University Financial Assistance Programs
Sacred Heart University’s personal approach and strong commitment to financial aid helps our students achieve their educational goals. To provide further access to families as they invest in a Sacred Heart University education, a variety of university financial assistance programs have been designed which recognize students’ academic and extracurricular achievements as well as the financial needs of our families.
Merit Scholarship Programs
All new students are considered for merit scholarships as part of the admission application review process (a separate scholarship application is not required). Merit scholarships are awarded by the Scholarship Review Committee and are based on the review of each student’s high school transcript, class rank and extracurricular achievements. Course selection and overall grade point average are weighed heavily in the review process. Sacred Heart University’s Test-Optional Admissions Policy does apply to the review for merit scholarships. However, if candidates feel their test scores provide further evidence of academic ability and potential, or to be considered for the honors program, they may wish to submit them to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Merit scholarships are renewable for four years (eight semesters) of full-time undergraduate study provided the student maintains the required cumulative GPA established for their specific scholarship. Merit scholarships are only awarded at the time of admission. There should be no expectation that the amount will increase in subsequent years. Scholarships are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The merit scholarship categories include the following: President’s Excellence Award, Trustee Scholarship, College Scholarship and Conley Award ranging from $7,000 to $17,500.
Students who are accepted into the Honors Program are eligible to receive an additional Thomas More Honors Scholarship of $2,000.
Students transferring to Sacred Heart University may be eligible for academic scholarships based on academic achievements at their previous post-secondary institutions. Programs include: Phi Theta Kappa, Transfer Achievement Award, and Connecticut Community College Scholarship.
Note: Scholarship programs, criteria, and amounts are subject to change.
Activity-Based Programs
Sacred Heart University offers activity-based grant and scholarship programs for full-time undergraduate students who participate in various student life programs on campus. Awards are based on level of activity and participation, and include programs such as Intercollegiate Athletics, Community Service, Pioneer Bands, University Choir, Theatre Arts, University Dance, Catholic Social Thought Scholars, Student Leadership, Undergraduate Research Assistants, Classroom Learning Assistants (CLA), Resident Assistants (RA), and others. Award ranges vary and annual renewal of these grants requires continued participation in the grant-awarding program.
Need-Based Programs
In our continued effort to assist families in their educational investment, Sacred Heart University offers need-based grants that provide students with affordability and access, through the Sacred Heart University Grant-In-Aid, Bishop Curtis Award, and Pioneer Grant programs. Consistent with our historical mission, the University has maintained its commitment to the surrounding area by offering the following:
Endowed Scholarships
Endowed scholarships established by private organizations, corporations, and individuals are offered in varying amounts to academically worthy students. At the time of publication of this catalog, the scholarships described therein were available. Awards are made at the discretion of the University as funds are available.
Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established for incoming or continuing full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, involvement, and leadership in community service and/or extra-curricular activities.
George I. Alden Trust Endowed Scholarship
A scholarship program for full-time undergraduate students who are economically disadvantaged, who have academic promise, who possess certain characteristics known to correlate with success at Sacred Heart University, and for whom this University can “open doors.” Indicators for success at the University include such factors as academic performance in high school, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities, and the ability to engage in University activities (e.g. through athletics, community service, or other student activities). This endowed scholarship program was made possible by the generous support of the George I. Alden Trust.
Julius Andrasi Memorial Scholarship
Preference is given to students interested in the theatrical field or related fields of writing and media studies. The award was established in honor of Julius Andrasi, a deceased member of the class of 1969.
Dorothy I. Anger Scholarship
Dorothy Anger, deceased director of alumni relations and student activities, founded the Gold Key Club, an organization whose members represent the University at its events.
Michael Arnold Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1994 in memory of Michael Arnold, deceased director of the Stamford Campus at Sacred Heart University, this award assists Bridgeport students who are pursuing pre-med or nursing studies.
John T. Balamaci Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1972 in honor of John T. Balamaci, an English major who died in his third year at Sacred Heart University, this award is given to a full-time student with a minimum 3.0 GPA and upon recommendation by an instructor.
Dr. Daniel T. Banks Scholarship
This award is given to a deserving student majoring in science. The recipient must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students interested in a career in medicine. Dr. Banks was a prominent Bridgeport physician.
Arthur J. Brissette Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship, in memory of a deceased member of the University community, is available to undergraduates majoring in accounting or business. It is based on the student’s academic excellence or financial need.
Stephen T. Bowers Endowed Scholarship
To support two senior students who have a desire to enter clinical practice in cardiology.
