First of all, it's not difficult! There are definite steps to apply for financial aid at Shenandoah.

1. Contact the Admissions department and apply to Shenandoah.
We don't award financial aid to students until they are accepted to the University. However, we can provide you with a rough estimate, if necessary.

2. Apply for Federal Financial Aid by filling out the F.A.F.S.A. (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
This allows you to apply for various types of aid, including student and parent loans, federal grants and work study.  We strongly recommend everyone who is interested in financial aid of any sort fill out a FAFSA. You may either pick up a FAFSA form at any local college or high school or fill out a FAFSA application on the Internet.  Don't forget to list Shenandoah University!  ITs Title IV school code is: 003737.
If your F.A.F.S.A. was selected for verification, you will need to submit your taxes, W2s and either the dependant or independant verification worsheet(s).

3. Fill out any other applications that may apply to you- such as VTAG and the United Methodist Scholarship.
'VTAG' stands for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant. It is a non-need based grant from the state of Virginia currently estimated at $3,100 for undergraduates and $1,900 for graduates for the 2007/08 academic year. You must be a Virginia resident and meet certain criteria. We have applications in our office, so contact us if you need one mailed to you.  The deadline for this application is July 31.
Another scholarship, which requires an application, is the United Methodist Scholarship. If you have been a member of a United Methodist Church for at least a year, you should pick up an application (it will need to be certified by your minister). Amounts vary depending whether you are a Virginia resident or out-of-state student.  The deadline for this application is May 31.

When we receive your FAFSA results, we will check to see if you are accepted into a degree  seeking program and then start the awarding process.  You will receive materials at your home that must be filled out and returned to our office. If you have any questions, or if you haven't heard from us in a reasonable amount of time, please contact us at (540) 665-4538 or toll-free (800) 432-2266