Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Fairfield, CT & Tampa, FL
Choosing between The University of Tampa and Sacred Heart University means weighing a meaningful tradeoff: lower annual costs at Tampa versus stronger long-term earnings at Sacred Heart. Both are private nonprofits with business-focused programs, but they operate in different markets — Tampa in Florida, Sacred Heart in Connecticut — and deliver notably different financial outcomes for the typical graduate.
The data reveals a classic cost-versus-earnings tension that makes this comparison genuinely difficult for many families.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$25,000
federal loans
$24,211
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$45,486
borrowed by parents
$53,549
borrowed by parents
Both institutions emphasize Business programs heavily. The University of Tampa concentrates on business fields, with roughly 32% of graduates earning degrees in that area; top programs include Finance and Financial Management Services (150 graduates annually), Marketing (135), and Business Administration (124).
Sacred Heart has a similarly balanced business concentration at 33%, but its largest program is Registered Nursing (190 graduates), followed by Business Administration (148) and Research and Experimental Psychology (134). Sacred Heart's nursing and health science strength likely contributes meaningfully to its higher median earnings, given healthcare's strong salary trajectory.
For students focused on long-term earning potential, Sacred Heart University offers a stronger financial outcome at the median — $15,623 more in annual earnings ten years out — alongside a higher graduation rate and better affordability metrics despite the higher sticker price. The University of Tampa offers a lower annual net price and access to Tampa's growing job market, making it the stronger choice for students seeking a Florida-based career, a more selective admissions environment, or lower upfront costs.
The data points to Sacred Heart as the stronger financial value for students targeting health sciences or Northeast career markets, but the right choice depends on your program interests, geography, and how much debt your family can realistically manage. Both schools present genuine repayment challenges, so careful financial planning is essential regardless of which you choose.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
