This year, an unusually high number of students from JCHS made the decision to continue their education at Sacred Heart University, a trend that is turning heads and sparking curiosity. From strong academic programs to generous financial aid and a supportive campus feel, SHU seems to be the perfect fit for many seniors.
So what’s drawing so many students to Sacred Heart? I asked a few of them to share their reasons, and the answers paint a clear picture of what makes SHU so appealing.
Senior Mya Cornet plans to attend Sacred Heart University in the fall and provided reasoning for why she was drawn to the school. “I really loved the campus and the study abroad program they have,” said Cornet, who is excited about the opportunities SHU provides. “I wanted a school that had seasons, and Sacred Heart could provide that for me. I like that it is not too close but not too far. I still had the ability to live my life while also being close to home.”
Others agreed that location played a big part in their decision, but so did finance and the academics.
For instance, student Kelly Pappas said, “One of the main reasons I wanted to go there was because they gave the most money out of all the schools. Another reason is that I like that it’s not too big or too small. It is the perfect size for me. I prefer smaller classroom sizes and SHU could offer that to me,”
That balance between affordability and fit is something that many students seemed to highlight. In a world where college costs continue to rise, Sacred Heart’s financial aid packages stood out.
For Madison Fragulis, her draw to the school was more personal. She emphasized, “I like that it is a Catholic school and I like the campus as well,” When asked on how she feels about the amount of JCHS students planning to also attend SHU, she replied saying, “I do and don’t like that a lot of people I know are going. I’m excited to meet new people, but happy to have the comfort of people I know there as well.”
That familiar-yet-fresh feeling is something that Sacred Heart seems to offer to local students, combining a welcoming environment with new experiences and opportunities.
Salma Chbihi had a mix of family convenience and academic goals in mind when she chose SHU. She shared, “I chose the school because my aunt lives five minutes away from campus, meaning I could bring my car while also having a house and support system I could go to. More importantly, I heard amazing things about their nursing program and 99% NCLEX passing rate, which was super important to my mom.”
Whether it’s the size, the scholarships, or the support systems, Sacred Heart is clearly doing something right. As the Class of 2025 heads off into the next chapter, a big wave of them will be doing it together at Sacred Heart University!
