College Profile: Sacred Heart University

katspitzer
Dec 2, 2025
3 min read

I recently had the chance to visit Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, and I was blown away by the vibrant student dynamics and vast opportunities available. I was there on a gorgeous Fall day and the students were out in abundance. This school provides wonderful academics while encouraging a robust social life, full of engagement.

Facts & History:

Sacred Heart University (SHU) was founded in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport. At that time, it welcomed fewer than 200 undergraduates.
It holds the distinction of being the first Catholic university in America to be led and staffed by lay people (i.e. not by clergy).
Over the decades, SHU has grown substantially — now serving over 9,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
In 1990, SHU expanded to include residential life for the first time. Since then, the campus has added more than a dozen residence halls, suite-style housing, and apartments. As of now, about 91% of first-year students and roughly 50% of all undergraduates live in University housing.
SHU today is recognized as one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the country.

Academics:

SHU offers 100+ undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its colleges and schools, as well as 30+ dual-degree “direct admit” programs.
Students have 60+ global education opportunities spanning 30+ countries. SHU even operates a campus in Dingle, Ireland — giving you a chance to study abroad in an immersive environment.
Popular majors at SHU include finance & business economics, exercise science, nursing, marketing, and psychology.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, and the average class size is about 23 students — so you’re likely to get plenty of individual attention.
According to SHU’s own post-graduate survey, nearly 100% of graduates reported “successful outcomes” (employment or graduate school) within one year after graduating.

Additionally, SHU receives strong national recognition: it’s ranked among the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News & World Report, and regularly appears in top lists by The Princeton Review for student support, campus life, and various academic programs.

Campus Life, Student Experience, and Traditions:

Traditions & Annual Events:

“Just SHU It” Fair: Held the first week of every semester — a big involvement fair where undergraduates can join from among 60+ student-run clubs and organizations. Great for meeting people and finding your niche.
President’s Gala: A semi-formal fall event hosted by the university president — a fun way to kick off the academic year.
Family Weekend: A time when families visit campus, attend events, and explore the surrounding area together.
“Pioneer Nation” Concert: Each spring, current students enjoy a one-night concert with musical acts.
Spring Fest Carnival: At the end of the spring semester, a carnival with rides, games, food — a big sendoff to finish the school year.
Senior Week: A time for graduating seniors to gather, reflect, and celebrate their time at SHU before commencement.

Student Life:

Over 60 clubs and organizations — from performing arts (band, orchestra, theatre, dance, choir) to volunteer/service groups, student media, intramurals and more.
Greek life: fraternities and sororities include 16 organizations, with more than 2,000 student members.
Athletics: SHU fields 33 NCAA Division I varsity teams plus around 34 intercollegiate club sports.
For those who like the arts: SHU offers robust theatre, music, dance and other performing arts — a chance to get involved whether as a major or just for fun.
Many students engage in community service and volunteerism — SHU strongly emphasizes service learning and social responsibility.

Why SHU Might Be a Great Fit for You:

Small class sizes and personalized attention, while still having access to a broad array of majors and degree programs.
Plenty of opportunities outside the classroom: clubs, arts, athletics, Greek life, service; whatever suits your interests.
If you want to study abroad or get global exposure, SHU makes that possible.
The traditions, events, and vibrant student life help many students feel at home, especially if you value community, engagement, and connection.

If this sounds like a school for you, I encourage you to set up a tour in person, and definitely visit the website at https://www.sacredheart.edu/.

College Profile: Sacred Heart University

Facts & History:

Sacred Heart University (SHU) was founded in 1963 by the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport. At that time, it welcomed fewer than 200 undergraduates.

It holds the distinction of being the first Catholic university in America to be led and staffed by lay people (i.e. not by clergy).

Over the decades, SHU has grown substantially — now serving over 9,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

In 1990, SHU expanded to include residential life for the first time. Since then, the campus has added more than a dozen residence halls, suite-style housing, and apartments. As of now, about 91% of first-year students and roughly 50% of all undergraduates live in University housing.

SHU today is recognized as one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the country.

Academics:

SHU offers 100+ undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across its colleges and schools, as well as 30+ dual-degree “direct admit” programs.

Students have 60+ global education opportunities spanning 30+ countries. SHU even operates a campus in Dingle, Ireland — giving you a chance to study abroad in an immersive environment.

Popular majors at SHU include finance & business economics, exercise science, nursing, marketing, and psychology.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1, and the average class size is about 23 students — so you’re likely to get plenty of individual attention.

According to SHU’s own post-graduate survey, nearly 100% of graduates reported “successful outcomes” (employment or graduate school) within one year after graduating.

Additionally, SHU receives strong national recognition: it’s ranked among the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News & World Report, and regularly appears in top lists by The Princeton Review for student support, campus life, and various academic programs.

Campus Life, Student Experience, and Traditions:

Traditions & Annual Events:

“Just SHU It” Fair: Held the first week of every semester — a big involvement fair where undergraduates can join from among 60+ student-run clubs and organizations. Great for meeting people and finding your niche.

President’s Gala: A semi-formal fall event hosted by the university president — a fun way to kick off the academic year.

Family Weekend: A time when families visit campus, attend events, and explore the surrounding area together.

“Pioneer Nation” Concert: Each spring, current students enjoy a one-night concert with musical acts.

Spring Fest Carnival: At the end of the spring semester, a carnival with rides, games, food — a big sendoff to finish the school year.

Senior Week: A time for graduating seniors to gather, reflect, and celebrate their time at SHU before commencement.

Student Life:

Over 60 clubs and organizations — from performing arts (band, orchestra, theatre, dance, choir) to volunteer/service groups, student media, intramurals and more.

Greek life: fraternities and sororities include 16 organizations, with more than 2,000 student members.

Athletics: SHU fields 33 NCAA Division I varsity teams plus around 34 intercollegiate club sports.

For those who like the arts: SHU offers robust theatre, music, dance and other performing arts — a chance to get involved whether as a major or just for fun.

Many students engage in community service and volunteerism — SHU strongly emphasizes service learning and social responsibility.

Why SHU Might Be a Great Fit for You:

Small class sizes and personalized attention, while still having access to a broad array of majors and degree programs.

Plenty of opportunities outside the classroom: clubs, arts, athletics, Greek life, service; whatever suits your interests.

If you want to study abroad or get global exposure, SHU makes that possible.

The traditions, events, and vibrant student life help many students feel at home, especially if you value community, engagement, and connection.

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