Financial Aid

Applying for Aid

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How to Apply

Applying for financial aid at Shaw University is an essential step to help cover the costs of your education. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to complete the FAFSA, the required information you’ll need, and the steps to follow once your application is submitted. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are considered for all available financial aid options.

  • To complete the FAFSA log on to studentaid.gov. Before beginning, visit Filling Out the FAFSA® Form for more information about the FAFSA and Financial Aid. The FAFSA is available in both English and Spanish. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to receive priority packaging. The priority deadline for applying for Shaw University administered financial aid is March 15th for the next academic year.

    Learn More About the FAFSA

  • Once you have completed your FAFSA a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be generated after about 1-3 business days and emailed to you by the federal processor and available at studentaid.gov. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) and determine if it is necessary to make corrections. Your FAFSA will be transmitted electronically to Shaw University in 3-5 business days after completed.

  • During the process of applying for aid, the Department of Education randomly selects students for a process called verification. Verification is a process in which certain students receiving financial aid are requested to provide additional proof of their identification and certify that the information on their financial aid materials is correct. This is a federally mandated quality control process. Students selected must send the requested documents to the financial aid office before an aid offer can be made. If your file is selected for verification, the school is required to compare certain data elements reported on your FAFSA. Your SAR will tell you if you have been selected for verification. Once all required documents have been received, under normal circumstances verification is completed in 5-7 business days. Please be aware that depending on situations, timelines can vary. Financial aid offers will not be made unless all required documents are received.

  • Once your financial aid file is complete, you will be granted financial aid based on your eligibility established by completing the FAFSA. The receipt of financial aid is not automatic. Students must apply each year for financial aid and supply all information as required by the federal government and the institution before eligibility is determined. Financial aid awards may change from year to year. A financial aid offer letter notification will be emailed to the university email address for returning students and email supplied on the FAFSA for new students. Financial Aid offer letters are sent to students 5-7 business days after the financial aid file is completed. Financial Aid advisors are available via email, phone or in person counseling to discuss any questions you may have concerning general financial aid or your financial aid offer letter.

  • At Shaw University, students are typically offered a loan in their aid package. If you choose to accept this loan you will need to complete loan entrance counseling and a promissory note for the Federal Direct Loan Program. These items can be completed online at studentaid.gov. You will have the option to decline, accept fully, or accept partially any student loans that you have been offered. If you choose to decline the loan offered in your financial aid offer, you will be responsible for any cost that would have been covered by the loan.

Forms

To ensure you receive the financial aid you need for the Fall and Spring 2023-2024 academic year, it’s essential to complete the appropriate forms. This section provides all necessary forms for special circumstances, unusual enrollment history, and verification for dependent and independent students. Download and submit the forms relevant to your situation to stay on track with your financial aid application.

Cost & Planning

University Tuition & Fees

The University Board of Trustees establishes tuition and fees annually. Considerable effort is made to keep increases at a minimum. Students enrolled in laboratory courses, military science, art, or applied courses may be assessed an additional fee to cover the cost of materials, individual instruction, or equipment required for the course.

Fees for dropping/adding/withdrawing of courses, late registration, delayed/delinquent exams or duplicate ID cards must be paid at the time of the transaction. These fees must be paid in advance and will not be added to the student’s account.

2025-2026 Tuition and Fees Expense Sheet (.pdf)

Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator is a tool designed to help prospective students estimate the cost of attending Shaw University. By answering a few simple questions, you can get an estimate of your financial aid eligibility and the net price you might pay.

Use the Net Price Calculator

Eligibility for Financial Aid

All of the following criteria must be met to receive need-based financial aid funds.  A student must:

  • be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • be admitted and enrolled as a regular student in a degree-seeking program at least half-time (Undergraduate 6 hours and Graduate 5 hours)
  • maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the University
  • demonstrate financial need in order to be awarded Title IV funds, as well as some state and institutional aid
  • register with Selective Services, if you are a male between 18 and 25 years of age
  • not owe repayment of any Federal or State grant at any institution
  • not be in default or delinquent on any Federal loans at any institution
  • not have been convicted as an adult of possessing or selling illegal drugs

NOTE: A student enrolled as a “Special Student” is not eligible for Federal, State and University financial aid.  Students who have earned a Bachelor’s Degree are only eligible for Federal Stafford Student Loan or Alternative Loan.

Visit studentaid.gov for additional information.

Policies

Processes & Next Steps

Financial Clearance Process

The Financial Clearance Process at Shaw University ensures that students have met all financial obligations before starting classes each semester. This involves confirming tuition payments, setting up payment plans, and ensuring all financial aid has been properly applied. Students must complete this process to avoid registration holds and to maintain their enrollment status. The process also includes verifying that any outstanding balances are settled.

Learn More About the Financial Clearance Process

 

Next Steps

Your BearsNet ID is your used for a number of important services. Memorize your BearsNet ID and password as you will use it frequently. Note that BearsNet is required to accept your financial aid offer. You must submit your enrollment fee prior to your BearsNet account being created.

For any questions about your Financial Aid, contact SHAWU Financial Aid during normal business hours (excluding holidays):

Email: financialaid@shawu.edu
Call: 919-546-8200.

For technical support:

Contact the Office of Information Technology during normal business hours at helpdesk@shawu.edu.

When You Receive Your BearsNet ID…

Click Here to Get Started! 

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