Comprehensive Guide to Shepherd University Financial Aid: Tuition, Scholarships, and Costs

How does Shepherd University support students financially. What are the tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. How much financial aid do students typically receive. What scholarships are available at Shepherd University.

Understanding Shepherd University’s Financial Aid Landscape

Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, offers a range of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education. The university is committed to making higher education accessible through various grants, scholarships, and loan programs.

Grant and Scholarship Aid Overview

An impressive 96% of Shepherd University students receive some form of grant or scholarship aid, with an average award of $11,276. This high percentage demonstrates the university’s dedication to supporting its student body financially.

• Federal Grants: 39% of students receive an average of $5,063
• Pell Grants: 38% of students receive an average of $4,621
• Other Federal Grants: 12% of students receive an average of $892
• State/Local Government Grants or Scholarships: 46% of students receive an average of $3,921
• Institutional Grants or Scholarships: 68% of students receive an average of $4,450

Tuition Costs and Student Loans at Shepherd University

Understanding the tuition costs and available loan options is crucial for prospective students. Shepherd University offers different rates for in-state and out-of-state students.

Tuition Rates

• In-State Tuition: $7,784
• Out-of-State Tuition: $18,224

The significant difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition highlights the importance of residency status when considering the overall cost of attendance.

Student Loan Information

For students who require additional financial support, loans are available:

• 57% of students receive some form of student loan aid, with an average amount of $6,495
• Federal Student Loans: 57% of students receive an average of $6,503
• Other Student Loans: 6% of students receive an average of $11,872

While loans can be a valuable resource, students should carefully consider their future repayment obligations when deciding how much to borrow.

Scholarship Opportunities at Shepherd University

Shepherd University offers a variety of scholarships to help students finance their education. These scholarships vary in amount and eligibility criteria.

1. Foundation Scholarship: Up to $2,100
2. Presidential Scholarship: Up to $12,000
3. Scholars Scholarship: Up to $3,000
4. Blue & Gold Scholarship: Up to $6,000
5. Ram Scholarship: Up to $500
6. Transfer Scholarship: Up to $5,000
7. Legacy Scholarship: Up to $3,000
8. Athletic Scholarship: Up to $1,500
9. Talent Scholarship: Up to $4,500

It’s important to note that GPA and other eligibility restrictions may apply to these scholarships. Students should carefully review the requirements for each scholarship opportunity.

Calculating the True Cost of Attendance at Shepherd University

When considering the affordability of Shepherd University, it’s essential to look beyond the sticker price and understand the concept of net price.

Average Net Price

The average net price for full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduates who were awarded grant or scholarship aid is $10,685. This figure is calculated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state, local, and institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance.

Net Price by Family Income

Shepherd University’s net price varies based on family income:

• Less than $30,000: $7,787
• $30,000 – $48,000: $9,126
• $48,000 – $75,000: $11,116
• $75,000 – $110,000: $14,254
• $110,000+: $14,684

This breakdown illustrates how the university adjusts its financial aid packages to accommodate students from various economic backgrounds.

Additional Costs and Living Expenses at Shepherd University

When budgeting for college, students must consider expenses beyond tuition. Room and board are significant components of the overall cost of attendance.

Room and Board

The weighted average for room and board and other expenses at Shepherd University is calculated based on various living arrangements. This figure includes costs for students living on-campus, off-campus with family, and off-campus not with family.

While specific dollar amounts are not provided, it’s crucial for students to factor in these living expenses when estimating their total cost of attendance.

Application Process and Campus Life at Shepherd University

For students ready to begin their journey at Shepherd University, understanding the application process and campus life is essential.

Application Fee and Process

The application fee for Shepherd University is $45. Prospective students can apply through the university’s official website.

Student Population and Campus Demographics

• Total undergraduates: 2,716
• Students living on campus: 7%
• Transfer students: 7%
• Students under age 25: Data not provided

These statistics offer insight into the diverse student body at Shepherd University, highlighting opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional students.

