Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University, founded in 1963 by Walter W. Curtis, stands as the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England. Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, SHU has grown from its modest beginnings with 200 undergraduate students to a vibrant community of over 11,000 students from more than 40 countries. The university is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, diverse student body, and strong Catholic values.
Sacred Heart University offers over 80 undergraduate programs and 50 graduate programs across six colleges and three schools. It is also home to 33 Division I athletic teams and boasts a strong commitment to community service, with students, faculty, and staff volunteering over 115,000 hours annually.
Highlights
Acceptance Rate- 68%
Total International Students- 1,450
Student to Faculty Ratio- 15:1
Placement Rate- 98%
Sacred Heart University Rankings
Sacred Heart University consistently receives recognition in various national and regional rankings. It’s important to note that rankings can vary depending on the source and the criteria used for evaluation. Here’s a summary of some of SHU’s recent rankings:
Ranking Agency | Rank |
US News National Universities | #231 |
Nursing (US News) | #149 |
Economics (US News) | #240 |
Sacred Heart University Intakes
Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers multiple intakes throughout the academic year, providing undergraduate and graduate students with flexibility. The main intakes are in the Fall (August/September start) and Spring (January start) semesters. Some graduate programs also offer a Late Spring (March start) intake.
Undergraduate Intakes & Deadlines (for Fall 2025):
- Early Decision I (Binding): November 15, 2024 (Closed)
- Early Action I (Non-Binding): December 1, 2024 (Closed)
- Early Decision II (Binding): January 15, 2025 (Closed)
- Early Action II (Non-Binding): February 1, 2025 (Closed)
- Regular Decision: Rolling admissions after February 1, 2025. It’s recommended to apply by February 1st for better assurance of an admission decision.
- Fall (August Start): The General deadline is June 15, 2025, for international postgraduate students.
Graduate Intakes & Deadlines:
- Sacred Heart University’s graduate programs generally offer three intakes:
- Spring (January Start): Application deadline was October 15, 2024 (Closed).
- Late Spring (March Start): Application deadline was December 22, 2024 (Closed).
- Fall (August Start): Application deadline is June 15, 2025.
Some specific graduate programs might have different deadlines, so checking the individual program’s page is crucial. MBA applications are often reviewed on a rolling basis within these main intakes.
Sacred Heart University Courses
Sacred Heart University offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The following are the top graduate programs at Sacred Heart University, along with their tuition fees:
Program Name | Duration | Annual Fees for International Students |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1 – 2 years | $35,460 |
Master of Science in Computer Science & IT | 1 – 2 years | $23,160 |
Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics | 15 months | $29,700 |
Master of Science in Cybersecurity | 15 months | $28,950 |
Master of Science in Digital Marketing | 15 months | $28,368 |
Master of Science in Finance & Investment Management | 1 – 2 years | $27,500 |
Master of Education (M.Ed.) | 18 months | $23,550 (Online) |
Cost of Studying at Sacred Heart University
International students seeking admission to Sacred Heart University will have to incur 72,000 USD for the undergraduate program they are applying to. Here is the cost breakdown:
Cost of Attendance: 2025-2026 Estimated Direct (Living On Campus) Charges | Amount |
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Full-Time Undergraduate) | $52,410 |
On-Campus Housing (median price) | $13,200 |
Big Red Meal Plan (required for all first-year residential students) | $6,700 |
Estimated Direct (Living On Campus) Charges | $72,310 |
Sacred Heart University Scholarships
While Sacred Heart University does offer financial aid to international students, it’s important to understand that these are primarily merit-based scholarships awarded during the admission process for undergraduate programs. There isn’t typically a separate scholarship application for these. Graduate students may have fewer direct university-funded scholarships and might need to explore external funding options or graduate assistantships.
Here’s a table summarizing the information available regarding Sacred Heart University scholarships for international students:
Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Scholarship Amount |
Merit Scholarships | All new undergraduate international students are automatically considered during the admission review process based on their academic record (GPA, transcripts, class rank). | Ranges from $6,000 to 21,000 USD per year (amounts can vary). Renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study if the required GPA is maintained. |
President’s Excellence Award | High academic achievement (specific criteria not publicly detailed). | May cover up to half (50%) of the tuition cost (amount can vary). |
Trustee Scholarship | Strong academic record (specific criteria not publicly detailed). | A set amount each year, awarded on a case-by-case basis (amount not specified). |
College Scholarship | Good academic standing (specific criteria not publicly detailed). | Amount not specified. |
Conley Award | Specific criteria related to academic or other achievements (not publicly detailed). | Amount not specified. |
Sacred Heart University Admissions
Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers a comprehensive admission process for both undergraduate and graduate students, including international applicants. The following section will discuss the admission requirements and top programs at Sacred Heart University.
