SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University’s Office of Financial Aid began delivering financial aid packages to incoming students on Thursday. The packages provide critical information about the financial aid students may be eligible to receive if they choose to pursue an education at Shepherd.
Shepherd University (Photo Credit: Shepherd University Facebook Page)
Director of Financial Aid Jacob Witt said the process to provide packages faced significant delays across the country this year due to changes with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the U.S. Department of Education.
“Normally, colleges and universities deliver these packages at the beginning of the year,” Witt said. “Our team worked tirelessly to get the information together as soon as possible and to ensure it was accurate for students and their families.”
While those changes did simplify the form and make more students eligible for aid, the uncertainty created by the delays has been stressful for institutions and students alike.
This is the first year Shepherd will send all financial aid packages digitally, which Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management Will Bell said helps students weigh their options.
“It’s difficult for families to make decisions when they don’t know what’s affordable,” Bell said. “After the FAFSA delays, we are excited to deliver this information to students instantly through digital channels.”
Bell added that Shepherd decided months ago to delay deadlines for applications and decision-making to give students more time to consider their options. Updates on application deadlines and additional resources for students and families are available at www.shepherd.edu/fafsa
