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

How much is Shepherd University tuition. What financial aid options are available at Shepherd University. How does Shepherd University’s net price vary by family income. What are the additional costs for attending Shepherd University.

Understanding Shepherd University’s Tuition and Fees

Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, offers different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students. For the academic year, the in-state tuition is set at $7,784, while out-of-state students face a higher rate of $18,224. This significant difference underscores the importance of residency status when considering the cost of attendance.

How does tuition compare to other expenses? While tuition forms a substantial part of the overall cost, it’s crucial to factor in additional expenses such as room and board, books, and other miscellaneous costs. These combined expenses contribute to the total cost of attendance, which is used to calculate financial aid packages.

Breaking Down Additional Costs

Room and board costs at Shepherd University are calculated using a weighted average that takes into account various living arrangements. This includes on-campus housing, off-campus housing with family, and off-campus housing not with family. The university considers the number of students in each living situation to provide a comprehensive estimate of these costs.

• On-campus housing costs
• Off-campus (with family) expenses
• Off-campus (not with family) living costs
• Books and supplies
• Other miscellaneous expenses

Financial Aid Opportunities at Shepherd University

Shepherd University offers a wide array of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of their education. The university’s commitment to making education accessible is evident in the high percentage of students receiving some form of financial assistance.

Types of Financial Aid Available

What types of financial aid can students at Shepherd University access? The university provides several categories of aid:

1. Grants and Scholarships: 96% of students receive an average of $11,276
2. Federal Grants: 39% of students benefit, with an average of $5,063
3. Pell Grants: 38% of students receive an average of $4,621
4. State/Local Government Grants or Scholarships: 46% of students receive an average of $3,921
5. Institutional Grants or Scholarships: 68% of students receive an average of $4,450
6. Student Loans: 57% of students utilize loans, with an average of $6,495

Analyzing the Impact of Grants and Scholarships

How significant are grants and scholarships in reducing the financial burden for Shepherd University students? The data shows that these forms of aid play a crucial role in making education more affordable. With 96% of students receiving grant or scholarship aid averaging $11,276, many students can substantially reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.

Federal grants, including Pell grants, provide additional support to a significant portion of the student body. These need-based grants are particularly important for students from lower-income backgrounds, helping to bridge the gap between college costs and what families can afford to pay.

Understanding Shepherd University’s Net Price

The concept of net price is crucial for prospective students and their families when assessing the true cost of attending Shepherd University. But what exactly is net price, and how is it calculated?

Net price represents the actual cost to students after subtracting grants and scholarships from the total cost of attendance. At Shepherd University, the average net price for full-time, first-time degree-seeking undergraduates who were awarded grant or scholarship aid is $10,685.

Net Price Variation by Family Income

How does the net price at Shepherd University change based on family income? The university provides a breakdown of average net prices across different income brackets:

• Family income less than $30,000: $7,787
• Family income $30,000 – $48,000: $9,126
• Family income $48,000 – $75,000: $11,116
• Family income $75,000 – $110,000: $14,254
• Family income over $110,000: $14,684

This tiered structure demonstrates Shepherd University’s commitment to making education accessible across various income levels, with lower-income families benefiting from significantly reduced net prices.

Exploring Scholarship Opportunities at Shepherd University

Scholarships play a vital role in reducing the financial burden for many students at Shepherd University. The institution offers a diverse range of scholarship opportunities, each with its own eligibility criteria and award amounts.

Notable Scholarship Programs

• Up to $3,000 scholarships (207 recipients)
• Up to $500 scholarships (213 recipients)
• Up to $1,500 scholarships (105 recipients)
• Up to $6,000 scholarships (209 recipients)
• Up to $5,000 scholarships (138 recipients)
• Up to $2,100 scholarships (147 recipients)
• Up to $12,000 scholarships (151 recipients)
• Up to $4,500 scholarships (94 recipients)
• Up to $3,000 scholarships (218 recipients)

It’s important to note that these scholarships may have specific eligibility requirements, including GPA thresholds and other criteria. Prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly research each opportunity and consult with the university’s financial aid office for detailed information.

Student Loans and Debt Management at Shepherd University

While grants and scholarships provide significant support, many students at Shepherd University also rely on student loans to finance their education. Understanding the landscape of student loans is crucial for making informed decisions about college financing.

Federal vs. Private Student Loans

What types of student loans are most common among Shepherd University students? The data shows that 57% of students take out federal student loans, with an average amount of $6,503. Additionally, 6% of students utilize other types of student loans, with a higher average amount of $11,872.

Why is there a difference between federal and private loan amounts? Federal student loans often offer more favorable terms, including fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment plans, and potential loan forgiveness programs. Private loans, while potentially offering higher amounts, may come with variable interest rates and fewer protections for borrowers.

