S
Private 4 Year

SHU Admission Requirements

Fairfield, Connecticut

 5 Reviews

Your chances of getting into Sacred Heart University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

66.1%
Admission Difficulty for Sacred Heart University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Unavailable 
Applicant Competition Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at SHU is 66.1%.  Its admission rate is the 9th 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, 8,373 out of the 12,663 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. 22% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into SHU?

66% 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
  • Submit letters of recommendation from your teachers

SHU GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.55

Typical High School Grades 

B+

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 66% 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 2022

Calculate My Chances 

SHU SAT Scores

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required or recommended by Sacred Heart University.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting SAT 

-
SAT Scores for Sacred Heart University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
SAT Scores for Sacred Heart University
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
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

SHU ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

Not Reported

Applicants Submitting ACT 

-
ACT Scores for Sacred Heart University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile N/A
Math 25th Percentile N/A
Composite 25th Percentile N/A
ACT Scores for Sacred Heart University
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
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

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 for admitted Sacred Heart University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 10%
Top 25% of class 35%
Top 50% of class 69%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Sacred Heart University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 8,494 4,169 12,663
Accepted 5,783 2,590 8,373
Acceptance Rate 68% 62% 66%
Enrolled 1,220 622 1,842
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 21% 24% 22%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting class

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?

Sacred Heart University Application Requirements
Test Scores Neither required nor recommended
High School GPA Required
High School Class Rank Recommended
Completion of College Preparatory Program Recommended
Recommendations Required
Demonstration of Competencies Neither required nor recommended

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Sacred Heart University
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.

FAQs

What is my chance of getting into Sacred Heart University?

66% of those who apply are granted admission to SHU. Admission competition is low and the college has unavailable admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.