Freshman Admission

You want a school that delivers academic excellence and real-world relevance. A place where a vibrant, positive community supports your growth. A university already recognized for its achievements—and always striving for what's next. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Sacred Heart. We hope you’ll join us.

Learn About Our Fall 2025 First-Year Class

Let’s Connect and Start the Conversation.

A campus visit is more than a tour—it's a vital step in your admissions journey at Sacred Heart University.  

We invite all prospective students to experience firsthand what makes our SHU community unique.

Important Dates & Deadlines

Students who wish to be considered for federal and state financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile is required to be considered for institutional grants and scholarships and other private sources of financial assistance. Refer to the Office of Student Financial Assistance for deadlines for the completion of the FAFSA and CSS Profile that correspond to each decision plan.

Learn more about financial assistance for freshmen

Freshman Admission Requirements

We take a holistic approach to the admission process, and our admission requirements consider a variety of factors. We look at your:

• Academic performance in high school (as evidenced by GPA; college-level, honors and AP/IB courses)
• Recommendation
• Co-curricular activities such as athletics, club and organization participation, volunteerism, and involvement in the arts
• Personal qualities and interests that will allow you to make a unique addition to the Sacred Heart community
• SHU is a test-optional institution. You may elect to submit SAT or ACT scores for consideration; however, there is no requirement to do so. If you are unsure whether you would like your scores considered, contact your admissions counselor. Learn more about our test-optional policy.