Money Matters
Estimated expenses for Academic Year 2008-2009 are listed below. We have also included several options for how to transfer funds to the U.S. You may wish to use one option exclusively or combine two or more depending on the best choice for your personal situation.
Estimated Expenses for Academic Year 2008-2009
Expenses include:
Tuition and fees |
$25,250 |
Room and board (standard) |
$8,380 |
Health insurance |
$1,000 |
Books and miscellaneous expenses |
$1,500 |
Please plan to bring about USD$500 to meet immediate expenses.
Options for Meeting Expenses and Bringing Funds to the U.S.
Wire Transfer of Money
A wire transfer is an excellent, secure method of moving funds from a bank in your home country to your billing account in the Student Accounts Office at Hiram College. The money sent by wire transfer will go directly from your bank into a Hiram account and then be posted to your personal billing account. Many of Hiram's internatoinal students and their parents choose this option for its convenience and safety. If you use this method, money must be transferred in U.S. dollars. Directions for a wire transaction are sent to all accepted students.
American Express Traveler's Checks
American Express Traveler's Checks are also a convenient and safe way to bring money to the U.S. These traveler's checks are insured, so that if they are lost or stolen, American Express will refund the money. If you use this option, American Express Traveler's Checks must be in U.S. dollars. Checks in other currency cannot be accepted. In some countries, American Express Traveler's Checks in U.S. dollars may be difficult to obtain or unavailable, so you may want to determine early in your planning if this option is offered to you.
Cash (U.S. Dollars and Coins)
If you choose to bring currency, it must be in U.S. dollars. There is no Currency Exchange booth at the Cleveland Hopkins Airport or in the Hiram, Ohio area. Therefore it is very important that you exchange money prior to arriving in the U.S.
To prevent theft of your funds while traveling, do not put money in a suitcase, flight/travel bag or purse. Wear it on your person. Keep out only what you need for travel and secure the rest in a money belt that you can wear inside of your clothing around the middle of your body.
Credit Card
If you have a VISA credit card in your name (NOT in the name of another family member), it will be a convenient way to pay for most expenses or purchases while living in the U.S. VISA is generally the most frequently accepted credit card available to international or U.S. students from abroad. Other credit cards from your home country may not be as universally accepted.