Maximizing Financial Aid Opportunities at Shepherd University

To make the most of available financial aid, students should take a proactive approach to their funding strategy.

Tips for Securing Financial Aid

• Apply early: Submit your FAFSA and scholarship applications as soon as possible to increase your chances of receiving aid.
• Explore all options: Look into federal, state, and institutional aid programs, as well as private scholarships.
• Maintain academic excellence: Many scholarships have GPA requirements, so keeping your grades up can open more opportunities.
• Seek guidance: Consult with Shepherd University’s financial aid office for personalized advice and assistance.

Understanding Aid Packages

When you receive your financial aid package from Shepherd University, take time to understand each component:

• Grants and scholarships: These do not need to be repaid and should be prioritized.
• Work-study: This provides an opportunity to earn money through part-time work on campus.
• Loans: Consider federal loans before private loans, and borrow only what you need.

By carefully analyzing your aid package, you can make informed decisions about financing your education at Shepherd University.

Financial Planning for Your Shepherd University Education

Creating a comprehensive financial plan can help ensure your success at Shepherd University.

Budgeting for College Life

Develop a realistic budget that includes all aspects of college life:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Textbooks and supplies
• Personal expenses
• Transportation costs

Consider using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses and stay on target financially.

Long-term Financial Planning

Think beyond your time at Shepherd University:

• Estimate your potential student loan debt and future monthly payments
• Research career prospects and potential starting salaries in your field of study
• Consider how your financial decisions now will impact your post-graduation life

By taking a long-term view, you can make more informed decisions about your education and financial future.

Navigating Financial Challenges at Shepherd University

Even with careful planning, financial challenges can arise during your college journey. Shepherd University offers resources to help students overcome these obstacles.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Many universities, including Shepherd, have emergency funds or short-term loan programs for students facing unexpected financial hardships. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office if you find yourself in a difficult situation.

Financial Literacy Programs

Take advantage of any financial literacy workshops or courses offered by the university. These can provide valuable skills in money management, budgeting, and financial decision-making that will serve you well throughout your life.

Exploring Additional Income Sources

Consider part-time employment opportunities, either on-campus or in the local community. Not only can this help with expenses, but it can also provide valuable work experience.

Making the Most of Your Shepherd University Investment

Your education at Shepherd University is an investment in your future. To maximize the return on this investment, consider the following strategies:

Academic Success

Maintaining good academic standing is crucial not only for your future career prospects but also for retaining scholarships and financial aid. Take advantage of academic support services, such as tutoring and study groups, to ensure your success.

Career Development

Utilize Shepherd University’s career services to explore internship opportunities, build your professional network, and prepare for your post-graduation career. These experiences can enhance the value of your degree and potentially lead to better financial outcomes after graduation.

Community Engagement

Engage in extracurricular activities and community service. These experiences can lead to personal growth, networking opportunities, and potentially additional scholarship opportunities.

By focusing on these areas, you can ensure that your time and financial investment in Shepherd University yields the greatest possible benefits for your future.

Shepherd University Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

^*GPA and other eligibility restrictions may apply

Ready to start the application process for Shepherd University?

The application fee for Shepherd University
is $45

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Student Population

Student Diversity

Shepherd University Tuition, Cost and Financial Aid – Shepherdstown, WV

Affordability and Cost

Average Net Price Average net price for full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduates paying the in-state or in-district tuition rate who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. Other sources of grant aid are excluded. Aid awarded anytime during the full aid year is included.

Average net price is generated by subtracting the average amount of federal, state or local government, or institutional grant and scholarship aid from the total cost of attendance. Total cost of attendance is the sum of published tuition and required fees (lower of in-district or in-state), books and supplies and the weighted average room and board and other expenses.

$10,685

Calculate your net cost

Average Net Price By Family Income

< $30k

$7,787

$30k – $48k

$9,126

$48k – $75k

$11,116

$75k – $110k

$14,254

$110k+

$14,684

Tuition

In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution.	$7,784
Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school.	$18,224

Additional Costs

Financial Aid: visit page

Financial Aid Email: [email protected]

Aid & Grants

100

Need Met

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.

Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.

Students receiving state aid

Students receiving federal aid

Student Loans

Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.

$13,886

Loan Default Rate

US National: 7%

Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.

What Students Are Saying

I feel like this school is an amazingly good deal. Like I mentioned above there are a lot of things that the university offers that is included in tuition so you don’t have to pay for it. They have everything from film festivals to concerts to art shows to plays. The gym is free to students, the library is huge and very helpful, you may check out movies and Rosetta Stone’s from the library free with your I.D. The meal plan is wonderful and very worth it to use all your meals every day. All in all I feel that Shepherd is a wonderful deal.

Amanda from Manassas, VA

Definitely as an in-state student Shepherd University is a great place and readily affordable compared to other schools.

Kayla from Bluefield, WV

Shepherd’s tuition definitely isn’t as expensive as many other colleges/universities around. It’s pretty affordable when comparing your options. You do get your money’s worth if you take advantage of all the things offered. There are multiple places to choose from for food, and they each take meal plan, so your not eating at the same place everyday either. Many schools don’t let first year students have cars on campus, but Shepherd does. Although the parking pass does cost $65, it’s very affordable when you look at another college that doesn’t let students have a car till sophomore year and their parking pass is over $100. You will definitely get your money’s worth here at Shepherd if, and only if, you enjoy being here.

Crystal from Owings, MD

I think that the dining hall packages could be lower priced for the quality of food you get.

Emma from Houston, TX

Average tuition and costs.

Charles from Pasadena, MD

Shepherd is cheaper than most colleges, but it will cost money to attend. Although Shepherd has great financial aid, so it is affordable.

Kacie from Craigsville, WV

This is a small school in West Virginia, so depending on what degree you get and what you want to do with it, you may come out lacking contacts you would get at a larger university. But you probably actually KNOW more, from the extra one-on-one time with professors, than a graduate from a larger school would.

Sarah from Martinsburg, WV

Very cheap, even for out of state students.

Kady from Hagerstown, MD

This is a great place, and it’s cheaper than other places…unless you’re out of state. As soon as you go out of state the tuition increases obscenely, so it gets a bit pricey. But hey, if you’re paying for a college already and you know Shepherd is a good school like I did, you’ll be able to pull it off, and it’s a great college. Plus a lot of features are included in tuition, like meals, movies, concerts, shows, and going to the gym; a beautiful gym, if I might add. So it is definitely worth it. However, if price is really an issue and you’re out of state, you might be better off finding a cheaper school, or maybe doing community college for a year or two til you can save up or something.

Nathan from Shepherdstown, WV

Read all reviews

US University Funding | Financial assistance | Academic Scholarship | Forbes Education

Academic Scholarship Criteria Groups

o whether the student will receive an academic scholarship or not.

The first group includes average score ( GPA ) . In the United States, GPA refers to the average of all four years of high school. For Russian students, a certificate will be an important document. If the grades in the certificate are lower than for each year of study in grades 9, 10 and 11, then an additional statement of grades by year should be attached. Some schools may recalculate the GPA based on the transcript. Most likely, one should not hope for global improvements here, the score can go to tenths. However, even these will be important for improving the GPA.

The second group of criteria includes the results of exams SAT or ACT . Students take one of the elective exams, and the results are sent to the university.

The most common is the SAT. On it you can score a maximum of 1600 points. It is tacitly believed that a scholarship, with a high level of other groups of criteria, can be counted on, having received from 1400 points and above. But a high average SAT is no guarantee of getting into a university, much less getting a scholarship. All criteria are considered together.

Is it possible to prepare and pass the SAT with a really high score while in Russia? In general, with a high level of motivation, yes, you can. It is better to start preparing two years before the exam and spend 2-3 hours daily preparing. In this case, you can approach the beginning of grade 11 with results of 1450 points and above. Important: applicants begin to submit documents to US universities already in November of the graduating class, that is, by October, students should have everything ready.