Campus Life and Student Demographics at Shepherd University

Understanding the student population and campus environment is essential for prospective students considering Shepherd University. The institution boasts a diverse student body with various living arrangements and backgrounds.

Student Population Overview

• Total undergraduates: 2,716
• Percentage living on campus: 7%
• Transfer students: 7% of the student body
• Age demographics: A significant portion of students are under 25 years old

How does the low percentage of students living on campus affect the university experience? While only 7% of students reside on campus, this creates a unique blend of residential and commuter student life. It allows for a diverse campus community where students from various backgrounds and living situations come together, fostering a rich educational environment.

Applying to Shepherd University: Process and Considerations

For students interested in joining the Shepherd University community, understanding the application process is crucial. The university aims to make the application procedure accessible while maintaining its academic standards.

Application Fee and Process

What is the cost to apply to Shepherd University? The application fee is set at $45. This fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications and is a standard practice among many higher education institutions.

How can prospective students initiate their application? Shepherd University provides an online application portal where students can submit their materials. The university encourages applicants to thoroughly review all requirements and deadlines to ensure a smooth application process.

Factors to Consider When Applying

• Academic prerequisites and GPA requirements
• Standardized test scores (if required)
• Extracurricular activities and leadership experiences
• Personal statement or essay requirements
• Letters of recommendation

Prospective students should also consider reaching out to the admissions office for any specific questions or guidance throughout the application process. This proactive approach can help ensure that all necessary components of the application are completed accurately and on time.

As you navigate the college selection and application process, remember that Shepherd University offers a unique blend of academic programs, financial aid opportunities, and campus experiences. By thoroughly researching and understanding the costs, aid options, and application requirements, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about your educational future at Shepherd University.

Shepherd University Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

^*GPA and other eligibility restrictions may apply

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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.

Professor Natalia Yudina: Russian A student in the era of globalization

Yudina surprised many people this year. Professor of Philology, Vice-Rector of the Humanitarian University, and then VlGU, she left to lead the Vladimir branch of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation (former branch of the VZFEI). The new academic year began for her in a new capacity. So, today’s guest of “BB” is Natalya Vladimirovna Yudina.

