Types of Aid

Scholarships and grants represent money that does not need to be repaid. All Hamilton College Scholarships are need-based and awarded based on an annual review of your financial aid application materials. The average scholarship for 2023-24 academic year was $50,645.

The amount of need-based federal work-study or campus employment offered to a student in their financial aid offer is based on demonstrated financial need. Federal work-study and/or campus employment are considered part of the “self-help” portion of a student’s financial aid offer. Whether or not a student works the number of hours required to fulfill the awarded amount of work-study/campus employment is a decision each student must make based on their ability to hold a job while attending classes during a semester. If a student decides not to work, this would increase the amount the family must contribute.

Students who have not received a need-based federal work-study or campus employment offer may still seek campus employment and apply for on-campus job opportunities via HandShake.

Hamilton includes loans that will not exceed $3,500 for first-year students. Sophomores will receive a maximum of $4,500, and Juniors and Seniors will be capped at $5,500. U.S. citizens are eligible for federal loans and international students, including Canadian citizens, may be awarded an institutional loan at the same levels. Depending on eligibility, additional loans may be borrowed to offset the family contribution.

Parent loans may be available to cover up to the difference between the cost of attendance and financial aid.

While the financial aid award is intended to meet the demonstrated need of each family, many families finance their family contribution over a number of months or years using a monthly payment plan or combination plan.

FAFSA: 002728
College Board CSS Profile: 2286
NYS Residents Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): 0270