Scholarships & Grants
At Sacred Heart University, we believe that education is one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself and your future. Our personal approach and strong commitment to financial aid help graduate students pursue their academic goals with confidence and support. Whether you're advancing your career or exploring a new path, we’re here to guide you through the financial aid process every step of the way.
University Grants & Scholarships
To provide maximum access to graduate students as they invest in a Sacred Heart University education, a variety of institutional financial assistance programs have been designed which recognize students’ academic achievements, leadership in the SHU community, as well as financial need. For personalized guidance and to learn which programs you may qualify for, please contact your Graduate Admissions Counselor or Financial Assistance Counselor.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Assistants (GAs) provide services such as administrative and faculty support. In return, these students are eligible to receive a compensation package consisting of a tuition waiver and/or stipend; and in some cases, a housing waiver and/or meal plan. Applicants must be formally accepted into a degree-seeking graduate program prior to applying for a GA position.
For additional information on graduate assistantships, please visit our Graduate Assistants & Hall Directors section.
Endowed Scholarships
Sacred Heart University awards Endowed Scholarships to a limited number of graduate students. Students who qualify will be identified and emailed by Student Financial Assistance and invited to apply. Scholarship committees will meet and award scholarships throughout the academic year. Students will be notified as they are awarded a scholarship. In some instances, Sacred Heart University, is contractually obligated to share information about each student recipient. As a scholarship recipient, you may be asked, by University Advancement, to provide a bio and/or photo to be shared with the contact of the specific scholarship you have been awarded.
Federal TEACH Grant
For undergraduate and graduate students who are taking or will be taking coursework necessary to become an elementary or secondary teacher. TEACH Grants may go up to $4,000 per academic year.
Recipient must sign an Agreement to Serve agreeing that they will teach full-time in a designated teacher shortage area for four complete years (within eight years of completing academic program) at an elementary or secondary school serving children from low-income families in a high-need field.
If service obligation is not met, grant will convert to Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest accrued from the date the grant was disbursed.
For more information, visit our TEACH Grant page.
GI Bill/ Yellow Ribbon Program
Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding.
Therefore, they may be eligible if:
- they served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months
- they were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and they served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001
- they are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
For more information, visit the Yellow Ribbon Program in the Registrar's office.
Outside Scholarships
Student Financial Assistance regularly receives notifications of outside scholarship opportunities and posts them to the SFA website.