Financial Aid & Costs - Hanover College

Financial Aid & Costs - Hanover College Skip to content Admission: Inquire Visit Campus Apply Now Financial Aid & Costs Four-Year Guarantee Professional Judgement Outcomes Student Accounts Staff Thinking about using the Parent PLUS Loan? Learn more about recent changes to Parent PLUS Loan borrowing limits (PDF) We Get It! College is one of the most important investments you will ever make. Hanover College is committed to making college affordable and sustainable by helping parents plan with more certainty. Here are a few things you should know: New first-year students will have their TUITION LOCKED for four years Select Pell-eligible students from all 50 states receive full tuition through a combination of federal and state aid, merit awards and Hanover grants (conditions apply). Hanover offers a four-year graduation guarantee New first-year students have the cost of books and class materials included in your fees – which will save you time and money. 100 percent of Hanover students receive financial aid. All forms of financial aid (scholarships, need-based aid, grants, etc.) will max out at full tuition. Hanover College offers several kinds of aid to meet the individual needs of undergraduate students. Below, you will find the aid broken down by type: scholarships, grants and other awards, external scholarships and loans. Hanover College is committed to the principles and standards of The College Cost Transparency Initiative . We provide students and their families with financial aid offers that are transparent, clear, accurate and consumer friendly. FAFSA Resources for Students and Families Review this step-by-step guide to create a StudentAid.gov account and set up an account username and password. StudentAid.gov article: Can I Create a StudentAid.gov account if I don’t have a SSN? If you are a parent or spouse of a student applying for aid, or a student who is a citizen of the Freely Associated States, and you don’t have a Social Security number, learn about creating an account without a Social Security number (SSN). StudentAid.gov article: What should I do if I have an unusual circumstance and can’t provide parent information? In certain situations, you (the student) may be able to submit the FAFSA form without parent information. Read this article to determine if you may have an unusual circumstance. Direct Costs for 2026-2027* Category Annual Charge Notes Tuition $46,232 Your rate is locked for four years! Food (meal plan) $7,774 This is the cost of any meal plan we offer. May change slightly based on the final dining vendor contract. Avg. Housing $7,588 This is the average cost of Hanover housing. Your cost might be a little higher or lower based on the type of room selected. General Fees $1,755 This fee covers textbooks, the student activity fee, IT support, etc. Orientation & Laundry $470 Laundry fee may increase slightly. TOTAL $63,819 This total reflects the costs directly charged by Hanover College to all incoming first-year students before applying scholarships and aid. *These costs apply to residential students. Commuter students have a $550 annual commuter fee. For purposes of calculating total cost of attendance and aid eligibility, commuters are allocated a reduced amount for housing ($5,500) and food ($5,550). Other Possible Expenses for 2026-2027 In addition to direct costs charged by Hanover College, students may incur additional expenses depending on their situation, needs and preferences. Category Estimated Expense Notes Parking $110 Charged only if you plan to keep a car on campus. Course-Specific Costs $0-$750 Depending on your course selection, there may be lab fees, certification or testing requirements. Federal Direct Loan Origination Fees $78 This is for federal subsidized and unsubsidized student loans only. If Parent PLUS loan is taken, additional fee amount will be added. Athletic Insurance $500 Students who participate in varsity or junior varsity sports are required to have additional insurance. Tenant Liability Insurance $120 All students pay this charge. Miscellaneous $500-$1,500 Expenses such as supplies, equipment, transportation, toiletries, shopping or dining off campus, computer rental, etc. These costs will vary by individual. All Undergraduate Students Receive a Merit-Based Academic Scholarship! Scholarships for Students Entering Fall 2026 Available to All Admitted Students: Merit Scholarships All students who apply for admission will automatically be reviewed for a renewable academic merit scholarship at the levels outlined below. Scholarship GPA Requirement Amount 1827 4.25+ $36,000 Bicentennial 4.0-4.24 $34,000 Founder’s 3.75-3.99 $30,000 Presidential 3.50-3.74 $28,000 Trustee 3.25-3.49 $24,000 Dean’s 3.24 and below $20,000 Scholarship decisions are based on an applicant’s weighted GPA at the time of applying; utilizing the GPA as provided by the high school on the applicant’s transcript. Test scores submitted will be considered in application review, but will not affect merit scholarship consideration. If a student applies under the test-optional policy , or does not submit test scores, particular focus will be placed on the strength of the applicant’s academic curriculum. