Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have athletic scholarships?

Performance scholarships for athletics are awarded up to half tuition.  These scholarships are determined by athletic coaches, in consultation with the Director of Financial Aid.  Learn more about Houghton athletics.

Is there a separate application for merit-based scholarships?

No.  Once admitted, students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships (Excellence scholarships).

Is it worthwhile to complete the FAFSA even though we know we won’t qualify for federal or state need-based aid?

Yes, at least for the first year.  The FAFSA is required for Houghton need-based scholarships, some other Houghton scholarships as well as for federal loans.

Do I need to fill out a separate form for Houghton, or does the FAFSA cover it?

In most cases, the FAFSA is the only financial aid form you’ll need to complete.  View our Applying for Aid webpage for complete details.

What's the timeframe for applying for financial aid?

Students can begin filing financial aid applications after January 1st.  The priority application deadline is March 1st.  Financial aid award letters are sent in March.  May 1st is when you’ll need to notify colleges whether or not you are accepting their offer of admission and financial aid.  View our Financial Aid timeline for complete details.

Can I work on campus to help pay my expenses?

Nearly half of our students participate in the federal work study program.   Some common on-campus employers include the admission office, campus store, custodial, maintenance, food service, and the library to name a few.

Students generally work 8-10 hours per week and use their pay toward books and living expenses.

What financial aid is available for Canadians?

Canadian students are eligible for all Houghton financial aid.  Additionally, their balance due can be paid in Canadian funds, provided payment is received in full by the payment deadline.  Learn more about Canadians at Houghton.

Can I use my Houghton financial aid when studying abroad?

You can receive your Houghton College financial aid (Excellence scholarship, Houghton College Grant, etc.) only when studying abroad on a Houghton College program.  These include the First-Year Honors Program, Houghton in London, Houghton in Tanzania, Houghton in Australia, and Houghton in Adirondack Park. Discover more about off-campus programs at Houghton.

What are the payment options?

Your bill can be paid by check, credit card or a 10-month payment plan through Tuition Pay.  You can also cover the remaining balance with a PLUS or Alternative loan.

What if my family has unusual or unexpected financial circumstances?

You can complete our special circumstances form to inform us about any unusual or unexpected financial circumstances.  We will take this additional information into account when completing your financial aid award letter.

Do you negotiate financial aid packages?

Our goal is to provide the best financial aid package the first time.  We can reevaluate your financial aid package if new information arrives, such as new SAT/ACT scores, loss of a job, change in financial situation, etc.

Acronyms

The financial aid world is filled with acronyms...FAFSA, PELL, SEOG, TAP.  Here are definitions for a few of them!

EFC: Expected Family Contribution

An amount derived from the FAFSA information that students and families are expected to contribute to the extent that they are able toward their educational costs.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The form that most colleges require families to submit in order to apply for financial aid.  The form required for federal government need-based funding, including PELL grants and Stafford loans.  Houghton's FAFSA code is 002734.

PELL Grant:

A grant program targeted to the most needy students, PELL provides up to $4,050 per year for full-time students. Students must apply via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal SEOG : Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Typically ranges from $500 to $750 per year and is directed toward students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to PELL Grant recipients.

Federal PLUS Loan

The Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) allows a parent to borrow the difference between the cost of education and financial aid received. The cap on PLUS loan interest rates is nine percent. Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement.

New York State TAP: Tuition Assistance Program

The New York State TAP program provides annual awards for up to $5,000 to eligible, full-time undergraduate students. The applicant must be a New York state resident, meet income eligibility requirements, and attend college in New York state. Apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and listing a college in New York state. An Express Tuition Application (ETA) will then be mailed to the student.