Need-Based Financial Aid

Types of Aid

Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are awards which do not need to be repaid. Many sources, including federal and state governments, offer grants. When determining your financial need, consider the outside grants and scholarships you will receive. Then understand that Hiram offers additional grants and scholarships, some of which are based on merit, others of which are based on the family's ability to pay.

Student Loans
In most cases, payments of these low-interest loans are deferred until you've left school, making these education loans a favorable way of meeting costs.

Federal Work Study
Hiram estimates the amount you are able to earn through on-campus employment to help meet your college expenses. There are a variety of work study positions available on campus which pay between minimum wage and $6.50 per hour.

How to Apply for Aid

To be considered for need-based financial aid, students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Completing the FAFSA online simplifies the filing process and your results will be available within 7 to 14 days. If you cannot apply online, you may obtain a FAFSA from the Hiram College Financial Aid Office, your high school guidance office, or from your local library.

When completing the FAFSA, please be sure to list HIRAM COLLEGE'S SCHOOL CODE (003049) so that Hiram receives your information from the U.S. Department of Education.

You should apply for financial aid as soon as possible AFTER January 1, 2007. Students eligible for need based Hiram Grant must have the FAFSA filed/received by the federal processor prior to June 1, 2007 to avoid loss of all or part of the grant.  Late applications will result in the following loss of Hiram Grant:
    $1,000 for FAFSA received June 1-30
    $2,000 for FAFSA received July 1-31
    $3,000 for FAFSA received August 1-31
    Total loss for FAFSA received on or after September 1

 Prior to completing the FAFSA, you and your parents should each complete federal income tax returns (if required by law). This ensures accurate calculation of your financial aid eligibility. It is not necessary to file tax forms prior to April 15, but you should have the information ready in case it is requested as part of the financial aid application process.