– Natalya Vladimirovna, how did you, a philologist, decide to head a financial university?
– First of all, my whole life is connected with the university, where I went from assistant to vice-rector. The branch is part of a large university, where there is little that is new to me. Second: yes, my life choice is Russian literature, but I like to move forward. And for this you need to overcome yourself every day and set yourself new tasks. Thirdly, I have a basic economic education. In my first specialty, I am a teacher of Russian language and literature, a graduate of our Pedagogical University. In 2008 she graduated from the Academy of Civil Service under the President of Russia, in 2012 she graduated from the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.
– A naive but frequently asked question – why does a person need to study so much? Isn’t one “tower” enough?
– I entered the Academy of Civil Service when I became the dean of the Faculty of Philology. I thought this was what I needed as a leader. By the way, I passed the final state exam at the academy when my son was only 7 days old! When I became vice-rector of the Pedagogical University, I had to sign financial documents, especially when the rector Viktor Trofimovich Malygin was on a business trip or on vacation. And I realized that I was lacking financial knowledge.
I have a very hard time taking things for granted. I need to be sure that what I am doing is right. And I entered VZFEI, not at all assuming that I would someday head a branch. When I received such an offer from the director of the branch, Lyudmila Kuzminichna Koretskaya, who headed this division for more than ten years, of course, I had doubts. I’m still a philologist and I understand the measure of all responsibility. But I hope that experience and knowledge give me the right to be a branch director.
– How did your colleagues react to your decision?
– I feel there is a resonance. From complete rejection to complete understanding. I think it’s ok. There is a line from Yuri Vizbor: “Thank God, my friend, we have enemies. So, there are, probably, friends. If you react to all the assessments of others, it is difficult to move forward. I am very grateful to my colleagues who approved my decision. And I would like to prove to those who doubt that I can make a worthy contribution to the development of the branch.
– Have you been an excellent student since childhood?
– Yes, this is both my strength and my weakness. I have a graduation card from kindergarten, in which my teacher Nina Mikhailovna wrote: “Excellent student Natasha Mochalova.” Mochalova is my maiden name. Nobody remembers her anymore, because I got married at 18. I graduated from Vladimir School No. 3 with a gold medal. I am very proud of my school. Even in the lower grades, Valentina Vladimirovna Zherovikova, the first teacher, saw in me the commander of the October star, then the class. Since then I have been involved in social work. She was the chairman of the council of the squad, the secretary of the Komsomol committee of the school, a member of the district committee of the Komsomol . ..
But an excellent student also has disadvantages. There are always a lot of tasks in front of me that I must complete only on “five”. I can’t do it any other way. Such is perfectionism.
I love and find it necessary to plan my time. This was started by the music school, which I went to from the age of five…
– Also the music school?..
– Yes, piano class. And I wanted to be a musician. Then she dreamed of being a doctor. My final choice was influenced by Nadezhda Vladimirovna Zatsepina, a teacher of Russian language and literature, who came to us, unfortunately, only in the 10th grade. If not for her, I would most likely become a historian or a specialist in a foreign language. I speak fluent German and English. I studied English at school and university…
– How did German come about?
– When I was in the 10th grade, in 1988, the contest “Do you know the FRG?” was announced in the Komsomolskaya Iskra. I wrote an essay in Russian and, following the results of the interview, I got to Germany for the first time without knowing German. German thinking had a great influence on me. We have been friends with my German friend Sabina since 1990, for 23 years. When German courses were opened at the Erlangen House, my husband and I attended them with pleasure. And then I passed the exam for knowledge of German at the Goethe Institute in Moscow with excellent marks.
– And how did you come up with the topic of the Russian language in the process of globalization?
– The topic of my Ph.D. was strictly linguistic – kinship terms in Russian. And I wanted to go to the problems of the relationship between language and man. After all, language does not exist on its own. Language is one of the powerful means of realization for each of us.
Here, for example: foreigners say that Russians express themselves strangely: “I can’t sleep,” “I can’t do it,” “I’m not feeling well.” The foreigner will say: “I am not sleeping”, “I am not doing”, “I am sick”. And our Slavic consciousness implies the inclusion in life of many subjective factors. “I can’t sleep” – this means not only that I don’t sleep, but also that something prevents me from doing this. So through the language a person can express himself in different ways. Language is the mirror of our life. The language of a person and a person in language is the main topic of my scientific publications, including my doctoral dissertation, which I defended at the age of 34.
Humanitarian knowledge is now such that it is impossible in the era of globalization to study linguistics separately, history separately, pedagogy separately. I am pleased that my latest book is “The Russian language in the 21st century: a crisis? evolution? progress?” translated into Chinese and already released in Shanghai. It has also been partially published in English, in Cambridge. There are reviews of it in Poland, Hungary, Lithuania.
– For 10 years you and journalist Valery Skorbilin have been hosting the Lexicon program on the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, explaining how to speak Russian correctly. What is the interest of the scientist here?
– There are several interests here. First, to involve as many people as possible in the problem of preserving the Russian language, which certainly exists. Secondly, adapt your knowledge to the interests of an unprepared audience. Thirdly, try yourself in a new professional role: a journalist and a presenter. I am very grateful to Valery Yurievich for the fact that our program has been alive for so long and there is still interest in it.
– Everyone who communicates with you, no matter how they treat you, notes your goodwill. Even during a heated discussion…
– Thank you, I’m trying. But those who know me well say that I am a man with a core. I compromise only in small things, but not in the main. My inner motive is to create. And when I headed the Public Chamber, I saw my main task as being constructive. Public activity, in my opinion, divides people into two types: those who do something good, and those who criticize what others have done. I belong to the former, for which I often hear criticism from the latter.
– I will allow myself a risky question to a lady about her age. What age of a person do you consider the prime of life?
– I am sure that at any age a person should live a full life, be able to reveal himself, be in harmony with himself and with the world. I turned 41 in August. My classmates are worried that I’m in my fifth decade, and I really like my age: already and more …
– You devote a lot of time and energy to science, affairs, social work. The day is scheduled to the minute. But at the same time, it is clear that you have a reliable family rear. Right?
– Yes, family is the main thing for me. I met my future husband Vladimir in our 3rd school. September 8 marks 23 years since we got married. He is an engineer, candidate of technical sciences. We have two kids. Daughter Angelina is 13 years old, son Herman is 5. I cannot imagine my self-realization without the help of my Volodya. He is a rare man!
We lived in Switzerland for several years in the late 90s, Vladimir worked there. I had no communication problems, but I realized that I could not live abroad permanently. I am Russian by nature, by mentality, by consciousness.
– “Natalia, Russian soul”?
– Yes, I am grateful to fate for being born in Vladimir, like my grandparents and my beloved parents, who dedicated their whole life to me. I wish there were as many of us who love Russian and Vladimir things as possible.
– Did Angelina inherit the spirit of an excellent student from you?
– Yes, she tries to do everything as best as possible. So she became in 2010 the first winner of the international youth essay competition under the auspices of UNESCO from Russia. Won among 7216 entries from 144 countries! Angelina wrote in English on the topic “My peaceful world and me.” The award was presented by the Minister of Education of Japan. And most recently, in August, she was awarded the city local history competition – her daughter wrote a work about Balmont. Angelina has many independent ideas and plans.