Sacred Heart University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Sacred Heart University (SHU) is 65.71%. This means that 66 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitive are Sacred Heart University Admissions?
- Competitive: Applicants need good academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

To secure admission, you must convince the admission staff that you are both mentally and physically fit for the course of study. More importantly, your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. Additionally, if you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as the SHU is not very strict in its admission process, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
As the acceptance rate is above 50%, you still have a chance if your GPA is not excellent. You can make up for a lower GPA by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can enhance your admission chances.
Sacred Heart University Admission Requirements
SHU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at SHU is 3.55. SHU is highly selective.
Mostly A’s with a few B’s will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
If your GPA is between 3.25 and 3.55, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended. You need at least a 3.15 GPA to secure admission.
Can I Get Into SHU Without SAT Or ACT?: Sacred Heart University does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Sacred Heart University (SHU) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
SHU Profile
Name: Sacred Heart University (SHU)
City: Fairfield
State: Connecticut
Type: Non-Profit Private
Zip: 06825-1000
Campus: Main
Accredited by: New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
How much does a degree from SHU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Sacred Heart University is USD: 64621. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Sacred Heart University is much less than this.
How can I get a scholarship?
15.91% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 57.23 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to SHU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Sacred Heart University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist SHU as your choice in the form.
How much a SHU Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the SHU graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 75059. An average SHU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
Full list of All degree programs offered by Sacred Heart University.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.