Cost of Education

When planning for a Sacred Heart University education, it is important to consider the different costs you may incur throughout your academic journey. Understanding your estimated cost of attendance can help you create a realistic budget and make informed decisions about financing your education, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and other personal expenses.

Direct Costs

Direct Costs include tuition & fees, housing (if living on campus) and meals.

Cost of Attendance: 2026-2027 Estimated Direct (Living On Campus) Charges	Amount
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Full-Time Undergraduate)	$54,520
On-Campus Housing (median price)	$13,730
Big Red Meal Plan (required for all first-year residential students)	$6,970
Estimated Direct (Living On Campus) Charges	$75,220

Cost of Attendance: 2026-2027 Estimated Direct (Commuter) Charges	Amount
Tuition & Mandatory Fees (Full-Time Undergraduate)	$54,520
Jefferson Meal Plan (required for all commuter students.)	$1,030
Estimated Direct (Commuter) Charges	$55,550

Indirect Costs

Indirect costs are not charged by Sacred Heart University and will vary based on individual circumstances, living arrangements, academic program, and personal spending habits. While indirect costs are not billed by the University, they represent real expenses associated with attending college and should be included in your financial planning. Understanding these costs can help students and families develop a more accurate budget and make informed borrowing decisions.

Indirect costs include:

Housing & Food (Off-Campus Living Expenses)

For students renting off-campus, we estimate approximately $14,300 per academic year for housing and food expenses. The Office of Residential Life can be an excellent resource for students living off-campus and provides additional information for off-campus finances. For students living with parents or relatives we budget approximately $3,150 per academic year.
Books & Course Materials

The average first-year student spends approximately $1,200 per academic year on books and course materials. Depending on a student's major, costs may be higher. Students enrolled in science, healthcare, and business programs may spend $1,200 to $1,400 annually.
Supplies & Equipment

Academic supplies and technology should be included in your educational expenses. Sacred Heart University strongly encourages all full-time undergraduate students to maintain a personal laptop that meets University technology requirements. Students should budget approximately $1,650 per academic year for supplies and equipment, including computer-related expenses. You can learn more about SHU's Laptop Program.
Transportation

Students should plan for transportation costs such as travel to and from home, local commuting, and other transportation-related expenses.

Living on campus: approximately $1,000 per year
Living off campus or with parents/relatives: approximately $1,500 per year
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

Personal expenses vary by student and may include clothing, toiletries, haircuts, entertainment, and other day-to-day necessities. Students should budget approximately $1,500 per academic year for miscellaneous personal expenses.
Federal Student Loan Fees

Students who borrow through the federal student loan programs should account for loan origination fees. Actual costs will vary based on borrowing amounts, but incoming students can expect average fees of approximately $58 per academic year.
Health Insurance

Federal law requires all students to maintain health insurance coverage. Students are automatically billed for the University's Student Health Insurance Plan; however, they may waive this coverage if they are enrolled in a comparable health insurance plan that meets University requirements. The cost of the University-sponsored health insurance plan is $3,252 for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The University offers a payment plan for the final cost of attendance.

We understand that a Sacred Heart education is a significant investment. In today's world, a college degree is more essential than ever, and we're here to help make it attainable. If there's a gap between your financial aid and your family's resources, there are other long-term options. Families have the option of financing their share through federal and private educational loan programs. Many families consider educational loan options in addition or in lieu of a University payment plan.