SHU vs. Park University

Comparable Facts

Compare Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT with Park University in Parkville, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Sacred Heart University is larger than Park University based on total student enrollment (11,022 students vs. 5,736 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, CT (Large Suburban setting); Park University is in Parkville, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Sacred Heart University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Sacred Heart University 15:1; Park University 13:1.

SHU vs. Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SHU or Park University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Park University than SHU ($19,519 vs. $47,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Park University are 52% lower than at Sacred Heart University ($9,190 vs. $19,140).
• Sacred Heart University is 188% more expensive for in-state tuition than Park University (about $32,904 more per year; $50,404.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 188% higher at SHU than at Park University (about $32,904 more per year; $50,404.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Sacred Heart University than at Park University (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Sacred Heart University students is 120.2% larger than aid received by Park University students ($21,625 vs. $9,820).

SHU vs. Park University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SHU or Park University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Park University and SHU.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SHU - Test-free; Park University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Park University Aug 1, 2027.

SHU vs. Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SHU and Park University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Sacred Heart University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Park University's (39%).
• Graduates from Sacred Heart University earn a median of about $10,100 more per year than Park University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,700 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Park University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than SHU graduates ($19,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Park University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SHU graduates ($201 vs. $258).
• More SHU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Park University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.