University of Scranton vs Sacred Heart University

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, the University of Scranton and Sacred Heart University in Connecticut stand as two distinct beacons of higher education. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they offer unique experiences that cater to diverse aspirations. The University of Scranton boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while Sacred Heart University maintains a more selective admissions process. In terms of student demographics, the University of Scranton fosters a predominantly undergraduate community, while Sacred Heart University hosts a larger graduate population. As you explore the comparison table, delve into the nuances of each university's popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that will help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Sacred Heart University logo

Sacred Heart University

University of Scranton logo

University of Scranton

Overview

Location Fairfield, Connecticut Scranton, Pennsylvania
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 86.0% 87.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation Catholic Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 66.1% 80.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $75
SAT range N/A 1100 - 1280
ACT range N/A 23 - 28
Students submitting SAT score 79.0%
Students submitting ACT score 23.0%
Total number of applicants 12,663 9,111
Total number of admissions given out 8,373 7,315
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,842 895
Yield rate 22.0% 12.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $60,042 $61,834
Average net price $43,907 $35,913
Tuition $44,960 $48,062
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $11,500

Meal plan: $5,454
Room/dormitory: $9,410

Meal plan: $6,680
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

99.0%
Average amount $19,690
98.0%
Average amount $28,068
Students receiving federal student loan 63.0%
Average amount $5,366
69.0%
Average amount $5,367
Students taking out private loans 16.0%
Average amount $28,281
15.0%
Average amount $21,558

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,761
Men 32.6% Women 67.4%
3,487
Men 41.8% Women 58.2%
Graduate students 3,024
Men 25.8% Women 74.2%
1,205
Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 78.1% 56.4%
International students 3.4% 2.3%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Small
Dormitory capacity 3,434 2,614
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from New York Connecticut New Jersey Mississippi Rhode Island Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Connecticut Maryland

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 14:1 12:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 73.5% 78.8%
Dropout rate 26.0% 21.1%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $94,278
  • Year 2: $92,829
  • Year 3: $100,493
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,676
  • Year 2: $73,949
  • Year 3: $93,313
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,919
  • Year 2: $66,653
  • Year 3: $82,778
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $78,350
  • Year 2: $74,929
  • Year 3: $78,642
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,605
  • Year 2: $74,652
  • Year 3: $77,798
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $79,954
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $77,726
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,263
  • Year 2: $71,202
  • Year 3: $73,047
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,979
  • Year 2: $66,989
  • Year 3: $67,313
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,445
  • Year 2: $58,221
  • Year 3: $66,212
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,788
  • Year 2: $56,641
  • Year 3: $65,392
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,218
  • Year 2: $82,440
  • Year 3: $90,913
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,695
  • Year 2: $80,779
  • Year 3: $90,769
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,141
  • Year 2: $88,506
  • Year 3: $87,713
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,583
  • Year 2: $62,260
  • Year 3: $81,737
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $73,808
  • Year 2: $73,697
  • Year 3: $78,423
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,016
  • Year 2: $62,012
  • Year 3: $75,337
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,383
  • Year 2: $67,101
  • Year 3: $72,081
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,398
  • Year 2: $63,997
  • Year 3: $71,557
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,417
  • Year 2: $66,821
  • Year 3: $69,773
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,332
  • Year 2: $62,088
  • Year 3: $65,961

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in location and campus environment between the University of Scranton and Sacred Heart University?

    The University of Scranton is located in the heart of Scranton, Pennsylvania, a small city offering a more urban campus environment. Sacred Heart University, on the other hand, is situated in Fairfield, Connecticut, a suburban town providing a more traditional, residential college experience. Scranton's campus is integrated within the city, while Sacred Heart's campus is more self-contained.

  • How do the academic reputations of the University of Scranton and Sacred Heart University compare?

    Both universities have strong academic reputations. The University of Scranton is known for its Jesuit tradition and rigorous academics, particularly in pre-med, business, and physical therapy. Sacred Heart University is recognized for its growing programs in nursing, business, and communication, and its focus on career preparation. Both are regionally accredited institutions.

  • What is the typical student body size and student-to-faculty ratio at each university?

    The University of Scranton typically has a smaller student body, with around 5,000 undergraduate students, leading to a more intimate learning environment. Sacred Heart University has a larger undergraduate population, generally around 6,000 students. Both universities maintain a student-to-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention, but Scranton's is generally slightly lower.

  • How do the costs of attending the University of Scranton and Sacred Heart University compare, including tuition, fees, and room and board?

    Tuition and fees at both universities are comparable, but it's important to check the most current figures on their respective websites. Overall cost of attendance, including room and board, can vary depending on housing choices and meal plans. Be sure to factor in potential scholarships and financial aid packages offered by each institution when making your decision.

  • What types of academic programs are particularly strong at the University of Scranton versus Sacred Heart University?

    The University of Scranton excels in pre-med, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and business programs, reflecting its strong science and Jesuit liberal arts foundation. Sacred Heart University is known for its nursing, business, communication, and performing arts programs, with a growing emphasis on technology and innovation.

  • What are the athletic opportunities like at each university?

    Both universities offer a range of athletic opportunities. The University of Scranton competes in NCAA Division III, emphasizing a balance between academics and athletics. Sacred Heart University competes in NCAA Division I for most sports, offering a higher level of competition and greater visibility. Consider which level of athletic involvement best suits your interests and abilities.

  • What kind of campus life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

    Both universities offer a vibrant campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. The University of Scranton, with its Jesuit values, emphasizes service and community engagement. Sacred Heart University offers a wide range of student organizations, Greek life, and social events, fostering a strong sense of community. Explore each university's website to see which activities align with your interests.

  • What career services and internship opportunities are available to students at each university?

    Both the University of Scranton and Sacred Heart University provide comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and internship placement assistance. Sacred Heart's location near major corporations in Connecticut provides access to a wide range of internship opportunities. Scranton's strong alumni network and location in a regional hub also offer valuable connections for internships and job placement.

  • How does the religious affiliation of each university impact campus life?

    The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university, meaning its values and traditions are rooted in the Jesuit order of the Catholic Church. This influences the curriculum, campus ministry, and emphasis on service. Sacred Heart University is also a Catholic university, but its religious identity is less pronounced in daily campus life compared to Scranton. Both welcome students of all faiths.

  • What are the surrounding areas like in terms of entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions?

    The University of Scranton is located in a small city with a developing downtown area, offering a mix of local restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Sacred Heart University is located in a suburban town near the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, providing access to a wider range of dining, entertainment, and cultural options, as well as proximity to New York City.

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