
Sacred Heart University is a Catholic university in Fairfield, New England, that was founded in 1963 by Bishop Walter W. Curtis. It is the second-largest Catholic university in New England, with over 10,500 full and part-time undergraduate and graduate students, according to figures from 2021. The university offers more than 80 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities, including 33 varsity sports teams and over 50 club sports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of students | 8,500+ |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 6,960 (as of Fall 2023) |
| Total enrollment | 11,000+ (including full-time and part-time students) |
| Original class strength | 173 |
| Number of students who volunteer | 1,200+ |
| Number of students who participate in athletic teams | 800+ |
| Number of students who participate in club sports | 500+ |
| Number of varsity teams | 33 |
| Number of club sports | 35 |
| Number of countries represented by the student body | 45+ |
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What You'll Learn
- Sacred Heart University has over 8,500 students at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels
- There are over 11,000 full-time and part-time students at the university
- The student body is made up of 35.6% male students and 64.4% female students
- Sacred Heart University has 33 varsity teams with nearly 800 students participating
- The university has a student newspaper, The Spectrum, which is distributed to students every Wednesday

Sacred Heart University has over 8,500 students at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels
Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut. It was founded in 1963 by Bishop Walter W. Curtis of the Diocese of Bridgeport to provide an institution of higher education for people in the region. Since then, SHU has grown to become the second-largest Catholic university in New England. It is also one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the country.
The university has over 8,500 students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. In total, there are more than 10,500 full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate enrollment for the fall of 2023 was 6,960, with a gender distribution of 35.6% male and 64.4% female students. The university offers more than 80 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. There are also over 200 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs, including online degree programs. SHU's Dual Degree Programs allow students to be admitted directly into a graduate program while also studying as an undergraduate.
SHU has a strong focus on experiential learning and real-world application. Students are encouraged to innovate, lead, and succeed. They have the opportunity to conduct research, participate in internships, serve in clinical placements, and engage in independent study, service learning, and work-study programs. The university offers a wide range of athletic teams, with 33 Division I varsity teams and 35 club sports. There is also a thriving performing arts program, fraternity and sorority life, and campus-wide engagement in community service.
SHU has a vibrant and diverse community, with students from 49 states, the District of Columbia, two US territories, and over 45 countries. The university provides a residential study-abroad program in Dingle, Ireland, and international exchange opportunities through partnerships with universities in Italy, Australia, Spain, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. SHU's campus covers more than 300 acres and includes state-of-the-art learning labs and classrooms, residence halls, and dining options.
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There are over 11,000 full-time and part-time students at the university
Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a Catholic university in Fairfield, New England. It is the second-largest Catholic university in the region. SHU was founded in 1963 by Bishop Walter W. Curtis, with an original class of fewer than 200 undergraduate students. Since then, the university has grown to accommodate over 11,000 full-time and part-time students. SHU offers more than 80 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels.
The university's student body is diverse, with students from 49 states, the District of Columbia, two US territories, and over 45 countries. The gender distribution is 35.6% male and 64.4% female. SHU offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, with nearly 800 students participating in 33 athletic teams and over 500 students in 23 club sports. SHU also has a thriving performing arts program, fraternity and sorority life, and a strong commitment to community service.
SHU's campus spans over 300 acres and includes 15 residential areas, offering a range of housing options for students. The campus also features state-of-the-art learning labs and classrooms, as well as a recreation centre with a suspended track, bowling lanes, and a climbing wall. The university has a rich history of putting students first and is committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students for success in their future endeavours.
SHU is highly regarded and has received recognition for its academic excellence and student life. It has been ranked among the best universities in the nation and recognised for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to higher education. The university's commitment to experiential learning and real-world application equips students with the tools, skills and opportunities to embrace a future full of potential.
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The student body is made up of 35.6% male students and 64.4% female students
Sacred Heart University has a large student body, with over 10,500 full and part-time students enrolled. The student body is made up of 35.6% male students and 64.4% female students. This gender distribution is reflected in the university's accommodation, with 51% of students living in college-owned or affiliated housing and 49% living off-campus.
The university has seen significant growth since its founding in 1963, with an original class size of under 200 students. Sacred Heart University is now the second-largest Catholic university in New England, offering over 80 degree programs to its students. The university provides a wide range of academic opportunities, with more than 8,500 students enrolled at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
The gender distribution at Sacred Heart University, with a higher percentage of female students, contributes to the diverse and inclusive environment on campus. The university's commitment to fostering a welcoming community is further demonstrated by its range of academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and focus on experiential learning.
With a large and diverse student population, Sacred Heart University offers a vibrant and engaging educational experience. The university's growth and commitment to innovation have contributed to its reputation as one of the fastest-growing and most forward-thinking Catholic universities in the country. Sacred Heart University's dedication to providing a well-rounded education is reflected in its diverse student body and its efforts to accommodate a wide range of academic interests and pursuits.
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Sacred Heart University has 33 varsity teams with nearly 800 students participating
Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a Catholic university in New England, with a main campus in Fairfield, Connecticut. It is the second-largest Catholic university in New England, offering more than 80 degree programs to over 8,500 students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The university consists of five colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology, the College of Health Professions, the College of Nursing, and the Isabelle Farrington College of Education. SHU also offers over 200 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs, including online degree programs, in five distinct colleges and three schools.
Athletics play a significant role at Sacred Heart University, with nearly 800 students participating in 33 varsity athletic teams, comprising 18 female teams and 15 male teams. These teams compete at the NCAA Division I level, showcasing the university's commitment to fostering excellence in sports alongside academics.
The university's athletic department has achieved notable successes, such as the men's fencing team winning the Northeast Conference title five consecutive years from 2010 to 2014 and the football team playing at the Football Championship Subdivision level with an FCS title in 2001. The women's ice hockey program also competed independently at the National Collegiate level from 2003 to 2019.
In addition to varsity sports, SHU offers a range of club sports, with over 500 students participating in 23 Club Sports, and global education opportunities in over 30 countries. The university prioritizes experiential learning and encourages students to pursue internships, clinical placements, and service learning projects to gain real-world application of their academic pursuits.
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The university has a student newspaper, The Spectrum, which is distributed to students every Wednesday
Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a Catholic university in Fairfield, New England. It is the second-largest Catholic university in New England, with over 8,500 students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Enrollment has risen from the original class of fewer than 200 undergraduate students to over 11,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,960 as of Fall 2023.
The Spectrum is just one example of SHU's vibrant campus community. The university offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including over 30 club sports, a thriving performing arts program, and fraternity and sorority life. SHU also prioritizes community service, with more than 1,200 students and staff volunteering in excess of 31,000 hours each year.
The university is committed to providing its students with a well-rounded education and enriching campus experience. With a variety of academic and recreational resources, SHU fosters an environment that encourages students to innovate, lead, and succeed. Through its student organizations and publications, such as The Spectrum, SHU empowers its diverse student body to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on their community.
Overall, Sacred Heart University offers a holistic educational experience to its large student population. With a strong focus on student engagement and personal growth, SHU creates a supportive and dynamic environment, as evidenced by the diverse range of opportunities available, including its dedicated student newspaper, The Spectrum.
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Frequently asked questions
Sacred Heart University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,960 students (as of Fall 2023). The University has seen significant growth since its founding, with enrollment rising from an original class of fewer than 200 students to over 11,000 full-time and part-time undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Nearly 800 students participate in the University's 33 athletic teams, with more than 500 students involved in 23 Club Sports.
For the 2024-2025 school year, undergraduate and graduate students hail from 49 states, the District of Columbia, two US territories, and over 45 countries worldwide.











































