International Student Scholarships and Finances


Aid Available to International Students

Because of our commitment to a diverse student body, Hiram College provides financial assistance to international first year and transfer students. This assistance consists of merit-based scholarship and on-campus employment. Students, who have completed applications turned into the Office of Admission by February 1, are automatically considered for scholarship after admission to the College. The average “package” of assistance equals more than half the annual cost of tuition, room, and board at Hiram.  The College does not offer full scholarships, tuition waivers, or athletic scholarships.



Tuition Guarantee

Hiram College offers a unique way to help make college more affordable. The Hiram College Tuition Guarantee ensures that the annual cost for tuition will not increase from the first year a student is enrolled at Hiram through the student's fourth year. While students at other institutes of higher education are never certain what type of annual tuition increase they will encounter, Hiram students will know: there will be no increase.  This results in a significant savings over a student’s four year educational career.



Hiram College Global Scholarships

International applicants are eligible for merit-based global scholarships. These scholarships are competitive, range from $3,000 to $21,000 per year, and are renewable annually for up to four years of study. There is no need to apply for them as candidates are chosen during the decision process and the awards are given with the admission decision. To be considered, a completed application for admission must be received no later than February 1. There is no separate scholarship application. The application for admission serves for both. 
The admission and scholarship committees evaluate each student's file in its entirety. This review includes academic preparation and performance, standardized test scores, class rank, teacher recommendations, and personal essay, with the strongest emphasis placed on academic performance. Scholarship recipients are notified in February and March.


Employment

On-campus employment is available to international students and allocation of a campus job is often included as part of the financial aid award.  Campus jobs pay a minimum of $6.85 per hour and some pay more depending on responsibilities and prior experience.  According to U.S. immigration regulations, international students are permitted to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full time over the summer and during breaks between academic terms. A typical campus employment award of $1,000 per year for a new, first-year student represents 8-10 hours of work per week.

Off-campus employment should not be relied upon to fund education. Immigration regulations restrict employment for non-U.S. citizens and it is very difficult to obtain an off-campus work permit. 


Loans

International students with a credit-worthy co-signer, who is a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., may apply for an alternative loan. The student is responsible for repayment of the loan. Repayment begins after the student graduates, leaves college, or drops below half-time (6 credit hours). Failure to repay the loan affects both the borrower and the co-signer’s credit rating. Although the use of these loans is helpful in meeting education costs, this loan cannot be used as part of the financial documentation for the initial Form I-20. 

You may view information and apply online for these loans:


Payment Plan

School fees may be paid in several ways: annually during the summer prior to the school year, prior to the beginning of each semester, or through the Hiram College payment plan. The payment plan allows a student to divide each semester’s bill into three equal payments. There is a fee to enroll in the Plan and detailed information regarding this option accompanies the initial billing prior to the start of the school year. 

Outside Scholarships

There are some search agencies that provide free information on scholarships available to international students. While there are other agencies and organizations that offer to conduct a search for a fee, use extreme caution before paying someone to search for scholarships. With some diligent research on your part, you can find the same information at no cost. Also beware of scholarships that require a fee as part of the application process. Legitimate scholarship foundations do not charge application fees.

Resources:


Contacting Us

If you have additional questions, please email us at interal@hiram.edu.