John W. Brookes Memorial Scholarship
This is an award for any student who demonstrates academic excellence and financial need. The scholarship was established in the memory of Dr. John W. Brookes, a member of the math and computer science faculty at Sacred Heart University.
Scott Browning Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established by James Browning and his family in memory of his brother Scott Browning and their parents, George and Judy Browning. Preference is given to a full-time undergraduate student majoring in computer science and/or a qualified incoming freshman from Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, Connecticut, or another Catholic high school in the Diocese of Bridgeport. Candidates may be full-time students experiencing hardship.
Bullard Scholarship
This scholarship, established by the Bullard Company, is given to a full-time business major.
Lou Cerminara Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2002 by the family of Lou Cerminara, deceased member of the University’s Public Safety staff, this scholarship benefits “solid” students exhibiting the potential to excel. Recipients will demonstrate community service and/ or student life involvement. Preference is given, but not limited, to candidates who are Criminal Justice majors. Preference is given, but not limited, to candidates of Italian-American heritage. Candidates must be Connecticut residents who have financial need or special circumstances.
Philip and Anne Cernera Endowed Scholarship Fund
Established in honor of Philip and Anne Cernera, this scholarship provides support to students who are active in the Campus Ministry Program, are academically qualified and demonstrate financial need.
Ruth and Anthony Cernera Scholarship
This scholarship honors Dr. and Mrs. Cernera and is endowed by Michael C. Dailey ’75, University alumnus and former member of the University’s Board of Trustees. The objective is to identify full-time undergraduate students who are economically disadvantaged, who have academic promise, who possess certain characteristics known to correlate with success at Sacred Heart University, and for whom the University can “open doors.” Awards are made from the yield of the fund according to the University spending policy.
Class of 1994 Endowment
This scholarship, founded by the senior class of 1994, is designed to recognize a student entering his or her senior year who has made contributions through community service.
Alvin T. Clinkscales Endowed Scholarship
Created in memory of Mr. Alvin Clinkscales who was a key administrator in the areas of student life, particularly in student financial assistance and athletics.
Evelyn M. Conley Scholarship Fund for the Study of Law
This award, made annually, provides one scholarship to a student (full-time or part- time) in his or her senior year at Sacred Heart University, who has applied to and has been accepted at a law school. The award is based solely on academic achievement. Financial consideration will only be applied if more than one qualified candidate exists. This award, founded to honor the memory of Evelyn Conley, wife of former University President William Conley, was established by Mrs. Karin Douglas ’84.
Patricia H. Cook Endowment Scholarship
Established to recognize and honor Patricia Hemenway Cook, this scholarship supports students enrolled in the performing arts programs.
Bishop Curtis Scholarship Fund
Established to honor the University’s founder, Bishop Walter Curtis, and provides need-based scholarships for undergraduate students.
Mary M. Donahue Scholarship
This award, established by Donald J. Donahue in memory of his wife, supports deserving minority students.
Kaitlyn Doorhy Scholarship
Provides scholarship support to a student resembling the qualities and characteristics of Kaitlyn Doorhy, a student who tragically passed away at the start of her junior year in 2014. Candidates must be a continuing undergraduate student enrolled full-time in the University, be a student entering his/her junior year, demonstrate financial need, and be a resident of Long Island, NY.
Charles T. Eby Memorial Scholarship
This award, given to a full-time history major entering senior year, requires high academic standing. The scholarship is in memory of Charles T. Eby, an associate professor of history at the time of his death.
Douglas Edwards Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of renowned newscaster Douglas Edwards, this scholarship is awarded to students majoring in media studies or broadcast journalism.
Jonathan T. Evanish Scholarship
This scholarship provides support for a deserving nursing student.
Isabelle T. Farrington Endowed Scholarships
Established in 2002 by Mrs. Isabelle Farrington, this scholarship is available to a student in the junior or senior class who, during the previous year, demonstrated (1) superior academic performance and potential by ranking in the top 10 percent of his or her class, and (2) a sincere interest in, and practice of, the principles of citizenship and religion for which Sacred Heart University has been established as a Catholic university.
Babu George Endowed Scholarship
A scholarship program for full-time undergraduate chemistry majors, in memory of Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Babu George, who was a long-time faculty member and Chair of the Chemistry Department.
Cathy Goodale Endowed Scholarship
To support an incoming or continuing full-time undergraduate student that demonstrates a financial need and medical hardship as a result of cystic fibrosis.
iFun “Incidental Fund for Undergraduate Nursing”
This fund provides monetary support for undergraduate nursing students for small but essential necessities, to allow them to continue in the program.
