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Hillsdale College, which does not accept or permit its students to bring federal financial aid to campus, is fully committed to providing its students with competitive financial aid packages, all of which are privately funded.  Financial aid can be need-based (grants and loans), or it can be awarded without regard to financial need, as many scholarships are.  This page outlines Hillsdale’s various scholarship, grant and loan programs. 

Please select any of the links below.

 

For further information regarding financial aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.


Need-Based Financial Aid

How Need is Determined

To be considered for need-based assistance, a student must first complete a need-analysis application (CFFS - online or PDF -  for incoming students and CSS for returning students) to determine the financial contribution a family can make each year toward the candidate’s schooling.  Need is then determined according to the following simple formula:

Need = college cost – family contribution

Consequently, a family’s “need factor” will vary from college to college, as the cost of each institution differs. 

By drawing from a number of sources, including grants, loans and campus employment, Hillsdale endeavors to offer a financial aid “package” that will help defray educational costs.

Educational Grants

Grants are outright gifts that need not be repaid. 

  • Hillsdale College Grants - A limited number of grants are awarded each year to incoming freshmen showing promise and exceptional need.
  • Michigan Independence Replacement Grant - Hillsdale’s replacement fund for the State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program and Tuition Grant Program.

Loan Program

Loans are extended at low interest rates.

  • Hillsdale College Loans - Hillsdale has several private loan funds which are sponsored by individuals, foundations and companies who support Hillsdale’s independence.  These loan funds are need based, have various interest rates and individual, specialized criteria for selection.  All loans require a creditworthy cosigner and are contingent upon students meeting and maintaining standards of progress each semester.
  • Alternative Loans - Alternative loans are private loan sources available to all creditworthy enrolled Hillsdale students and help bridge the gap between the actual cost of education and the limited amount of institutional financial aid offered by Hillsdale College.  However, the Office of Student Financial Aid is aware of predatory lending practices by some lenders.  Therefore, we have identified information on quality alternative lenders with whom we have an established relationship.  Hillsdale College certifies alternative loans through the following preferred lenders: Citi Assist Loan, Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan, and NuUnion Student Choice.  Students are not limited to these lenders when seeking an outside loan and are permitted to pursue any privately funded student loan as long as the loan amount is within institutional budgetary limits.  Because deceptive marketing tactics are not illegal in the world of alternative student loans, parents and students are cautioned to be wary of unsolicited offers from any outside loan provider and are advised to read and understand the terms and conditions of any loan they may be considering.


Financial Aid Without Regard to Need

How to Apply

Those students wishing to apply for a Hillsdale scholarship based on outstanding achievement and satisfactory citizenship need only complete an application for admission.  Any student accepted for admission is automatically considered for an award at the appropriate date by the Scholarship Selection Committee.  Due to the competitive nature of the awards, not everyone who qualifies can receive an award.

Application Deadline

Applications for admission must be postmarked by the dates noted on the published Application Plans.

 

Interviews

Candidates for Distinct Honor and Presidential Scholarships may be asked to interview at Hillsdale College.  Each invited candidate will be interviewed by the Scholarship Selection Committee comprised of Hillsdale faculty and administrators.

Scholarships are awarded to new Hillsdale students and are renewable for four years provided the specified academic performance is maintained.  Applicants are encouraged, without jeopardizing the merit award, to file the Hillsdale College Confidential Family Financial Statement (online or PDF) to qualify for additional financial aid based on need.  Our comprehensive Financial Aid Program also includes athletic and fine arts scholarships.  Admission and financial aid are granted without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national or ethnic origin. 
 

Academic Merit Awards

Distinct Honor Scholarship—Three-quarter to full tuition

Qualifying Criteria:

  • ACT greater than or equal to 33 or SAT greater than or equal to 2180
  • High school GPA greater than or equal to 3.85/4.0
  • Superior record of leadership and extra-curricular involvement
  • Two academic letters of recommendation from high school officials
  • Superior interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee

 

Presidential Scholarship—Half tuition

Qualifying Criteria:

  • ACT greater than or equal to 31 or SAT greater than or equal to 2030
  • High school GPA greater than or equal to 3.75/4.0
  • Superior record of leadership and extra-curricular involvement
  • Two academic letters of recommendation from high school officials

 

Trustee Scholarship—$1,000 to $6,000

Qualifying Criteria:

  • ACT greater than or equal to 27 or SAT greater than or equal to 1920
  • High school GPA greater than or equal to 3.65/4.0
  • Well-rounded extra-curricular involvement

 

Michigan Merit Award Replacement Fund

  • Hillsdale’s replacement fund for the MEAP and the Michigan Promise Award.

Outside Scholarship Searches

In addition to Hillsdale College-sponsored scholarships, many organizations offer financial support for undergraduate study.  The following scholarship search services offer free online searchable databases of private sector scholarships representing billions of dollars in aid for higher education.


   
 
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