Frequently Asked Questions
Find the Answers You Need
View some of Shawnee State University’s frequently asked questions.
We understand that you may have some questions regarding enrolling in a Shawnee State University Online Campus program, financial aid, and more. Here are the answers to some of the questions we are frequently asked. If you’re unable to find the answer you’re looking for, an enrollment counselor can help you out.
Becoming an Online Student
- Our online courses are seven weeks in length. As you’ll most likely enroll in one or two at a time, it will be easier to concentrate on your studies.
- To apply for admission to one of our online programs, you can contact an enrollment counselor or complete our online application.
- As our programs are fully online and asynchronous, you can log into your courses whenever it’s most convenient. Remember to submit all of your assignments before their deadlines.
- All tests are online. Depending on the course, tests may be either open-book or closed-book, and either timed or untimed. You will never have to come to campus to take a test.
- As an online student at Shawnee State, you’ll receive the same quality education as those on campus. Our faculty members are committed to your success, and you’ll receive individualized attention and support throughout your program. You’ll also have access to many benefits. To learn more, visit our Benefits of Online Learning page.
- We offer up to six start dates throughout the year so that you can begin your degree at a time that’s most convenient for you. View the Academic Calendar for a full list of start dates, deadlines, and more.
- You never have to come to campus for our online programs. However, you’re always welcome to visit and use our various resources, such as our library, fitness center, and student success center.
Financial Aid
- Yes, you can use your financial aid to purchase textbooks if you have a credit balance on your account.
- After you have received your financial aid award notice, you can log in to your MySSU account to accept your awards. If you have been awarded any student loans, you may need to complete entrance counseling and sign a master promissory note.
- To apply for financial aid, you will need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Remember to use Shawnee State University’s school code, 009942, when completing the application. We will then ask for verification documents, if necessary, and send you a notification of any financial aid awards.
- The amounts for federal student loans are determined based on your academic grade level and dependency status. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
- If you have exhausted all options for federal student aid and need additional financial assistance, you may apply for private loans or outside scholarships and grants.
- The master promissory note (MPN) is a contract between you, the borrower, and the U.S. Department of Education stating that you will repay your student loans. The MPN details the terms and conditions of your student loans. Before any loan funds can be disbursed to Shawnee State University, you must sign the MPN. It is good for 10 years, and additional student loans may be disbursed using the original MPN.
- Your parents may claim you as a dependent on their taxes until you are 24. Exceptions are if you are married, have dependents for which you provide majority support, are a U.S. military veteran, are emancipated, were a dependent or ward of the court prior to age 13, are homeless, or are pursuing a graduate degree. Even though you may no longer reside with your parents, or your parents do not claim you on their taxes, you may not be considered independent for financial aid purposes.
- If you have been selected by the U.S. Department of Education for verification, you will need to provide supporting documentation so that the information reported on your FAFSA can be verified. As we no longer accept copies of federal tax returns, you will have to submit a copy of your tax transcript. You can easily complete this step by using the IRS Data Retrieval process through the FAFSA website. Before any financial aid can be awarded, you must complete the verification step.
Military Students
You can apply for grants, scholarships, and federal financial aid. See the Save Time & Money tab above for the many options available.
You can also apply for student federal aid: Shawnee State's federal school code 009942.
Yes, if you provide documentation that you are eligible for the benefit, and that you have applied. However, only the Department of Veteran Affairs can determine eligibility for VA benefits. We are only estimating what they will pay. You will be responsible for any amount of your debt VA has determined they will not pay for. If you are unsure, wait until your COE is mailed to you.
- Yes, you may be eligible to receive credit for your U.S. military service. First, you must request your Joint Service Transcript (if you served in the U.S. Air Force, you may request your transcript through the Air Force website). After we receive your transcript, one of our advisors will evaluate it for college credit.
Yes, you can. We are required to report the net tuition cost to the VA after applying grants, scholarships, discounts, etc. that apply to tuition. The balance is what VA will pay under chapter 33.
No. You will not receive a W-2 from the VA and benefits paid under any law administered by VA should not be reported as income to the IRS.
- After you apply for admission to one of Shawnee State University’s online programs, you need to complete the application for DVA Education Benefits on the GI Bill website. Then, submit your Certificate of Eligibility to the Office of Military and Veteran Services after you’ve received it (typically within 30-45 days), along with a copy of your DD-214 form. You’ll also need to submit all previous college transcripts, military transcripts, and joint transcripts to Shawnee State’s Admissions Office by the end of the semester. Additionally, you may need to complete college assessment exams. Finally, you will meet with your advisor for an academic plan and a VA Semester Worksheet, and then provide a copy of your Veteran Services Registration form to the Office of Military and Veteran Services.
- After you’ve received your educational benefits payments, you can apply them to your tuition and fees by making payments through your MySSU account.
Go to the VA's education application page and follow their instructions.
If you are a veteran, use the Find a Form link, search and complete VA Form 22-1990, Application for VA Education Benefits. You will be mailed a COE in approximately eight weeks.
To access your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), please sign in to your account. Once you log in to your account, you can make this request. You will only be able to view the benefit if you were awarded educational benefits.
Request and provide an official copy of your JST or CCAF transcript during the admissions process along with your prior college transcripts and high school transcripts so they can be evaluated.
You can order your transcripts using the appropriate military branch link below. Please note that you will likely be prompted to manually accept the DoD's security certificates.
- Your benefits payments from the VA can be directly deposited into your checking or savings account.
Please contact SSU Veterans Coordinator:
Doug Shoemaker
dshoemaker@shawnee.edu
(740) 351-4441You can also visit www.gibill.va.gov.
It is possible. If you're authorized to use more than one GI Bill® benefit you're allowed to use up to 48 months of benefits, but one at a time. If you have used up your entire chapter 30 and have never used a different chapter (31, 32, 34, 35, 1606, or 1607) you could be eligible for an additional 12 months if you have not reached your delimiting date.
- If you did not meet the minimum grade required to pass a course, the VA will pay for you to retake the class. However, the VA will not pay for any repeated courses successfully passed.
- If your military educational benefits result in overpayment, you must repay the VA. Failure to do so may result in legal proceedings. If you have an overpayment of benefits, you may request a waiver or repayment of debt in monthly installments. Contact the Office of Military and Veteran Services if you need to make one of these requests.
Transfer Students
- Yes! The amount of transfer credits varies by program. For information, visit our Transfer Students page.
As part of the admission process, your enrollment counselor will request official copies of your transcripts on your behalf. If you have any questions about this process, you may speak to your enrollment counselor.
Please note that some institutions may require you to obtain your official transcripts directly; if this is the case, your enrollment counselor will contact you. To submit official copies of your transcripts yourself, you must request the registrar office of your previously attended institutions to send copies to Shawnee State University’s Office of Admission. Photocopies, faxed, or hand-delivered transcripts will not be accepted. The college registrar can mail your transcripts to:
Office of Admission
Shawnee State University
940 Second St.
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662- Yes, you may view a comprehensive list of transfer course equivalencies through our personalized Transfer Evaluation System website.
- No, we will not accept or evaluate unofficial transcripts as it does not accurately determine which credits will transfer and apply toward your chosen degree.