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Questions? Contact an admission counselor Need-Based Grants Award Name For Consideration Deadline Hanover Grant Admission and demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA Open throughout academic year Frank O’Bannon Grant Admission, resident of Indiana and demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA April 15 Academic Honors Award Admission, resident of Indiana and recipient of Academic or Technical Honors Diploma April 15 21st Century Scholarship Admission, resident of Indiana and successful completion of the 21st Century Scholars Program April 15 Federal Pell Grant Admission and demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA Open throughout academic year Campus Visit Award We are so sure you will fall in love with Hanover College, we have a special $4,000 Campus Visit Award for your first visit! This award goes to all domestic admitted students who visit campus through the Office of Admission or attend a one-on-one virtual admission event – such as a presentation/Q&A – during their senior year of high school. Come back to campus a second time to visit and you get another $2,000 ! After year one, the $6,000 is available for annual renewal as our Student Success Award (see below). All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Student Success Award First-year Hanover College students will have access to a renewable $6,000 award for years two through four, if they are making satisfactory academic progress and continue to complete the FAFSA each year. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Competitive/Selective Scholarships: Spencer Scholarship for Engineering Each year, Hanover College will award two full-ride* renewable scholarships for students majoring in Engineering or Engineering science who demonstrate significant financial need and the highest levels of academic achievement. To be considered, you must have been admitted after submitting your completed application for admission to Hanover College. Admitted students must then submit the separate scholarship application (available on a secure portal) by December 15, 2025 Necessary materials for scholarship review include: two letters of recommendation from high school teachers in the STEM disciplines. You will also be required to submit an essay explaining your interest in engineering and why you are a strong fit for the Hanover engineering program, including relevant information from your background you wish to include. Once those materials have been submitted, a scholarship committee will review all applicants and follow up regarding next steps. Select candidates will also be asked to complete an interview. To maintain award eligibility, students must major in engineering or engineering science. Students must also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 31, 2026, using Hanover’s code 001801. *Full-ride indicates that tuition, standard room, board and books will all be covered by the scholarship. Social Justice Leadership Program Hanover’s Social Justice Leadership Program is designed for those who want to help create a more just world. The Social Justice Leadership Program creates the opportunity for you to explore these urgent questions of social, economic, and environmental equity, while gaining the practical skills necessary to be an effective leader for change in any community or profession. One of only a handful of such programs in the nation and offering a unique combination of experiences, this program is a cohesive, intensely experiential four-year journey, combining rigorous academic studies, co-curricular activities, ongoing mentoring, and a paid internship–all focused on social justice. Participating students receive a $2,500 renewable scholarship as part of the program. To qualify for consideration, you must have been admitted after submitting your completed application for admission to Hanover College Admitted students must then submit the separate scholarship application (available on a secure portal) by December 15, 2025 Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 15, 2025, using Hanover’s code 001801. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Music Scholarship Top applicants who have indicated an interest in music – concert band, orchestra (strings) or choir – will be invited to audition for a $2,500 scholarship. The award is renewable each year upon continued ensemble participation and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress. Auditions may be completed in-person or by video. To qualify for consideration, you must have been admitted after submitting your completed application for admission to Hanover College Admitted students must then submit the separate scholarship application (available on a secure portal) by December 15, 2025 All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Theatre Scholarship The Hanover College Theatre Scholarship is designed to honor talented high school students who are passionate about their role as a performer or technician. Interested students will be invited to audition, submit a resume or portfolio and complete a brief interview. These $2,500 scholarships are renewable each year upon continued