Julia Sugrue Gorman Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2002 by the generosity of alumnae Maureen Gorman '68 and Kathleen Gorman Crapanzano '68 in honor of their mother, the scholarship assists students with a solid academic record who demonstrate community service and/or student-life involvement.
Hans J. Gram Endowed Scholarship
Founded to honor Hans J. Gram, this scholarship provides financial assistance to academically promising students.
Gary Hanna Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2001, this scholarship memorializes Gary Hanna, deceased member of the class of 1974. It will benefit entering freshmen from Westhill High School in Stamford showing a high school senior year GPA of at least 3.0.
Preference is given to candidates of Lebanese or Lebanese-American descent. Candidates must be from a Christian background.
Alexander Hawley Memorial Scholarship
This award is made in memory of Alexander Hawley, a long-time trustee and honorary degree recipient at Sacred Heart University.
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship
A scholarship program for full-time undergraduate students with need. Its purpose is to help economically-disadvantaged, underserved students to gain access to a quality education. This endowed scholarship program was made possible by the generous support of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.
Eric Hernandez ’05 Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2006 by his family, friends and teammates, this scholarship honors Eric Hernandez ’05, deceased alumnus and former member of the University’s football team. It will be given to a qualified member of the football team who, as a student-athlete, has demonstrated Eric’s qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, and love of the game of football. Eric Hernandez was a member of the 2001 1-AA Mid-Major National Champions team that completed an undefeated 11-0 season. He went on to star on the New York Police Department Football Team.
Joan M. Heybruck Community Service Scholarship
Awards scholarships to junior or senior students majoring in social work, have a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate engagement in community service.
Anne S. Jandrisevits Scholarship
Provides scholarship support to students based on demonstrated financial need.
James Joy Scholarship
Established through the estate of James Joy, this award is made to a deserving student with financial need.
James River Corporation Scholarship
Established by the James River Corporation of Norwalk, this award assists minority students.
John Katona Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of John “Chubby” Katona, a former employee of the University.
Keating Family Scholarship
Established by the estate of Loretta M. Keating of Bridgeport, this scholarship is awarded to deserving students with financial need.
John J. And Stella M. Kraieski Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an academically talented student, the scholarship was established by an estate gift of John Kraieski.
L. Dennis and Kimberly Kozlowski Scholarship
To be eligible the candidate must demonstrate financial need, must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their enrollment at SHU and must be a Business School Major
Laborer’s Local 665 Scholarship
Founded by Laborer’s Local 665 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this scholarship is given to full-time undergraduate students at Sacred Heart University who are members of Local 665 and/or the sons or daughters of members.
Dorothy P. Lansdale Scholarship
This award is given to a nursing student who demonstrates outstanding academic and professional abilities.
Cynthia Jean Lynch Endowed Scholarship
Established by Betty S. Lynch, in memory of her daughter, Cynthia Jean Lynch, the fund provides assistance to students enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences who are declared Criminal Justice majors and who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.
Stephen and Mary Marcinko Fund
Established by an estate gift in 2002, this fund will benefit Slovak American or native Slovak students at Sacred Heart University showing the highest standard in scholarship and leadership.
La Flor Silvestre: The M. Theresa Martinez Endowed Scholarship
Established to recognize and honor deceased alumna M. Theresa Martinez’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. The recipient must be Hispanic female, must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, shall major in the Arts & Sciences, Education, or Health Professions. Shall engage in meaningful community service. Must show financial need and will receive a letter of recommendation by the committee formed to represent the donors to the fund and family of M. Theresa Martinez.
Frank and Marisa Martire Endowed Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to encourage and assist a well-qualified student from the city of Bridgeport or Fairfield County or for a student that comes from an underprivileged background. A candidate must be a continuing undergraduate student enrolled full-time in the University. It is preferred that the student be a rising sophomore, demonstrate a 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need
Mechanics & Farmers Scholarship
Established in 1971, this scholarship is awarded to an academically talented full-time student.
Lucy Medaglia Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship, established by former University President Anthony J. Cernera in memory of his grandmother, supports students preparing to be teachers.
Beatrice T. Pace Endowed Scholarship
Established through the estate of Ms. Pace, the scholarship provides aid for students who are in the top ten percent of their class and demonstrate financial need.
Thomas P. Melady Leadership Award
Established in honor of Thomas P. Melady, fifth president of Sacred Heart University, this award is given to full-time students through the Presidential Internship Program. Recipients must demonstrate leadership, academic potential, and community involvement.