In 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, some universities, including leading ones, announced that SAT / ACT results will not be taken into account when entering the university. Some other universities were more vague and noted that the results of these exams would have less weight in the university application compared to other criteria. Since the situation is ambiguous and no one can say for sure how universities will evaluate the package of documents for admission without exam results, the opinions of students are divided: someone plans to attach the SAT results to the package of documents, someone does not. My recommendation: if the results are high (from 1380 points), then, of course, it is worth applying them, even if the university announced the temporary cancellation of recording their results.

The third group includes student essay , reflecting both the motivation for studying at the chosen university and the reasons why this particular scholarship student should be taken. The bad news is that the essay should be short, concise, perfectly calibrated in accordance with all essay writing standards. That is, you need to seriously prepare for it again. The good news is that a successful essay can override the non-maximum scores on the previous two items.

The fourth group includes productive additional activities : participation in school clubs, events, sports competitions, etc. – everything counts. This also includes olympiads, conferences, research work in the chosen direction. The results for the entire period of study at High School are considered (for applicants from Russia – starting from the 9th grade).

It is important to understand that the results of additional activities are not just a translation of all certificates and diplomas, but a thorough description of what and, most importantly, why you did these additional classes, how they relate to your future studies and, preferably, your career. And they should also demonstrate your versatile interests and ability to plan time. This group of criteria can also overpower the results of the first two groups.

In most cases, universities want to have academically strong, versatile individuals on campus, not the epitome of average test scores. That is, in fact, an applicant with a GPA 3.9 and SAT 1450, who has won several regional olympiads, runs a club of young leaders, plays the bass guitar in a school band, and in the summer participated in volunteer programs for the restoration of ancient monuments, has more chances to receive a scholarship than an applicant with a GPA 4.1 and SAT 1580, who does nothing more than intensive training in subjects during his school years.

But, again, all indicators are evaluated in aggregate and it is important to understand how much the student was passionate about additional activities, and did not do it just for the sake of filling out the university application form.

The fifth group of criteria is letters of recommendation from teachers . The culture of writing recommendations in American and Russian schools is very different. In the US, the “write it yourself, and I will sign” option does not work at all. A letter of recommendation should be as detailed as possible, describing both the success of the student and the aspects that need to be developed. The university admissions committees really pay special attention to letters of recommendation, so it is extremely important that the letters are written at a high professional level.

In some cases, universities may ask the student to complete the video interview , where the admissions committee will ask additional or more in-depth questions to help the student present themselves as an outstanding student deserving of the highest possible scholarship.

Financial support from US universities

Higher education in the US is expensive. The good news is that talented, high-achieving students may qualify for financial aid. We talk about its types and methods of obtaining in the article.

Financial assistance is money that is allocated to certain groups of students to pay for university education.

Financial aid may be provided on a means-tested or academic basis. Scholarships, grants, work-study programs, educational loans, tax credits are all forms of financial assistance. Some species will subsequently need to be returned, and some do not require a return.

Funds for financial assistance are provided by universities, foundations, private organizations, federal structures (the latter – for US citizens).

Need-based aid

Need-based aid is given to students whose families do not have sufficient funds to cover the cost of their child’s education at a university. To receive it, you need to prove that the family is really not able to pay the amount that the university asks for.

If an applicant wants to apply for financial assistance on a need basis, he will have to fill out the appropriate questionnaires when applying and provide a variety of information about the well-being of the family : From documented parental income to proof of ownership.

The university will then evaluate the applicant’s ability to cover the costs and make a decision whether to pay for his education or not.

An important remark: the applicant’s opinion about his ability to pay for education and the opinion of the university may not coincide. It is not uncommon for an applicant to be sincerely convinced that he will not be able to afford the cost of education, but the university thinks otherwise.

The university may cover all or part of the tuition fees. After assessing the well-being of the family, the amount of the so-called “family contribution” will be determined – the amount that the family is still able to pay. The amount of the “family contribution” is deducted from the total cost of education – this will be the amount that the university is ready to cover.

You can apply for means-based financial assistance on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) website. You can apply to students of the last grades from October 1, as well as in subsequent years. Approximately 18 million students apply each year for federal financial aid through the FAFSA platform.

