Exploring Sacred Heart University's Student Population In Fairfield, Connecticut

Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private, Roman Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded in 1963, SHU is the second-largest Catholic university in New England. The university offers more than 80 degree programs to over 8,500 students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. SHU's total undergraduate enrollment is 6,960 as of Fall 2023. The university is led and staffed by the laity and is independent and locally oriented.

Sacred Heart University has over 8,500 students

Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, has over 8,500 students. It was founded in 1963 by Bishop Walter W. Curtis of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was the first Catholic university in the United States to be staffed by laypeople. SHU is a private, Roman Catholic university and the second-largest Catholic university in New England.

The university offers over 80 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. SHU's five colleges include the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Health Professions, the College of Nursing, the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, and the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development.

SHU's student body consists of over 6,900 undergraduates and more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students combined. The university has a suburban campus spanning 350 acres, with modern residence halls and dining halls catering to various tastes. SHU places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application, providing students with research, internship, and clinical placement opportunities.

Athletics play a significant role at SHU, with over 1,500 athletes competing in 33 NCAA varsity sports and more than 34 club sports. The university's teams are known as the Pioneers, with 31 men's and women's teams. SHU also has a vibrant performing arts program, led by a renowned producer, and housed in the John & Sabina Petillo Center for the Performing Arts.

SHU's commitment to student success is evident through its top-tier facilities, including the Valentine Health & Recreation Center, and its focus on experiential learning. The university fosters a sense of community, with over 90% of freshmen living on campus and a wide range of student organizations, including Fraternity & Sorority Life. SHU's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is #231 in National Universities.

There are 10,500+ full and part-time students

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

Today, SHU has a student population of over 10,500 full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. This is a significant increase from its original class size of 173. The university offers over 80 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. SHU is the second-largest Catholic university in New England, after Boston College.

The university's five colleges include the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Health Professions, the College of Nursing, the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, and the Isabelle Farrington College of Education. SHU also has a strong focus on experiential learning and real-world application, providing students with research, internship, and clinical placement opportunities.

SHU's main campus is located in suburban Fairfield, Connecticut, and spans 350 acres. The university also has additional campuses in West Campus (Fairfield), Stamford, Griswold (all in Connecticut), and Dingle, County Kerry (Ireland).

SHU's student body is highly diverse, with students engaging in various extracurricular activities. The university fields 31 men's and women's athletic teams known as the Pioneers and offers over 100 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities. SHU also has a vibrant performing arts program and a wide range of academic and cultural experiences through its study abroad programs.

With its large student population, diverse academic offerings, and commitment to experiential learning, Sacred Heart University is a thriving and dynamic educational institution in Connecticut.

The undergraduate enrollment is 6,960

Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,960 as of Fall 2023. This figure represents a significant increase from its original class size of 173 when it was founded in 1963. SHU is a private, Roman Catholic university and is the second-largest Catholic university in New England. It offers a range of academic programs, including more than 100 undergraduate degrees, as well as graduate and doctoral programs.

The university's suburban campus spans 350 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities that support student success. SHU provides top-tier resources for its students, such as modern residence halls, diverse dining options, and recreational amenities like a climbing rock wall at the Valentine Health & Recreation Center. The campus is lively, with over 90% of freshmen choosing to live on campus and numerous athletic, cultural, and social events held throughout the year.

SHU's commitment to experiential learning and real-world application sets it apart. Students are encouraged to participate in research, internships, clinical placements, independent study, service learning, and work-study programs. The university's proximity to New York City and its location in New England provide students with valuable research and internship opportunities. For instance, students can research Long Island Sound marine life with faculty or intern at Madison Square Garden.

SHU also offers international experiences through its Dingle Scholars program at its campus in Dingle, Ireland. Additionally, students can take advantage of short-term and semester study abroad programs in Rome and other locations worldwide.

With a student body of over 6,960 undergraduates, SHU fosters a sense of community and encourages students to pursue their passions. The university is home to more than 100 student organizations, including Fraternity & Sorority Life. SHU's athletic programs are also notable, with competitive Division I and club sports attracting over 1,500 athletes across 33 NCAA varsity sports and more than 34 club sports options.

The University has five colleges

Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private, Roman Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded in 1963, SHU has since grown to become the second-largest Catholic university in New England, with over 8,500 students and 281 full-time professors. The university consists of five colleges:

College of Arts & Sciences

The College of Arts & Sciences includes the School of Communication & Media Arts and the School of Computing. Students can expect to develop their critical thinking, creative, and analytical skills through a range of programs, including communication, media arts, and computing.

Jack Welch College of Business and Technology

The Jack Welch College of Business and Technology was established after a financial gift from Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric, in 2006. The college is named after him and offers a range of business and technology programs. The college is also home to the IDEA Lab and AI Lab, providing students with innovative learning tools.

College of Health Professions

The College of Health Professions prepares students for careers in healthcare and provides opportunities for hands-on learning through clinical placements and internships.

College of Nursing

The College of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and offers a range of nursing programs to prepare students for professional practice.

Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development

The Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development is CAEP-accredited and is committed to developing educators and leaders in the field of education.

These five colleges offer a diverse range of programs, providing students with a well-rounded education and opportunities for hands-on learning. SHU also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including over 100 student organizations and competitive athletic programs, fostering a vibrant campus community.

There are 32 varsity teams

Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, is home to 32 varsity teams, known as the Pioneers. The Pioneers compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and offer a range of athletic programs for students.

The university's commitment to athletics is evident, with over 1,500 athletes across various sports. The teams compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC), Atlantic Hockey America, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA), and the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA).

The university provides top-tier facilities to support its athletic programs and student-athletes. The William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center, as well as the Martire Family Arena, offer premier spaces for hockey and skating competitions, with recent renovations ensuring modern amenities for athletes and spectators alike.

SHU's athletic programs cater to a range of sports, including men's and women's teams. The Pioneers field 31 men's and women's teams, ensuring an inclusive environment for athletes of all genders.

The range of varsity sports at SHU includes traditional and popular choices such as basketball, football, and hockey. The university also offers a diverse selection of other sports, such as fencing, wrestling, and volleyball, allowing students to explore a variety of athletic pursuits.

The varsity teams at Sacred Heart University play a crucial role in the vibrant campus life and culture. With over 90% of freshmen living on campus and numerous athletic, cultural, and social events throughout the year, SHU fosters a community that thrives through student involvement and participation.

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