Harold and Ann Miller Scholarship
Established in 1988 by Harold and Ann Miller, this award is given to adult undergraduate, part-time students who have completed at least two semesters at the University and have demonstrated financial need.
Mucerino Family Endowed Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to encourage and assist well-qualified, promising students within the University. To be eligible the candidate must demonstrate financial need, and must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout his or her enrollment at SHU.
Near and Far Aid Association Scholarship
Established by the Near and Far Aid Association, this scholarship supports a full-time female student with a cumulative average of 3.0. Instructor’s recommendation and demonstrated financial need are necessary for consideration of award.
Sandra Lynn Nobili Memorial Scholarship
This award is given to a Catholic student entering senior year and planning a career in elementary education. Selected by members of the Education Department, the recipient must have a cumulative average of 3.0 or better.
Oaklawn Foundation Endowed Scholarship
A scholarship program for full-time undergraduate students who have a demonstrated record of and commitment to community service. This endowed scholarship program was made possible by the generous support of the Oaklawn Foundation.
William P. O’Boy Family Scholarship
This scholarship is given to a deserving student with financial need. Preference is given to students from the Danbury-Bethel area.
Dr. Margaret Palliser Endowment for Physical Therapy
This endowment was established in 2001 by Mrs. Karin Douglas '84 to fund Physical Therapy Scholarships and Special Projects. The fund has been set up to honor Dr. Margaret Palliser, former University Assistant Vice President for Mission.
Michael J. Passariello Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship, given by Mrs. Ann Passariello in memory of her son Michael, a member of Sacred Heart University’s alumni, are selected through demonstrated past performance showing that they are capable of succeeding at the University. Preference is given to qualified parishioners of Holy Infant Church in Orange, Connecticut, or residents of the town of Orange.
Robert M. Paul Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship, given by Mr. and Mrs. William H. Paul of Trumbull in memory of their son, Robert, are selected on scholastic achievement and demonstrated financial need. Candidates must be full- time undergraduate students, Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic High School graduates, and/or experiencing hardship.
Arianna S. Petillo Endowed Scholarship
To provide scholarship support for a female undergraduate student enrolled full-time in the University’s Welch College of Business.
Elizabeth M. Pfriem Scholarship
Mrs. Elizabeth M. Pfriem has established this scholarship to benefit qualified students from the inner-city schools of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Bette Pinder Memorial Scholarship
This award, in memory of former staff member Bette Pinder, is given to an incoming freshman from the greater Bridgeport area who demonstrates financial need.
Charles Plohn Art Scholarship
Established in memory of Charles Plohn, this award is given to an art major above the freshman level who has completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of art studio courses and has a GPA of 3.0 or better.
Polish Studies Scholarship Awards
These awards are made to students who have studied Polish for at least one semester and are continuing their studies in this area. Recipients must have a grade of B or better.
Professor Camille P. Reale Family Endowed Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to encourage and assist well-qualified, promising students within the University.
Petralia Family Scholarship
To be awarded to a female student that demonstrates financial need, entered SHU with a minimum 3.0 GPA from high school, maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout enrollment at SHU. Preferred if candidate is a minority.
William V. Roberti Scholarship
Established by the Tom James Company in honor of William V. Roberti, a former University Trustee, this scholarship is given to children and grandchildren of employees of the Tom James Company and its subsidiaries and the Southwestern Company.
Jeannette Rohn Scholarship
Established in 1988 by Jeannette Rohn, this award is given to an outstanding student majoring in finance with great financial need.
John Rycenga Scholarship
Named in memory of John Rycenga, the University’s first chairman of the English Department, this award is given to an English major entering senior year. The recipient must demonstrate academic excellence with a GPA of 3.4 or better, and an exemplary character. English Department faculty select qualified recipients.
Earl and Eloise Savage Endowment Fund
Established to provide financial support to students with cognitive limitations.
Leonard A. Schine Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1982 in memory of Leonard A. Schine, a former University trustee, this annual award is given to a full-time senior with superior grades in need of financial assistance.
Robert Sendar Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the family of Robert M. Sendar in his memory. Robert was a student at Sacred Heart University majoring in chemistry. The recipient, chosen by a team of three Chemistry Department faculty members, must be a chemistry major at the second- year level or higher who has demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.
Anthony Scaramucci Scholarship
Provides scholarship support for a full-time incoming or undergrad student enrolled in The Welch College of Business. Must maintain 3.0 or better, demonstrate financial need, and have an interest in Finance.
SNET Scholarship
Awarded to deserving students.