Merit-based aid

Merit-based aid is given in the form of scholarships for achievements in and out of school. These can be academic, sports, musical, artistic and other achievements in various fields.

10 American universities that offer generous financial aid

• Columbia University
• Yale University
• Williams College
• Amherst College
• Harvard University
• Vassar College
• Webb Institute
• Duke University
• University of Chicago
• Colgate University

Can you afford to study in the USA?

How to Get Financial Aid – Crimson Education Expert Advice and Advice

How to Get Started?

Start by learning how to get financial assistance. Check out the rules for granting it to the universities you want to enroll in, what types of assistance they offer, what documents you need to fill out and when to apply.

How much financial assistance can I get?

The amount of financial assistance depends on a number of factors that are individual for each student. Such factors, in particular, include the cost of studying at a university, the financial situation of the applicant and his family, citizenship, personal history and social activities.

Where else can I get financial assistance?

US citizens have access to federal and state financial assistance programs. Foreign applicants are deprived of such an opportunity.

But you can apply for scholarships from private foundations, such as the Gates Foundation, the Coca-Cola Foundation. For scholarships, you can apply to organizations in your country.

Still, the main source of financial aid in the US is the universities themselves. In 2018-19, universities spent more than $76 billion on student tuition fees, according to educationdata.org.

Does the need-blind or need-aware policy of the university affect the prospects for receiving financial support?

Need-blind is the policy of the university, when the university does not take into account the applicant’s need for financial assistance when making a decision on admission. And vice versa, need-aware is the policy of the university, when, when making a decision on enrolling a student, the university takes into account the applicant’s need for financial assistance, that is, a request for financial assistance in this case reduces the chance of admission.

Need-blind does not guarantee receipt of financial support, just as need-aware does not indicate that it is impossible to obtain it.

What should I include on my financial aid appeal letter?

If, due to life circumstances, an applicant needs additional financial assistance, he can apply for it. It must indicate significant changes in the financial situation of the family (loss of permanent income or lump-sum income, significant and unexpected medical expenses) that were not reflected in previously submitted applications.

The application must describe in detail the specific circumstances that led to such a situation: what happened and when, how much the financial situation worsened, and whether this change is permanent or temporary. The application must be accompanied by documents confirming the situation.

Can the university provide financial assistance comparable to that offered by another university?

Let’s say an applicant received financial assistance from two universities: in the first, its amount is less than in the second, but the first university is the applicant’s dream university and he would like to study in it. Can an applicant ask the first institution to increase the amount of financial assistance to the level of the second institution?

The answer will depend on the rules of the particular university. Many universities strive to “show the product face” and are ready to offer the student the most competitive option for financial assistance. However, before applying for an increase in assistance, we advise you to find out if the rules of the university allow you to offer an applicant the amount of financial assistance that corresponds to the offers of competing universities.

What does “meeting full demonstrated need” mean?

If a university is willing to “fully satisfy a verified need for financial aid”, this means that it has offered an applicant a financial aid package that covers the difference between tuition fees (including tuition fees, living expenses, meals, textbooks, supplies and travel) and the ability of the student’s family to pay these costs.

For example, the tuition fee is $80,000, and the family’s ability to pay is estimated at $20,000. This means that the university will pay the missing $60,000.

Financial aid can include not only grants, but also education loans and on-campus jobs.

What financial aid is available to international students?

The main sources of financial assistance to international students are scholarships and private student loans (a type of financial aid on need) provided by universities. Foreign students can apply for scholarships to private organizations that support students in the United States.

How Crimson Education Helps Applicants Get Financial Aid

The financial aid application process is not an easy one. It is important to take into account the requirements of universities, deadlines, and provide a complete package of documents. In order to avoid mistakes and increase the chances of receiving the coveted financial support, you can contact Crimson Education. Our Financial Aid and Scholarship Advisors will guide you through this challenging journey.

We start by talking about two financial aid application options, the free FAFSA application and the CSS Profile.