Your chances of getting into Sacred Heart University
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at SHU is 67.7%. Its admission rate is the 12th lowest in Connecticut.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into SHU and can you get accepted?
SHU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 9,667 out of the 14,284 who applied were admitted.
Sacred Heart University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.55. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 20% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into SHU?
68% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to Sacred Heart University you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 3.55 or better
- Earn B+ grades in high school
- Graduate in the top half of your high school class
SHU GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into Sacred Heart University?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into SHU are to have around a 3.55 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.
If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as SHU accepts 68% of students who apply.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at SHU is 3.55 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #8 in Connecticut for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since SHU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
SHU SAT Scores
Testing Requirements
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by Sacred Heart University. The school has a test blind policy.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Average SAT Score | N/A |
SHU ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 25th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 25th Percentile | N/A |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Math 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Composite 75th Percentile | N/A |
| Average ACT Score | N/A |
High School Class Rank
69% of Sacred Heart University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 35% are in the top quarter.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 10% |
| Top 25% of class | 35% |
| Top 50% of class | 69% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 9,240 | 5,044 | 14,284 |
| Accepted | 6,460 | 3,207 | 9,667 |
| Acceptance Rate | 70% | 64% | 68% |
| Enrolled | 1,174 | 731 | 1,905 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 18% | 23% | 20% |
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Sacred Heart University is $50.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Sacred Heart University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind) |
| High School GPA | Required to be considered for admission |
| High School Class Rank | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
| Recommendations | Required to be considered for admission |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Not required for admission, but considered if submitted |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | Yes |
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Sacred Heart University often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=130253 IPEDS survey data for Sacred Heart University.
Last updated February 24, 2025