Masters
Admission Requirements:
Applicants seeking admission will require a minimum Bachelor’s grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on the traditional USA 4.0 scale).
English Language Proficiency Test Requirements:
- Duolingo: 110 (production score minimum 85)
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
Additional Requirements:
International students will have to submit official transcripts, a resume, an essay/personal statement, a letter of recommendation, and a photocopy of the passport.
Bachelors
Admission Requirements:
SHU takes a holistic approach to the admission process, and its UG admission requirements consider a variety of factors. They look at your:
- Academic performance in high school (as evidenced by GPA, college-level, honors, and AP/IB courses)
- Co-curricular activities such as athletics, club and organization participation, volunteerism, and involvement in the arts
- Personal qualities and interests that will allow you to make a unique addition to the Sacred Heart community
- SHU is a test-optional institution. You may elect to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration; however, there is no requirement to do so.
English Language Proficiency Test Requirements:
- Duolingo: 110 (production score minimum 85)
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
Additional Requirements:
International students will have to submit a letter of recommendation, a personal statement/essay, a copy of their passport, and official transcripts.
Accommodation at Sacred Heart University
SHU offers a variety of on-campus housing options for undergraduate students, ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style living. Graduate students can contact the Office of Residential Life to find out about availability, however, precise details may differ.
- On-Campus Housing for Undergraduates: SHU provides a diverse range of residential experiences across its 12 on-campus dorms. These are categorized to suit different preferences and class years.
- Off-Campus Housing: Juniors and seniors have the option to live off-campus. There are various apartments and houses for rent in the vicinity of Sacred Heart University, in Fairfield and neighboring towns like Bridgeport and Trumbull.
Sacred Heart University Placements
Sacred Heart University (SHU) provides comprehensive career development services through its Center for Career & Professional Development to assist students and alumni in their career journeys.
Top Employers: Yale New Haven Health, Deloitte, KPMG LLP, Yale New Haven Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, Stamford Hospital.
Student Essential Services
Sacred Heart University offers a vibrant and engaging student life experience. With over 11,000 students, the university fosters a strong sense of community through a wide array of activities and organizations.
- Diverse Student Body: Students come from over 40 countries, creating a rich and multicultural environment.
- Active Campus Engagement: Over 100 student-run clubs and organizations cover academic interests, arts and culture, community service, faith-based groups, Greek life, and special interests.
- Strong Greek Life: Approximately 15% of undergraduates are involved in fraternities and sororities, contributing to social events and philanthropic activities.
- Division I Athletics: SHU boasts 33 NCAA Division I athletic teams, which provide opportunities for student-athletes and foster school spirit among the entire community.
- Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene: Students can engage in various artistic pursuits through music ensembles, theatre productions, dance groups, and art clubs. The Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts hosts numerous events.
- Commitment to Service: SHU emphasizes community engagement, with students contributing over 115,000 hours of service annually through various initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
- Residential Life: Over 50% of undergraduates live on campus, fostering a close-knit community. Many freshmen (around 91%) live in residence halls, facilitating integration into university life.
Sacred Heart University provides a well-rounded student experience with many opportunities for academic, social, athletic, and personal growth within a supportive and diverse community.
Location of Sacred Heart University
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the English language requirements for Sacred Heart University?
International students applying to Sacred Heart University typically need to demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following: a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a minimum PTE Academic score of 62, or a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 110.
Is on-campus housing available for international undergraduate students at HU?
Yes, on-campus housing is available for international undergraduate students at Sacred Heart University. While it’s not explicitly guaranteed for all four years, 91% of first-year students live on campus, and over 50% of the total undergraduate population resides in university housing.
What are the average SAT/ACT scores for admitted undergraduate international students at SHU?
Submitting SAT/ACT scores is optional for undergraduate admission to Sacred Heart University. However, for those who do submit, the middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1140-1300 and ACT scores between 23-26.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Sacred Heart University?
The student-to-faculty ratio at Sacred Heart University is approximately 15:1, which suggests smaller class sizes and more opportunities for international students to interact directly with professors and receive personalized attention.
What is the total international student enrollment at Sacred Heart University?
Sacred Heart University has a diverse student body with international students coming from over 40 countries. The specific total number of international students fluctuates, but they form a significant part of the over 11,000 total enrolled students.
Can international students work part-time while studying at SHU on an F-1 visa?
F-1 visa regulations in the United States specifically restrict off-campus employment for international students. Generally, F-1 students at Sacred Heart University may be eligible for limited on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
