Sacred Heart University: A Comprehensive Look at Student Demographics

Sacred Heart University (SHU) distinguishes itself as a private Catholic liberal arts institution, deeply rooted in a tradition that cherishes the holistic development of each student. By providing resources tailored to individual needs, SHU empowers students to excel intellectually, professionally, and ethically, preparing them to become impactful leaders in both local and global contexts. With a wide array of programs and a vibrant campus life, SHU fosters a strong culture of service and inclusion where students can discover their purpose.

Academic Opportunities and Learning Environment

SHU boasts more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs spread across five colleges and three schools, offering a diverse range of academic opportunities. Innovation is a key element, with students collaborating with expert faculty in cutting-edge labs, simulation centers, and creative studios, covering fields from finance and AI to healthcare and cybersecurity. The university's commitment to hands-on learning is further exemplified by its West Campus, formerly GE's global headquarters, and international sites in Ireland and Italy, providing immersive experiences that prepare students for the future.

Beyond traditional lectures, SHU employs interactive platforms, project-based learning, and service-learning projects to engage students with the material in new and exciting ways. The Catholic Intellectual Tradition (CIT) seminar series, where students lead the class for a day, exemplifies this approach. The robust performing arts department offers endless opportunities, from writing scripts to learning from Broadway producers, enriching the campus experience and fostering a strong sense of community.

Campus Life and Student Engagement

A vibrant campus life fuels connection and growth at Sacred Heart University. With 34 Division I teams, over 100 clubs, performing arts led by industry professionals, and a strong culture of service and inclusion, students can easily find their place and purpose. Activities like the First 50 Days program, Fall Fest, Spring Carnival, and bingo nights provide ample opportunities for students to meet new people and unwind. The university is filled with school spirit, especially evident at sporting events, with hockey games being particularly popular.

Each residence hall features a wellness board, highlighting current programming and support available on campus. This reflects SHU's commitment to caring for the needs of every student and providing them with the resources to reach their goals. To aid in the transition to college life, SHU offers the First-Year Experience, a 10-week course designed to help students succeed.

Geographic Diversity

Sacred Heart University attracts students from across the United States and around the world. College Factual's diversity report indicates that SHU ranks 487 out of 2,183 colleges for geographic diversity. A significant 72.78% of students come from out of state, and 0.98% are international students. The undergraduate student body represents 24 states, contributing to a diverse campus environment. The university's student location diversity score is 77 out of 100, reflecting its success in attracting students from various geographic backgrounds.

Age Diversity

Sacred Heart University demonstrates a strong ability to attract students of all ages, with a student age diversity score of 80.64 out of 100. This indicates that SHU provides an inclusive environment for students beyond the traditional 18-21 age range.

Costs and Financial Aid

The median undergraduate tuition at Sacred Heart University is $48,160, which is $23,585 more than the national average for Masters Colleges and Universities. However, after factoring in grants and loans, the average net price for students is $46,165. In 2023, 95% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 57% received aid through loans. This demonstrates SHU's commitment to making education accessible to students from various financial backgrounds.

The average yearly cost of room and board at Sacred Heart University was $13,991 in 2023, with books and supplies costing approximately $1,200.

Admissions and Enrollment

Sacred Heart University's admissions process is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 67.7% in 2023. The university received 14,284 undergraduate applications, accepting 9,667 students. The overall enrollment yield is 19.7%, indicating the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll.

Read also: A Guide to SHU Admissions

In 2023, the total enrollment at Sacred Heart University was 11,179 students, with 9,022 enrolled full-time and 2,157 part-time. This means that 80.7% of students are enrolled full-time.

Race and Ethnicity

The enrolled student population at Sacred Heart University is diverse, with a significant representation of various racial and ethnic groups. As of 2023, the student body is composed of the following:

61.9% White
10.4% Hispanic or Latino
3.89% Black or African American
1.94% Asian
1.92% Two or More Races
0.0716% American Indian or Alaska Native
0.0268% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders

Among full-time undergraduate students, the most common demographic is White Female (52.1%), followed by White Male (25.6%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (7.78%). In full-time graduate programs, the most common demographic is White Female (25.1%), followed by White Male (7.86%) and Hispanic or Latino Female (3.38%).

Graduation and Retention Rates

Sacred Heart University boasts an impressive retention rate of 85% for full-time undergraduates, which is higher than the average of 74% for similar Masters Colleges and Universities. This indicates that students are satisfied with their experience at SHU and choose to continue their education.

In 2023, 69% of students completed their program within 100% of the normal time (i.e., 4 years for a 4-year degree). The graduation rate for Female and Asian students was particularly high, at 93.8%.

Read also: SHU Tuition and Fees

Degrees Awarded

In 2023, Sacred Heart University awarded 3,267 degrees across all undergraduate and graduate programs, with 67.6% of these degrees awarded to women and 32.4% to men. The most common race/ethnicity group of degree recipients was White (2,141 degrees), significantly more than the next closest group, Hispanic or Latino (322 degrees).

The most common bachelor's degree concentration at Sacred Heart University was Registered Nursing, with 252 degrees awarded. Other popular majors include Business Administration and Management, and Marketing.

Career Outcomes

The most common jobs for people who hold a degree from Sacred Heart University include Registered Nurses, Accountants & Auditors, Other Managers, Financial Managers, and Physicians. Graduates find employment in various industries, including general medical and surgical hospitals, elementary and secondary schools, and colleges and universities.

Endowment and Financial Stability

Sacred Heart University has a strong financial foundation, with an endowment valued at nearly $268 million as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. The return on its endowment was $20.5 million (7.65%), compared to the average return of 5.72% across all Masters Colleges and Universities.

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