Life is complicated enough. Paying for your undergraduate or graduate degree shouldn’t be. To help you understand the financial aid landscape, Shippensburg University has compiled a Financial Aid Road Map that describes the typical financial aid process and how to qualify for different types of aid.
By helping you make sense of the options, you will achieve your degree in the way that makes the most sense for you. Investing this time to fund your education now is investing in your future. And the sooner you start your career, the brighter the future becomes.
The primary goal of the financial aid professional is to help students achieve their educational goals through financial support and resources. As a member of NASFAA, we are required to exemplify the highest level of ethical behavior and adhere to the Statement of Ethical Principles.
When Do I Apply?
It's important that you apply for financial aid as soon as possible to help you cover the costs of your education. The forms and links below can help you with the financial aid process, whether you are a new or returning student at Ship. For information on colleges and universities across the country, use the "College Navigator" hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics.
NEW - 2026-2027 Financial Aid Disbursement Update
Effective Fall 2026, financial aid will disburse after the add/drop period ends for the 2026–2027 academic year.
How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Affects Financial Aid
Student Experience
We are here to help navigate the financial aid process.
Military & Veterans Students
We know you are bringing a lot of meaningful life experiences with you, and values like teamwork, courage, discipline and service. When you come to Shippensburg University, you bring all that to the table to become part of our community. That’s why we’re committed to helping you grow in every area of your life, academically and personally.
The Veterans Services Office and our admissions team are both ready to help you find your way to Ship as easily as possible.
Financial Aid Forms and Additional Info
It's important that you apply for financial aid as soon as possible to help you cover the costs of your education. The forms and links below can help you with the financial aid process, whether you are a new or returning student at Ship.
Preparing for Different Situations
Shippensburg University’s Financial Aid office prepares students and families for a range of scenarios, from first-time applicants to those with complex financial circumstances. The process is designed to ensure you understand your options, meet eligibility requirements, and manage your aid effectively.
Study Abroad
Students studying abroad for a semester are eligible to receive most types of federal financial aid as they would during a normal semester at Shippensburg, including Federal Pell Grants). The amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive depends on several factors including:
- The cost of your program
- The amount of credit hours attending
- Your overall eligibility of financial aid
Students should schedule an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor when considering studying abroad.
Winter Financial Aid
Winter credits contribute to a student's spring enrollment total but are billed separately from spring courses. Students must either pay out of pocket for winter classes or have enough excess spring aid to cover their combined balances.
Summer Financial Aid
Summer financial aid is money from federal, state, or institutional sources used to cover tuition and living expenses for courses taken during the summer term. Shippensburg University treats summer as the end of the current academic year, meaning your eligibility depends on the aid you have already used during the preceding fall and spring semesters.
Special or Unusual Circumstances
Federal regulations provide financial aid administrators with the authority to use their discretion or professional judgment to adjust, on a case-by-case basis, the cost of attendance, change to dependency status or the data elements used on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A professional judgment review does not guarantee additional funding.
Cost of Attendance
Your total cost of attendance (student budgets) will vary depending on whether you are enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree program. It will also depend on your state of residence. Generally speaking, Pennsylvania residents have a lower total cost of attendance.
Affordability & Transparency
PA Act 69 of 2024 for College Affordability and Transparency was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro on July 17, 2024.
Net Price Calculator
This calculator is a tool that can be used to assist future Raiders with early financial planning for college. It will provide an estimate of your cost to attend Shippensburg University, as well as the federal, state, and institutional aid.
Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy refers to the use of skills and knowledge to make informed decisions regarding financial resources for a lifetime of financial well-being. Financial literacy is comprised of many financial topics, but overlapping themes tend to focus on budgeting, understanding credit, saving, debt management, and identity theft.
Consumer Information
The Financial Aid Office's mission is to provide access to quality higher education by providing resources and services to the Shippensburg University community to facilitate student recruitment, enrollment and retention while remaining committed to responsible stewardship of the funds entrusted to the University.