Loans & Financing Options
A college education only appreciates in value. The superior education, quality experiences and ample opportunities available at Sacred Heart University set each student up for an extremely successful future. Within our graduating class of 2024, 65% of our students borrowed through Federal Direct Loan programs - with an average 4-year indebtedness of $22,788 upon graduation. Also, within the graduating class of 2024, 22% of our students borrowed private loan programs – with their average indebtedness at graduation $74,071.
- Percentage of full-time students who graduate within 6 years: 73%
- Percentage of borrowers entering repayment and defaulting on their loan: 0.0%
- Sacred Heart University: 0.0%
- National: 0.0%
Federal Loan Programs
Federal Direct Loan Subsidized Program
The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan program is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need beyond what their financial aid package covers. With this loan, the federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled at least half time, and repayment of the principal is not required during enrollment. Eligible students must be enrolled in at least six credits in an undergraduate program. Borrowing limits increase by academic year, allowing students to borrow up to $3,500 in their first year, $4,500 in their second year, and $5,500 in their third and fourth years. The cumulative borrowing limit for subsidized loans is $23,000.
Please note, students who drop below full‑time status will have their loan amounts reduced in direct proportion to their enrollment.
Federal Direct Loan Unsubsidized Program
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program is available to students regardless of demonstrated financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, interest accrues while the student is enrolled, although borrowers may choose to defer payments until after leaving school. Students must also maintain at least half-time enrollment. Dependent undergraduate students may borrow an additional $2,000 annually through this program, while independent students are eligible for higher amounts, up to $6,000 per year during the first two years and up to $7,000 per year during the final two years. The aggregate borrowing limit is $8,000 for dependent students and $34,500 for independent students.
Please note, students who drop below full‑time status will have their loan amounts reduced in direct proportion to their enrollment.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is designed for parents of dependent undergraduate students and offers a way to finance the remaining cost of education after other financial aid has been applied. Parent borrowers may borrow up to $20,000 per student, with an overall aggregate amount of $65,000. If you are the parent of a current student who has borrowed federal loans and meet certain eligibility requirements, you may be able to borrow additional funds. This loan is restricted to the biological, adoptive and stepparents. Legal guardians do not qualify as parents for federal aid purposes. Students with legal guardians and no living parents qualify as independent students and may receive increased Direct Loans.