participation in the department. To qualify for consideration, you must have been admitted after submitting your completed application for admission to Hanover College Admitted students must then submit the separate scholarship application (available on a secure portal) by December 15, 2025 All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Community-Based Organization Awards: Moses Broyles Scholarship Each year, Hanover College will award three full-tuition scholarships to students who are members of (or nominated by) Purpose of Life Ministries in Indianapolis, Indiana. Scholarship reci­pients will be responsible for other costs; including room, board, and books. Only students who are residents of Indiana and certified by Purpose of Life Ministries will be considered for this scholarship. To be considered, students must apply for admission to Hanover no later than December 15 202 5 and indicate interest in the Moses Broyles Scholarship. Applicants who receive offers of admission will receive instructions on how to upload the necessary materials for scholarship review, including letters of recommendation, as well as a nomination from Purpose of Life Ministries. Students must also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 15, 2025, using Hanover’s code 001801. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Muhammad Ali Center Scholarship Each year, Hanover College will award full-tuition scholarships to two students who are active members of the Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Scholarship reci­pients will be responsible for other costs; including room, board, and books. To qualify for Hanover’s award, students must confirm their status as an active MAC Council member. Students can notify Hanover of their participation by contacting their admission counselor. Additionally, students must apply for admission to Hanover by December 15 2025 Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 15, 2025, using Hanover’s code 001801. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Starfish Initiative Each year, Hanover will grant full-tuition awards to one incoming first-year student who is a part of Starfish Initiative in Indianapolis. The award will cover the entirety of tuition for four years. Recipients will be responsible for other college-related costs such as room, board and books. To qualify for Hanover’s award, students must be residents of Indiana and confirm their status as a Starfish Scholar. Additionally, students must apply for admission to Hanover by December 15 2025 Students must also file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 15, 2025, using Hanover’s code 001801. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Other Awards for Students Entering Fall 2026 National Pell Promise Hanover College assists in meeting full tuition for admitted students who file the FAFSA by April 15 , have a Student Aid Index (SAI) from -1,500 to 0, and have a weighted high school GPA of at least 3.25 . The award is renewable each year upon filing the FAFSA, continuing to meet the qualifying SAI and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress. For Indiana residents, students must also meet the state aid requirements annually (completion of the FAFSA by April 15 and all credit completion guidelines). All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Indiana Pell Promise+ / Pell Promise++ Hanover College is excited to expand our Indiana Pell Promise. For Pell-eligible Indiana students with a -1,500 Student Aid Index (SAI) and a high school GPA of 4.0 or higher , Hanover will combine our scholarships and aid with Federal and State grants to cover costs of tuition, standard housing and a meal plan. Students are responsible for other expenses, estimated above. Students must complete the FAFSA by April 15 each year to ensure they still qualify. For Pell-eligible Indiana students with a -1,500 Student Aid Index (SAI) and a high school GPA of 3.75-3.99, Hanover will combine our scholarships and aid with Federal and State grants to cover the costs of tuition and standard housing. Students are responsible for their meal plan and other expenses, estimated above. Students must complete the FAFSA by April 15 each year to ensure they still qualify. For Indiana residents, students must also meet the state aid requirements annually (completion of the FAFSA by April 15 and all credit completion guidelines). Both awards are based on current Federal and State aid levels. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Indiana K-12 Employee Scholarship Beginning in Fall 2025, Hanover College will award a $2,500 scholarship to first-year students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by any accredited K-12 school in Indiana – public or private. Hanover College truly appreciates the vital role K-12 employees play in the lives of young people, and this scholarship reflects that commitment. To be awarded the scholarship, students must be admitted to Hanover, complete the FAFSA, and provide proof of their parent’s or legal guardian’s full-time or permanent part-time employment at an Indiana K-12 school. Complete this form to verify employment at an Indiana K-12 school. Only one award will be granted per family. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Legacy Award Hanover College offers a $2,000 award to immediate relatives of Hanover alumni and current students to remind us that the most important part of the College is not its buildings but its people. Immediate relatives include spouses and domestic partners; parents, stepparents and legal guardians; children and stepchildren; siblings and stepsiblings; grandparents, uncles, aunts and first cousins. Students must meet admission requirements. Families will also be required to complete the FAFSA and be able to verify the familial connection, if asked. The award is renewable each year provided Satisfactory Academic Progress is maintained. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Multi-Student Award Hanover is excited to offer an award to families who send additional students to Hanover. Incoming students who are siblings of current students will receive a $2,000 renewable award All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Lilly Scholars Promise In addition to the scholarship provided through the Lilly Endowment, Hanover College promises Lilly Scholars a 4-year renewable scholarship equal to the value of housing, food, and laundry fees. Hanover will also fully fund a May term off-campus experience. Students must complete the FAFSA by April 15 to be eligible. Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship Hanover College offers a $5,000 renewable scholarship for approximately four first-year students, preferably from Ohio, planning to major in a discipline included within the definition of STEM. The scholarship is funded through the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Heroes Scholarship To show appreciation to our fallen heroes – children of those who died in the line of duty in the military, police or emergency workers or as a direct result of their service – will receive an award up to full tuition. We hope this will ease the burden of families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Please note that appropriate documentation from the Federal and/or State government will be required. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. National Guard Supplemental Grant Students eligible for the National Guard Supplemental Grant (NGSG) will receive an annual award of up to $5000 towards tuition and regularly assessed fees. Eligible students must be Indiana Air or Army National Guard members, apply in ScholarTrack, and file their FAFSA. The Indiana National Guard reviews all applications and records the decisions in ScholarTrack. These students can attend either full-time or part-time. ScholarTrack will generate an award for $2500 for the Fall semester and $2500 for the Spring semester. Grant may not be used for Summer sessions. Please visit ScholarTrack for more information. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Tuition & Fee Exemption for Children of Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart Recipients Students eligible for the Tuition and Fee Exemption for Children of Disabled Veterans or Purple Heart Recipients will receive an annual award of up to $5,000 towards tuition and regularly assessed fees at the undergraduate resident tuition rate. Eligible students must have graduated high school on January 1, 2023, or later . Recipients who graduated before January 1, 2023, are not eligible to use the award at private, non-profit colleges, and universities. Please visit ScholarTrack or Indiana’s Tuition and Fee Exemption page for more information. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. First Scholarship Hanover College offers ten (10) $2,000 scholarships to admitted students who have participated in a FIRST Robotics Competition or a FIRST Robotics Tech Challenge Team in high school. To apply for the scholarship, applicants must complete the FIRST Scholarship form and submit a letter of recommendation from an adult mentor/coach on their FIRST team by February 1, 2026. Scholarship applicants are not required to have been admitted by Hanover College at the time they apply, but must be admitted to the College to be selected. Scholarship recipients are not required to major in a science, math or technology-related program. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship This $2,500 scholarship honors members of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society as academic achievers and peer leaders in the two-year college environment. First year college students are not eligible for this scholarship. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards Hanover College has partnered as a member in the Tuition Rewards program , sponsored by SAGE Scholars (Savings and Growth for Education), an independent organization. By investing or saving with participating banks, credit unions, 529 Plans and other financial institutions, family members can earn “points” to provide students with guaranteed minimum scholarships at a national consortium of participating independent institutions that includes Hanover College. Starting with a student’s first year, points can be redeemed for up to the full cost of base tuition and spread evenly over four undergraduate years. Tuition Rewards are provided regardless of the income or assets of the student or the student’s family. A student’s Tuition Rewards statement must be submitted through the Account Statement page at the time the student applies for admission to Hanover College. Statements submitted after Hanover has prepared a financial aid package for a student may invalidate the use of Tuition Rewards. