Sacred Heart University Rankings and Recognition
Sacred Heart University (SHU), located in Fairfield, Connecticut, is recognized among the nation’s best colleges by TIME, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report. SHU was named to TIME’s America’s Best Colleges 2026–2027, ranked No. 11 nationally for student support and counseling by The Princeton Review, and ranked among the nation’s top 100 private universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Each ranking below shows its category, standing, source, and publication year.
Explore SHU Rankings by What Matters to You
Value and Career Success
Academics
Student Life
Value and Career Success
Sacred Heart University helps students turn their education into opportunity through personalized financial assistance, experiential learning, career preparation, and strong employer connections. From internships and professional networking to career coaching and job placement support, students graduate prepared to achieve meaningful professional and personal success. Sacred Heart University earns national recognition for value, return on investment, and career-focused outcomes. Explore the distinctions that highlight SHU’s commitment to student success.
Accolades
Why This Matters
What Sacred Heart University's Value Rankings Mean for You
Sacred Heart University combines a high-value education with exceptional access to career opportunities. Located between New York City and Boston, SHU connects students with internships, employer partnerships and professional networks while providing personalized support through every stage of the student journey. From career coaching and experiential learning to graduate and professional school preparation, students gain the experience and connections needed for long-term success.
Academics
Sacred Heart University delivers a student-centered academic experience that combines rigorous coursework, expert faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. Across disciplines, students gain the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Sacred Heart University earns national recognition for excellence in nursing, teacher preparation, cybersecurity, online bachelor’s programs, physician associate (PA) studies, and business. Explore the distinctions that highlight SHU’s academic strengths.
Accolades
Why This Matters
Why Sacred Heart University's Academic Rankings Matter
Sacred Heart University's academic programs earn national recognition for excellence in teaching, innovation, student preparation, and professional outcomes. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, experiential learning opportunities, and programs designed to prepare graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong success.
Student Life
Sacred Heart University offers a vibrant campus experience where students build connections, discover new interests, and develop as leaders. Through athletics, residence life, service opportunities, student organizations, and campus traditions, Pioneers find a strong sense of belonging both inside and outside the classroom. Sacred Heart University earns national recognition from Niche and The Princeton Review for student wellness, counseling and support, campus safety, and student life. Explore the distinctions that also highlight SHU’s campus life.
Student Wellness and Support
Campus Life
Top 100 for Student Life
Ranked No. 89 of 1,487 institutions for Best Student Life in America by Niche (2027)
Niche, 2027
Top 50 College Campuses
Ranked No. 44 of 1,373 institutions for Best College Campuses in America by Niche (2027)
Niche, 2027
A+ for Campus Dining
Rated A+ and ranked No. 35 of 1,355 institutions for Best College Food in America by Niche (2027)
Niche, 2027
Top 50 for Campus Housing
Ranked No. 38 of 1,351 institutions for Best College Dorms in America by Niche (2027)
Niche, 2027
Why This Matters
Experience Student Life at Sacred Heart University
From student wellness and support to residence halls, dining, and campus activities, Sacred Heart University offers a college experience built around connection and belonging. Visit our Fairfield, Connecticut, campus and get a feel for life at Sacred Heart.
FAQs
Yes. Sacred Heart University combines more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The University enrolls more than 10,000 students and has over 61,000 alumni worldwide. Recognition from TIME, U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and The Princeton Review spans academic programs, student support, campus life, and career preparation.
Sacred Heart University’s academic rankings and distinctions span nursing, teacher preparation, cybersecurity, online bachelor’s programs, physician associate studies, and undergraduate business. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, SHU placed No. 12 for Best Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs and No. 20 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. University recognition also includes TIME’s America’s Best Colleges 2026–2027 and Niche and The Princeton Review rankings for student support, career services, and campus life.
Yes. Sacred Heart University ranks No. 12 nationally for Best Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings. The Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., and Richard J. Henley College of Nursing offers degrees at every level, from bachelor’s to doctoral, including options for working nurses. Students gain experience through simulation, clinical placements, and faculty mentorship.
Sacred Heart University is best known for nursing, the health professions, business, education, psychology, and communication and media. Popular majors include nursing, finance and business economics, exercise science, marketing, and psychology. Students benefit from internships, clinical placements, research, and professional partnerships that connect classroom learning with practical experience.
99% of Sacred Heart University undergraduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. Students benefit from career counseling, internships, clinical placements, employer partnerships, and an extensive alumni network. SHU’s Fairfield County location provides access to employers throughout the Northeast and New York City region.
Yes. Sacred Heart University ranks No. 20 nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings. SHU offers online and hybrid programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, including nursing, business, education, counseling, and health care, with options for students balancing education with work and family.
Sacred Heart University combines nationally ranked programs with a personal scale: small classes, close faculty contact, Division I athletics, and extensive hands-on learning. As a Catholic university, it also emphasizes service and the development of the whole person.
Sacred Heart University combines financial assistance, career preparation, and strong graduate outcomes to help students make the most of their education. Within one year of graduation, 99% of SHU undergraduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school.
Rankings reviewed September 2026.