Financial Aid Timeline
SEPTEMBER
- Apply for Admission to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity. Students should complete their application as soon as possible. You must be accepted to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøto be eligible for scholarships and financial aid.
- Request a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) at . Both the student and parent will need to request one.
OCTOBER
- File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at for the next academic school year.  Be sure to include ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity’s Federal School Code-003822. Please complete your application before the March 1st priority deadline.
- Search for private scholarships at websites such as or
- Keep your FSA ID in a safe place; you will need it again.
NOVEMBER
- If you are a WV resident, submit the PROMISE Application at for consideration of the PROMISE Scholarship. Please complete your application before the March 1st deadline.
- If you are a resident of another state, contact the Department of Education in your state regarding details of their aid programs.
- If selected for verification, submit all required documentation to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible.
DECEMBER
- Contact academic departments or other areas of interest (Honors, Fine Arts, Multicultural Team, etc.) for scholarship opportunities. Many require separate applications and have different deadlines.
JANUARY
- Expect a Financial Aid Notification, which requires your online acceptance within ten days. Notifications are only sent when your application status is finalized. You can check your financial aid status at on RAIL.
FEBRUARY
- Submit the FAFSA BEFORE March 1st – for the PROMISE Scholarship and WV Higher Education Grant, as well as maximum consideration for SEOG and Federal Work Study. Be sure to include ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity’s Federal School Code-003822.
- Watch for an invitation to schedule your classes. Sign up early!
MARCH
- FAFSA DUE MARCH 1ST!
- Search for private scholarships at websites such as or .
APRIL
- Complete Entrance Counseling if you are a Direct Loan borrower at .
- Review your RAIL account. Personal Information, Student Services, Financial Aid and Student Account details can be accessed and found here.
MAY
- Your enrollment deposit is due to ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøby May 1st. The deposit should be paid as soon as possible after admission to secure housing and class registration.
- Be sure to have your final high school transcripts sent to the Admissions Office.
- Complete the Electronic Master Promissory Note at if you are a Direct Loan borrower. You will be notified when your promissory note is available to be signed.
JUNE
- Attend Orientation Step 1: Advisement and Registration to register for classes. Upon completing the program, students will receive a class schedule and a tentative bill.
- Students may apply for employment opportunities.
- If you accepted Federal Work Study in your financial aid package, contact the Office of Student Employment at studentemployment@shepherd.edu.
- Visit the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøUniversity Bookstore to purchase books for the Fall Semester.
JULY
- Use the Good Living portal to complete the Resident Agreement, housing preferences, meal plans, and requesting roommates.
- Pay $100 Housing Deposit (this is not the enrollment deposit)
- Visit Campus Police to purchase parking pass.
- Access your student email account; be sure to check your mail regularly!
AUGUST
- If you have financial aid which exceeds your bill, generally, you will receive a refund through our partner, Bank Mobile. If you have questions, contact the Business Office at 304-876-5284. Watch for specific dates each semester!
- Classes are dropped for nonpayment after classes begin.