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Tuition Discount for Relatives of Hanover Employees To help make Hanover College more accessible to current employees and their families, immediate relatives of current or former employees will pay no more than $5,000 in undergraduate tuition per year after merit and other aid is applied. Current employees must complete one year of service before this benefit is available. Former employees must have worked for a minimum of three years. Immediate relatives include spouses and domestic partners; parents, stepparents and legal guardians; children and stepchildren; siblings and stepsiblings; grandchildren, nephews, nieces and first cousins. Students must meet admission requirements and live on campus. Families will also be required to complete the FAFSA and be able to verify the familial connection. All forms of aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition. Additional Hanover Financial Aid Resources Net Price Calculator Class of 2030 Billing Estimator (TBD) Student Accounts Professional Judgement for Special Circumstances External Scholarships for New and Returning Students Hanover College publicizes information from various businesses, foundations, and civic organizations about scholarships offered to students. The College is not affiliated with these groups and does not endorse their products or services. Never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship. We do our best to investigate all scholarships listed on our webpage, but we encourage you to be diligent in protecting your personally identifiable information. The links are active at the time the information was received. If you find a link not working, please try to search by the name of the scholarship and also alert our office. Scholarship America Scholly® Scholarships by Sallie SM is the free, easy way for students to find scholarship opportunities that match their skills and interests, with access to 6 million scholarships worth up to $30 billion. Scholarship Search Tool by Nelnet Bank Below is a sample format letter for inquiring about private student aid funds or for applying for outside scholarships. You must first identify foundations, companies, or agencies that offer assistance, and then submit according to any guidelines they provide well in advance of their published deadlines Sample scholarship letter All financial awards designated for tuition (institutional scholarships/grants, Pell grant, Indiana state grants, and outside scholarships), may not exceed the cost of tuition in an academic year. Loans Let’s face it, no one likes to borrow money. But sometimes, a small loan can get you over the financial hump and make college a reality. Learn more about Federal Direct and Plus Loans Helpful Tools and Videos Take out the guess work and get a customized financial package built just for you. Apply today Net Price Calculator Still Have Questions? Feel free to contact the Office of Student Financial Services via email financialservices@hanover.edu or call 1-800-213-2178. You may also schedule your appointment online or check out our FAQs page Financial Aid Academic Progress Requirements Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (PDF) Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form (PDF) Consumer Info Financial Aid Consumer Info Staff Heather Buhr '95 Executive Director of Student Financial Services 812-866-7029 buhr@hanover.edu Kami Hall Associate Director of Student Financial Planning 812-866-7041 hallk@hanover.edu Michele Pennington Associate Director of Student Financial Services - Systems 812-866-7091 pennington@hanover.edu Savannah Pope '23 Assistant Director of Student Financial Services - Undergraduate 812-866-7119 popes@hanover.edu Garnet Tipton Director of Graduate Student Services 812-866-7105 tipton@hanover.edu Related Loans Loans Financial Aid FAQs About Admission & Aid Academics Student Life Athletics Admitted Students International Students Alumni Giving Parent Portal MyHanover Contact Campus Map Employment Consumer Info / Privacy About About Overview Fast Facts Mission & Vision News & Events Offices & Resources Leadership Human Resources Admission Admission Overview Ask for Information Visit Campus Apply Now Deposit Financial Aid & Costs Return on Investment Admission Staff Transfer Students Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Graduate Financial Aid Graduate Student Services Academics Academics Overview Majors Academic Calendars Study Abroad Summer Academy Faculty Academic Resources Duggan Library Gladish Learning Center Levett Career Center Registrar Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Graduate Student Services Student Life Student Life Overview Resources for Belonging Campus Housing Clubs & Organizations Campus Safety Athletics Panther Pets Student Life Staff Student Services Dining Health Counseling