Sacred Heart University (SHU)
Major Intakes
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Ranking
Excellence Recognized Worldwide
National Universities (U.S. News 2025)
Best Student-Life Colleges USA
QS World Rankings 2025
Academic Programs & Deadlines
University Overview / History
Sacred Heart University (SHU) is a private, Roman Catholic university established in 1963 in Fairfield, Connecticut. With over 11,000 students, SHU offers 90+ programs across six colleges and three schools. Known for strong nursing, business, and health sciences programs.
Foundation & Key Facts
- Founded: 1963
- Enrollment: 11,000+
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Avg Class Size: 24
- 98% placement rate
- Students from 49 states & 45+ countries
Location Insights (City / State)
Fairfield is a coastal town in southwestern Connecticut, 60 miles from NYC and 150 miles from Boston. Safe suburban environment with beach access along Long Island Sound.
About Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut is a charming New England town known for excellent schools, beautiful beaches, and proximity to NYC. Safe suburban lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.
| Expense | Undergraduate | Graduate | MBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $52,090 | $14,475 - $32,505 | $32,505 |
| Health Insurance | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Books | $1,200 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Living | $19,140 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
| Total | $74,930 | $33,175 - $51,205 | $51,205 |
Career Opportunities
| Companies & Industry Exposure | Job & Employability |
|---|---|
| Amazon, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, IBM, HubSpot, ESPN, Habitat for Humanity | 98% employed/continuing education within 12 months |
| Median salary: $60,000 | |
| Career fair: Connect to Careers | |
| Handshake job portal |
Admission Procedure
| Admissions & Test Prep Admission Requirements | Language Requirements |
|---|---|
| GPA: 3.0+ | TOEFL iBT: 80 |
| SAT/ACT: Optional | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Application Fee: $50 (UG) / $75 (Grad) | PTE: 62 |
| Official transcripts | Duolingo: 11 |
| Course-by-course credential evaluation (WES/SpanTran) | |
| Letters of Recommendation | |
| Personal Statement |
Funding & International Student Support
| Scholarships & Financial Aid | Visa Process | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-Based Scholarships: $6,000-$20,000/year (President's Excellence Award, Trustee Scholarship, College Scholarship, Conley Award) | I-20 issued after admission & financial verification ($60,800+ required) F-1 Visa application at least 6 weeks before term starts Visa guidance through SHU International & Immigration Services Contact: barnump@sacredheart.edu | +1-203-396-6400 | Copy of Passport |
| Automatically considered upon admission | Bank Statement showing $60,800+ | |
| External: Inlaks Foundation ($100,000), Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships | Resume/CV (for graduate programs) | |
| GRE/GMAT: Not required |
Student Testimonials
Faith
USASacred Heart is a vibrant and diverse school community. I've only visited one time, but everywhere we went was full of students and staff who were welcoming and involved in the work. They have a great performing arts center and an excellent education program. I am excited to become a member of the SHU community!
Samantha
USAI loved the small class sizes of Sacred Heart and that the campus was really beautiful.
Elyanna
USAI visited Sacred Heart University four times as a Junior and senior student in High School. I fell in love immediately. I felt a sense of community and belonging, looking at their students and staff. What also attracts me is their high reviews and ranking for their nursing program. I want to be part of a college that takes education seriously and will give me the best training to become the best nurse.
amy
USAOne of the biggest positives I notice is the sense of connection. Everything I’ve seen suggests that students are encouraged to get involved and really become part of the campus community, whether through academics, athletics, clubs, or service opportunities. Everyone I've had the pleasure of being in contact with has been helpful and supportive as I transition back to school at Sacred Heart.
Amanda
USAI knew Sacred Heart University had a strong nursing program, with excellent faculty and facilities and a beautiful campus - it was perfect for me on paper. But what secured it for me as my top choice was when I visited the campus. As soon as I walked through the front gates I knew I was in the right place for me. It felt like home. And after meeting some of the students, talking with the professors and seeing the new Davis & Henley College of Nursing I was sold. SHU is the best decision I've made so far.
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