Sagrado was founded in 1880 and in 1907 moved to its present location, in what was then a suburban neighborhood of large homes and rolling grounds. Since then, San Juan has grown around the university's well-shaded 33-acre campus, and the University has grown into the city through educational, cultural and service projects, and the senior-year capstone experience.

Sagrado is a private and selective university, with small classes, engaged professors, and an active campus life. However, Sagrado costs less than an in-state student would pay at most public universities, and it costs much less than comparable private universities.