Qualified graduate students may be able to obtain financial assistance through a variety of programs. For further information on any of the programs listed below, contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 203-371-7980 or the sponsoring department.
Tuition Discounts
Diocesan Discounts are processed by the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
MAT students employed as teachers by the Dioceses of Bridgeport (call 203-365-4791), Hartford (call 860-396-8465), and Norwich (call 860-376-8408) are eligible for a tuition discount.
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
Graduate students who have been fully matriculated into the University and enrolled at least half-time, may be eligible to receive a federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. This program is administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance and each loan applicant is required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form with the U.S. Department of Education. Once a FAFSA form is processed and the information has been received by the University, the Office of Student Financial Assistance can assist the student in applying for a loan application. We suggest visiting http://www.sacredheart.edu/admissions/financialassistance/graduatestudents for additional information. Full-time graduate students may borrow a maximum of $20,500 per year from the Stafford program. Payment begins six months after graduation, withdrawal, or change to less than half-time status. The student has 10 years to repay the loan.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan
The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is for graduate/professional students who are interested in federal financing in addition to the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Graduate PLUS Loans are available to credit-worthy U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. To process a loan, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and apply for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan. The amount you are eligible to borrow is determined by the total cost of your educational program less the amount you receive from the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford loan and other financial aid.
Federal TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant Program is a non-need based federal program that provides up to $4,000 per year to students enrolled in an eligible TEACH Grant program and who agree to teach as a high-qualified teacher in a high-need field, at a low-income elementary or secondary school for at least four years within eight years of completing the program for which the TEACH grant was awarded. If the grant recipient fails to complete the required teaching service, the TEACH grant is converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest accruing from the date the grant was disbursed. For additional information, please visit http://www.sacredheart.edu/admissions/financialassistance/graduatestudents/scholarshipsgrants/
GI Bill/Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree-granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition and mandatory fee expenses that exceed the national maximum amount payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill ($23,671.94 as of the 2018-2019 academic year). Sacred Heart University and VA will contribute up to the remainder of the tuition and fees not covered by the national maximum. Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. Students may be eligible if they served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001 of at least 36 months, if they were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability, and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, or if they are dependents eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above. Active-duty service members and spouses of active duty service members using transferred entitlement are not eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Under transferred entitlement, a child of an active duty service member is eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program if the service member qualifies for the maximum benefit rate. For additional information please visit http://www.sacredheart.edu/officesservices/registrar/vabenefits/yellowribbonprogram/. Applicants are also encouraged to visit http://explore.va.gov/education-training.
Graduate Research Assistantships
A limited number of graduate research assistantships are available. Assistantships usually carry some tuition remission as they assist faculty with research projects. Students should contact the department directly concerning availability and eligibility requirements.
Graduate Staff Assistantships
A limited number of graduate staff assistantships are made available to graduate students who are fully matriculated and attend school on a full-time basis. Staff assistantships are chosen by the sponsoring academic or administrative department and often pay a stipend as well as some tuition remission. More information may be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 203-371-7980.
Residence Hall Directors
Several residence hall director positions are available through the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services. These are live-in positions and are usually filled by those who are interested in pursuing a career in student services. Residence hall directors are fully matriculated graduate students who attend school on a part-time basis while fulfilling their job responsibilities for the Office of Residential Life. Criteria are very selective and hiring decisions are made in the spring for the subsequent fall term. For further information on this program, contact the Office of Residential Life and Housing Services at 203-416-3417.
Fellowships
Department of Physical Therapy (“DPT”) Emergency Fund
This fund provides emergency assistance to students that require monetary assistance with emergency situations such as travel cost associated with clinical education, family emergency travel, rent support, and the unexpected burdensome costs associated with the DPT program student status.
Luxembourg Student Fellowship
Established to assist students participating in the Luxembourg MBA Program.
Thomas G. Pepe Memorial Award
Established in memory of Dr. Thomas G. Pepe, this award provides support to an outstanding graduate student in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education.
Dr. Margaret Palliser Scholarship
Recipient must be in their final year of the DPT program. Must have interest and commitment to the rehab efforts of those suffering from lymphedema, breast cancer or related women's health problems. Must be in good academic standing and be recommended by Physical Therapy faculty.