Anthony Spetrino Scholarships
Established by Anthony Spetrino, this scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student in each of the three romance languages: French, Spanish, and Italian.
Tomassetti Family Endowed Scholarship
The purpose of the fund is to support the University by providing scholarship support to encourage and assist well-qualified, promising students within the University.
Carmen Tortora Scholarship
Awarded to a deserving nursing student.
Michael Tyll Family Endowed Scholarship
Established to provide support to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the WCOB who is a men’s hockey student athlete accruing a 3.0 graduating high school.
George Joseph Voynick Scholarship
This scholarship, established by Irene M. Voynick and her family in memory of her father, is awarded to a deserving full-time student, majoring in the basic sciences and maintaining a B average or better.
John F. Welch Endowed Scholarship
Established to provide scholarships to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the Jack Welch College of Business with demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.
Jill Wright Scholarship
This scholarship, bequeathed to the University through the trust of William R. Wright to honor the memory of Jill Wright, his deceased wife, benefits a qualified graduating senior at Central High School who will matriculate as part of Sacred Heart University’s entering freshmen class.
Jack Chaves Scholarship
Established by the Chaves-Ferreira family to honor its patriarch, Jack Chaves, this scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students who exemplify the University's core value and mission through a commitment to helping others. Candidates must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and must demonstrate financial need.
Men’s Volleyball Endowed Scholarship
Candidates must be an incoming or continuing undergraduate student enrolled full-time, a varsity athlete on the men’s volleyball team, demonstrate academic achievement and maintain a GPA of 3.0.
Luxembourg Student Scholarship
The purpose of the fund is to support the University by providing scholarship support for University students enrolled in the Graduate Program in Luxembourg.
CT Challenge Chris Cook Scholarship
The CT Challenge "Chris Cook" Endowed Scholarship for Cancer Survivors was created in 2016 in memory of Chris Cook, who passed away on April 14, 2014 after battling cancer heroically for two years. Chris is the son of Don Cook, Athletic Director Emeritus of Sacred Heart University. Chris was a former college athlete, an accomplished corporate vice-president, and a loving husband and father. His story was one of hope aligned with a special brand of courage and determination. This scholarship is awarded to students who are cancer survivors or currently battling cancer.
Lisa Powell Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Scholarship to aid a full time undergraduate female student enrolled in the Welch College of Business and minoring in Entrepreneurship
Thomas V. Forget Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshmen (full-time, undergraduate) in the Isabelle Farrington College of Education. The deserving student must demonstrate financial need and would be unable to attend Sacred Heart University without scholarship assistance.
Lisa Moray Endowed Scholarship
The Lisa M. Moray Endowed Scholarship was established in 2012 in memory of Lisa Moray. This scholarship supports a student who shows academic promise, demonstrates financial need, and is a current member of a women's varsity sports team at SHU.
Audrey Niblo Endowment Fund
This Fund will support SHU student(s) in Audrey's likeness and causes for which she was passionate. Audrey was deeply immersed in University life as journalist for The Spectrum student newspaper and Her Campus, a deeply committed member of the Theta Phi Alpha sorority and a perpetual advocate for the goodness in all. Audrey's spirit was woven intricately into the fabric of the Sacred Heart mission. She embraced life with tremendous fortitude and compassion for others. Her bravery, tireless diligence and kind soul touched the lives of everyone who was fortunate enough to have come in contact with her. Audrey was a great friend; she valued others fervently, stood up passionately for what she believed and would go to the ends of the earth to help others. The Audrey Niblo Fund will honor Audrey by bringing attention to the issues and the voices that Audrey championed in her life.
Kemperle Family Scholarship
Provides scholarship support to encourage and assist well-qualified, promising students within the University. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout their enrollment at Sacred Heart University.
Prof. Gary L. Rose Family Scholarship
Provides scholarship support to an undergraduate political science major with demonstrated financial need.
Dr. Thomas G. Pepe Scholarship Fund
The Dr. Thomas J. Pepe Scholarship honors the memory of Thomas Pepe, deceased former Chair of the Department of Education. This is a merit based program conducted through the Department of Education.
Joseph T. & Julie F. Kasper Scholarship
The Joseph and Julia Kasper Scholarship was established by Joseph T. Kasper, Jr. in honor of his parents, Joseph T. Kasper Sr. and Julia Flanagan Kasper. This scholarship supports full-time, undergraduate students from the Greater Bridgeport Area that demonstrate scholastic achievement, financial need, and an above-average willingness to work hard and diligently.