Understanding the Costs of Attending Shippensburg University

Choosing a university is a significant decision, and understanding the financial implications is a crucial part of the process. This article breaks down the various costs associated with attending Shippensburg University, including tuition, fees, and other expenses, to help prospective students and their families plan effectively.

Tuition and Fees: An Overview

Your tuition and fee charges at Shippensburg University will vary depending on whether you are enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or non-degree program. These charges form a significant portion of the overall cost of attendance.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania's tuition is $13,644 for in-state students and $15,648 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is more expensive. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is cheaper than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.

PASSHE Tuition Policies

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors plays a crucial role in setting tuition rates. For example, the PASSHE Board of Governors set tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year. At this meeting, the Board approved a tuition increase but also committed to reducing this increase if additional state funding is received as part of ongoing budget negotiations. PASSHE continues to seek a 6.5 percent increase in state appropriations to PASSHE universities to maintain a record eight years of flat tuition. If sufficient funding is received from the state, the Board of Governors is committed to rolling back all or part of the increase approved yesterday.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond tuition and fees, students should also budget for other essential expenses.

Books and Supplies

Students should budget approximately $1,200 per year for books and supplies.

Personal Expenses

Personal expenses, which can include items like toiletries, entertainment, and clothing, are estimated at $3,382 per year.

Transportation

Transportation costs will vary depending on whether a student commutes, lives on campus, or travels home frequently.

Total Cost of Attendance (Student Budgets)

As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses. At Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, the total cost is $31,178 for in-state students and $33,182 for out-of-state students. 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. Estimated student budgets are developed as guides to help you anticipate your costs at Shippensburg University. We recognize that spending habits vary from student to student. Some students may get by on less money, while others may feel that they need more, depending on individual lifestyles and circumstances. A student's eligibility for financial aid; however, will be based not on individual preferences and spending habits, but on these standard budget allowances. These standard budgets do not include consumer debts such as car payments, bank loans, or credit card bills. Students should take all steps possible to eliminate or otherwise account for all previous debt obligations and avoid additional obligations during enrollment. Summer budgets are different due to the shorter calendar and require a separate application for assistance. The Total Cost of Attendance is not the amount due to Shippensburg University. *Loan fees are the average up-front origination and/or default fees associated with loans. **Housing and Food amounts are estimated based on a Unit B Suite and meal plan of 21 meals/week (per FAFSA Simplification Act requirements) and $250 Flex. ***Commuter and off-campus students are not billed by the University for Housing charges; and are only billed by the University for Food if they choose to have a meal plan.

Understanding Financial Aid

Financial aid can significantly reduce the net cost of attending Shippensburg University.

Read also: Affording ECU

Types of Financial Aid

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Average Aid Package

CostsAverage Per Year After Aid$21,462Students Receiving Financial AidNot availableAverage Aid Package$6,856Financial Aid Application DueNot availableTuitionAverage Net Price$21,462 per yearYour net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.Average Net Price by Household IncomeSticker PriceIn-State Tuition$9,900 per yearOut-of-State Tuition$11,992 per yearOther CostsBooks and Supplies$1,200 per yearPersonal Expenses$3,382 per yearTransportationNot availableFinancial AidFinancial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.Distribution DetailsStudents Receiving Financial AidNot availableFreshmen With Need and Received Financial AidNot availablePercent of Need MetNot availableAid Package DetailsAverage Aid Packages Awarded$6,856Need-Based Scholarship or Grant AwardScholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.Not availableNeed-Based Loan AmountLoans must be paid back.Not availableNon-Need-Based AidNot availableDebt at GraduationThe typical amount of loans a student must pay back.Not availableTuition Guarantee PlansTuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance paymentFinancial Aid DatesApplication DueNot availableThe last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork.Priority Application DueNot availableApplications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date.Notification DateNot availableWhen students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering.Response DueNot availableThe deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.Next StepsNote: College profiles are based primarily on information supplied by the colleges themselves through participation in College Board's BigFuture College Profiles higher education data collection portal, with some data provided via federal and state agencies.

Net Price and Net Price Calculator

Average Net Price$21,462 per year. Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

If you are still a year or two away from college, you may want to do some early planning to determine what college may cost. The Net Price Calculator will give you an additional estimate of the net cost of Shippensburg (total costs less aid) based on previous years' aid awards. This is an estimate only, and is not a binding agreement.

Important Financial Aid Dates

Application DueNot available. The last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork. Priority Application DueNot available. Applications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date. Notification DateNot available. When students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering. Response DueNot available. The deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer.

Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide

Payment Plans and Tuition Guarantees

Tuition Guarantee Plans

Tuition at time of first enrollment guaranteed only to students making advance payment

Payment Options

Three factors go into calculating your bill: your tuition and fees, your housing, and your meal plan. Your tuition will vary depending on whether you attend full-time (12 to 18 credits of classes per semester) or part-time, and whether or not you are a Pennsylvania resident. A student registered for between 1 and 11 credits is considered part-time. A student registered from 12 or more credits is considered full-time. *Based on 12 credits. A student registered for between 1 and 11 credits is considered part-time. A student registered for 12 or more credits is considered full-time. *Based on 12 credits.

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