FAFSA code is 002728
College Board CSS Profile is 2286
New York State Residents Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) code is 0270
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Hamilton meets the full demonstrated financial need of all accepted students through a combination of scholarship, loans and/or work-study. Families apply for financial aid each year so that changes in circumstances can be considered. (return top)
Yes. Hamilton is need-blind for first-year domestic applicants, meaning a U.S. student's financial need will not be a factor in the admission decision. Currently, the College is need-aware for international applicants and transfers. In addition, Hamilton promises to meet the full demonstrated need of each accepted domestic student. International students and transfers who are accepted to Hamilton and qualify for financial aid will still have their full need met by the College. (return top)
Hamilton discontinued offering merit scholarships with the class that entered in the Fall of 2008. At that time, we decided that the primary focus and top priority of our financial aid program was to need-based aid. This decision allows us to continue honoring our long-standing commitment to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all students we admit as well as make Hamilton accessible to talented students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
Most Hamilton students would qualify for merit scholarships at many other colleges. They choose Hamilton because they recognize that an education here is well worth the investment. As a result, you'll be learning and living with other strong students who also appreciate the value of a Hamilton education and are committed to joining this enduring community of scholars.
Please note that Hamilton does offer the Bristol and Schambach Scholars program, which meets your full demonstrated financial need for all four years without work-study or loan and provides a $4,000 research and exploration stipend to be used during your time at Hamilton. This program is offered to our most competitive applicants each year. The only way to be considered is to apply to Hamilton. (return top)
Yes. Instructions for prospective/new students and returning/current students are available. (return top)
Hamilton College does not offer pre-reads. It is highly recommended that families use our net price calculator for an estimate of their expected family contribution (EFC). Please note that the actual EFC generated by the Hamilton College Financial Aid Office may be different than that provided via the net price calculator. (return top)
This question can only be answered by each individual family. Our net price calculator may give you a broad assessment of what your financial aid package could look like and might be helpful to your family in determining whether or not you can make this commitment. Early Decision is designed for students and families who have done their research, know that Hamilton is their top choice and have been thoughtful in considering their college options (academically, socially, financially and otherwise).
While Early Decision at Hamilton is binding (meaning that, if admitted, all other admission applications will be withdrawn), we will release admitted students from this agreement if they determine Hamilton is not affordable for their families. In such cases, however, given that the financial aid package will not change at the point of Regular Decision, these students are withdrawn from Hamilton's admitted pool and do not have the option to consider Hamilton in the spring. (return top)
Fee waivers for the first-time filers who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be granted automatically for those who qualify based on the parents' reported income, assets and household size. The goal is to ensure that fee waivers are distributed equitably to students from families with the fewest financial resources and an inability to afford the fee. Orphans and wards of the court will be automatically eligible for fee waivers if they are first-year students who are filing for the first time. CSS grants up to six fee waivers per student who meet certain economic guidelines. (return top)
In the case of divorce or separation, we expect parents, to the extent they are able, will share the responsibility for financing your education. You and the parent(s) with whom you reside must complete the FAFSA and PROFILE. Your other natural or adoptive parent will be asked to complete a Non-Custodial Parent's Statement. A waiver of the non-custodial contribution may be granted if a letter from a guidance counselor, principal, pastor, or similar third party attests to the fact that the non-custodial parent has not been in the student's life for a number of years. Additional information on divorced family situations can be found here. (return top)
All families are obligated to make payment arrangements with the Business Office prior to the semester billing due date, regardless of your status with the Financial Aid Office. (return top)
If you receive need-based financial aid it may be necessary to adjust your financial aid to prevent an over-award. Institutional policy states that awarded self-help (work-study, then loan) would first be reduced, followed by Hamilton College Scholarship. (return top)
