
Health and wellness services are also well represented, with a health clinic and psychological counseling available to support the student community. Additionally, the university hosts a veterans affairs office to assist student veterans in navigating campus resources and benefits.
While the university does not provide legal services or a women's center, the variety of other student services and activities offer substantial support and engagement opportunities. The campus has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and maintains a student-faculty ratio of about 16 to 1, which supports a balanced academic environment alongside active student life.
Sacred Heart University offers access to two libraries, including its main library, the Ryan Matura Library. The number of libraries is considered average, placing the institution slightly above the 50th percentile compared to other universities.
The university's holdings consist of approximately 88,234 books, which ranks in the lower 40% among peer institutions. Students can also access a range of digital resources, including about 49,5187 eBooks and around 40,828 digital subscriptions, both figures placing the university below the midpoint compared to similar schools.
In terms of physical and digital offerings, students benefit from 142 databases available through the libraries, a level that hovers just below the median. The university supports student study needs with available study rooms and maintains established operating hours, totaling 119 weekly service hours. While there is staff trained to assist patrons and shared collections are accessible, the libraries do not offer all-day access for students.
Total enrollment
11179Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1903Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
359 full time, 715 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
Ryan Matura LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
2Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes