Sacred Heart University

Non-profit

Private

Regional

Sacred Heart University, the second-largest Catholic university in the state, is committed to truth, justice, service, and intellectual support. Approximately 5,400 students attend each year. In addition to a 300-acre Fairfield campus, this private institution features an e-learning branch with seven online degrees. SHU's online degrees focus primarily on nursing practice, with options available at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Current RNs can enroll in a standard RN-to-BSN pathway or combine undergraduate and graduate studies into one RN-BSN-MSN pathway. Master's programs are also available in social work or strategic communication and public relations. Many of SHU's online degrees require in-person clinical practicum hours, but the asynchronous course material can be accessed online 24/7 from any location. Admission procedures and requirements -- including prerequisite education, licensure, minimum GPA, resume, and letters of recommendation -- vary by program selection. All online students pay the same tuition rates, regardless of residency.

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Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

66% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

87% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

73% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores:
Not required or recommended
High school transcript:
Required
High school rank:
Recommended
Letter of recommendation:
Required
High school GPA:
Required
Open admission:
No
Completion of college prep program:
Recommended
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):
Required

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Yes

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*: Yes

*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

Learning Environment

Students enrolledOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

68%

Online student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

14:1

Student to faculty ratio

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Programs

Doc

Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services

Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs

Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services

Education

English Language And Literature/Letters

Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics

Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences

Health Professions And Related Programs

History

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting And Related Protective Services

Liberal Arts And Sciences, General Studies And Humanities

Mathematics And Statistics

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Physical Sciences

Psychology

Public Administration And Social Service Professions

Security And Protective Services

Social Sciences

Visual And Performing Arts