Sacred Heart University Online: Flexibility With Real Rigor
- 01. Sacred Heart University Online: What Outcomes Show Now
- 02. Key Performance Metrics for 2024-2025
- 03. Program-Level Outcomes by Discipline
- 04. Nursing and Health Professions
- 05. Business and Health Administration
- 06. Catholic and Marist Educational Values in Online Delivery
- 07. Student Support and Retention Structures
- 08. Tuition and Financial Investment
- 09. Conclusion: Measurable Outcomes Align with Mission
Sacred Heart University Online: What Outcomes Show Now
Sacred Heart University's online programs deliver measurable outcomes with a 96% completion rate in clinical mental health counseling, #20 national ranking in Best Online Bachelor's Programs, and graduates earning $47,000 average early-career salary. The university serves 1,311 exclusive online students out of 11,022 total enrollment, with 23 graduate programs available through distance education.
Key Performance Metrics for 2024-2025
Sacred Heart University maintains strong academic rigor across its online portfolio, grounded in Catholic intellectual tradition and Marist values of education for the whole person. The institution reports concrete data that demonstrates student success beyond enrollment numbers.
| Metric | Value | Data Year |
|---|---|---|
| Online Bachelor's Ranking | #20 of 348 programs | 2025 |
| Counseling Program Completion Rate | 96%-100% | 2024-2025 |
| Overall Graduation Rate | 68%-73.5% | 2024 |
| Early-Career Salary Average | $47,000 | 2024 |
| 10-Year Graduate Salary Average | $59,700 | 2024 |
| Exclusive Online Students | 1,311 | 2024-2025 |
| Graduate Online Programs | 23 programs | 2025 |
Program-Level Outcomes by Discipline
Nursing and Health Professions
The Dr. Susan L. Davis & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing delivers CCNE-accredited online programs with national recognition. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program ranks fourth best in Connecticut and among the nation's best according to U.S. News & World Report.
- DNP program: 39 credits, 3-year part-time sequence, 100% online coursework
- MSN offers five tracks: Nursing Management, FNP, PMHNP, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education
- Online MSN tracks require 36-42 credits with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Master's in Nursing graduates earn median initial income of $90,100
Business and Health Administration
Sacred Heart's Jack Welch College of Business & Technology holds AACSB International accreditation-earned by fewer than 5% of business schools globally. The part-time MBA climbed 28 places in U.S. News rankings and emphasizes applied learning with 65,000 hours of pro bono consulting through the Center for Nonprofits.
Nancy Taylor, a 2024 online MHA graduate, was promoted to practice manager overseeing multiple specialties after completing the program. She stated the degree "propelled me into the next level for dealing with the health care culture".
- MHA coursework delivered fully online in asynchronous 8-week sessions
- Medical and health services managers earn median $117,960 annually
- 61,400 job openings expected yearly for health services managers (2023-2033)
- MBA graduates perform real-world consulting with measurable community impact
Catholic and Marist Educational Values in Online Delivery
Sacred Heart University was founded in 1963 as the first Catholic university in America led and staffed by lay people, by Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The mission to "educate the whole person while preparing students to lead and serve in the world today" directly informs online program design.
The university operates as the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, serving students from 45 states, D.C., two U.S. territories, and 45 countries for 2025-2026. Over 118,000 hours of community engagement completed globally reflects the social mission embedded in curriculum.
Student Support and Retention Structures
Sacred Heart achieves 87% freshman retention rate, above the national average, through comprehensive support systems that extend to online learners. The average student takes 4.07 years to complete a bachelor's degree.
Online students report strong cohort connections despite distance learning format. Nancy Taylor noted faculty were "supportive and welcoming," and her cohort served as a vital support system for project collaboration.
Tuition and Financial Investment
For academic year 2024-2025, average graduate tuition and fees are $34,394, representing a 0.98% increase from the previous year. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $43,871, with base tuition at $45,230.
The university serves 61,634 living alumni across 72 countries, demonstrating long-term value and network strength for online graduates.
Conclusion: Measurable Outcomes Align with Mission
Sacred Heart University's online programs deliver evidence-based results that validate its Catholic and Marist educational mission. With 96%+ completion rates in key programs, national rankings in nursing and business, and graduates earning above-average salaries, the institution demonstrates that online delivery does not compromise academic rigor or student outcomes.
For educators, administrators, and prospective students in Latin America seeking models of values-driven online education, Sacred Heart provides a documented case where spiritual mission and measurable performance coexist effectively.
Everything you need to know about Sacred Heart University Online Flexibility With Real Rigor
What is Sacred Heart University's online graduation rate?
The counseling education department reports a 96% completion rate for clinical mental health counseling and 100% for the CMHC program specifically during 2024-2025, with 119 CMHC graduates and 8 school counseling graduates in spring 2025.
How many students enroll exclusively in Sacred Heart online programs?
1,311 students enroll exclusively in online courses, while 3,753 students take some online courses out of 11,022 total enrollment for 2024-2025. Among graduate students, 1,143 enroll exclusively in online graduate courses.
What is the average salary for Sacred Heart University graduates?
Graduates earn approximately $47,000 in early career, $46,100 six years after enrollment, and $59,700 after ten years. Nursing majors lead with $71,500 median starting salary for undergraduates and $90,100 for master's graduates.
Are Sacred Heart University online programs accredited?
Yes. The DNP program holds CCNE accreditation. The Jack Welch College of Business holds AACSB International accreditation. The university is regionally accredited, and online nursing programs meet state board of nursing regulations.
How does Sacred Heart online rank nationally?
Sacred Heart ranks #20 out of 348 in U.S. News & World Report's Best Online Bachelor's Programs. The DNP ranks fourth best in Connecticut, and the part-time MBA earned inclusion among nation's best with a 28-place climb.
