Is Hood College Affordable?

Take advantage of all sources of financial aid

After college, consolidate your loans

Next steps

Most families rely on the following sources to help with college finances.

After graduation, students can consolidate their loans into one loan with an interest rate that can be paid back over 10 years. Graduating students, with an average starting income of $45,327,* have about $1,900 a month for living expenses and a manageable education loan repayment of about $200-300 a month.

1. Use the FAFSA Forecaster at www.fafsa4caster. ed.gov to obtain an estimate of federal aid.

Some students are awarded federal work study as part of their financial aid packages. Hood’s Student Employment Program provides undergraduates with a way to earn money for expenses and enables them to develop work-related skills and professional behavior, build a stronger résumé and improve job search skills. PRIVATE AID Private sources such as civic or professional organizations and businesses may award aid that is based on academic achievement or interests, affiliations, special talents or intended field of study. Requirements vary by organization, and deadlines occur throughout the year.

• The Hodson Trust Scholarship: $18,000 • The Presidential Scholarship: $16,000 • The Trustee Scholarship: $14,000 • The Dean’s and Achievement Scholarships: $6,000-11,000 • The Honors Program Scholarship: $2,000 PRIVATE LOANS Alternative education loan sources are available through various lenders. Please contact the financial aid office to discuss these options.

* Per the National Association of Colleges and Employers estimate on the average salary of a college graduate.

Graduate in four years Hood College students can get their undergraduate degrees in four years or less. With Hood College’s strong academic advising and our schedule of course offerings, graduating in four years is very possible. Students who take longer to graduate not only pay more in tuition but also lose their financial aid and are forced to delay entering graduate school to earn their next degree or the workforce to earn a salary. Hood’s four-year graduation rate exceeds the national average.

Hood College also offers a Tuition Payment Plan, an interest-free payment plan to help with college expenses not covered by financial aid. In addition, the federally funded Parent Plus Loan allows parents to borrow the total cost of undergraduate education, including tuition, room and board, books and other expenses.

IS HOOD COLLEGE AFFORDABLE?

2. Use the net price calculator at www.hood.edu/ finaid to see how affordable a Hood education can be. 3. As soon after January 1, complete and submit your FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov 4. Plan college visits—include a visit to the financial aid office. 5. Apply for state and private grants and scholarships. 6. Visit www.studentaid.ed.gov to obtain more information regarding financial aid and the process. These websites have more detailed information regarding financial aid and scholarships: • www.hood.edu • www.finaid.org • www.fafsa.ed.gov • www.collegeboard.org • www.nces.ed.gov • www.mhec.state.md.us • www.fastweb.com Hood’s financial aid staff is available to answer questions or assist you with any concerns. Feel free to contact them at 301-696-3411 or by email at finaid@hood.edu

Admission Office

800-922-1599

401 Rosemont Ave.

301-696-3400

Frederick, MD 21701

admission@hood.edu

HOOD COLLEGE

Grants are financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

SCHOOL AID Hood College has developed an extensive merit scholarship program that recognizes outstanding achievement, demonstrated talent and accomplishment in leadership, research, community service or writing. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and most do not require a separate application.

www.hood.edu

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FEDERAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND LOANS Students apply for government-funded need-based aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the main form used for determining federal and state aid eligibility.

Inside: Hood vs. Public Sample Financial Aid Packages Resources and Next Steps

Sample Financial Aid Packages Financial aid packages are made up of a combination of up to four types of aid: scholarships, grants, loans and work study. Below are examples of typical financial aid packages awarded to Hood students. To see the types of financial aid for which you are eligible—based on your family’s income, number in household, number in college and your high school grade point average—go to Hood’s Net Price Calculator at www.hood.edu/finaid

The benefits of attending a private college in general—and Hood College in particular—are clear: professors who focus on teaching

undergraduates, a low student-to-faculty ratio and small classes mean you’re guaranteed a more personalized education. Living on a small, residential campus, you will enjoy more chances to get involved, take on leadership roles and forge close friendships. And Hood’s career center and accessible alumni actively work to help students prepare for life after graduation.

• Commuter student from Maryland • Three in household with one in college

Trustee Scholarship.............$14,000

Glossary of Financial Aid Terms

Hood Grant.............................$3,000

Hood Grant.............................$5,463

Federal Pell Grant...................$5,095

Endowed Grant....................... $1,537

Hood Grant: Need-based grant awarded by the College.

Federal FSEOG Grant............. $1,000

Federal Work-Study...............$2,000

State Grant: Need-based grant awarded by the state.

Maryland State Grant.............$3,000

Direct Subsidized Loan...........$3,500

Federal Perkins Loan............. $1,500

Direct Unsubsidized Loan.......$2,000

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: Need-based; interest on the loan paid by the U.S. Department of Education while students are enrolled in school.

Public University (in-state)

Public University (out-of-state)

$19,442

$37,181

$23,800

$0

Loans

$5,500

Work

$2,000

Total Financial Aid

$31,300

$7,500

Total Net Cost to Family

$13,320

$11,942

$29,681

Household Income: $100,000

Household Income: $125,000

• Resident Student from Maryland • Household of four with two in college

• Residential student from Maryland • Household of four with one in college

Trustee Scholarship.............$14,000

Presidential Scholarship.......$16,000

Hood Grant.............................$5,486

Hood Grant.............................$3,000

Endowed Grant....................... $1,214

Direct Subsidized Loan...........$3,500

Direct Unsubsidized Loan.......$2,000

Total Aid Package..............$26,200 Family Responsibility........$18,4201, 2

F. ederal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Non-need based; students are responsible for paying all interest on the loan, including while you are in school. Federal Work-Study: Provides federally funded part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Federal Pell Grant: Need-based grant based on family income, size of household and cost of attendance.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan.......$2,000

Financial Aid Scholarships and Grants

Total Aid Package..............$28,500 Family Responsibility..........$6,7801, 3

Total Aid Package..............$33,095 Family Responsibility.............$1851, 3

Be sure to carefully evaluate financial aid offerings and options for any school you are thinking about attending. Below is an example of an average financial aid package at Hood compared to one at a public university:

$44,620

• Commuter student from Maryland • Seven in household, one in college

Direct Unsubsidized Loan.......$2,000

While public colleges generally have lower tuition rates, there is more to the equation of affordability than tuition. When comparing costs at public vs. private colleges, it is important to look beyond the sticker price to see what types of financial support are offered. Government loans are standardized, but scholarships and grant awards vary, which can affect your out-of-pocket expenses. Most private colleges offer additional aid to students and scholarships that are more generous.

Tuition, Fees, Room and Board

Household Income: $75,000

Direct Subsidized Loan...........$3,500

Is Hood College affordable? You bet it is.

Hood College

Household Income: $50,000

Total Aid Package..............$24,500 Family Responsibility........$20,1201, 2

.Federal Perkins Loan: Low-interest loans for students with exceptional financial need. F. SEOG (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant): Need-based grants for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. EFC (Expected Family Contribution): The amount students and their families are expected to contribute toward education expenses based on a formula established by the federal government, which takes into consideration family income, assets, household size and number of family members attending college. Federal Parent PLUS Loan: Available to parents of dependent undergraduate students; benefits include a low fixed rate and favorable repayment terms.

“ Hood College’s financial aid staff showed us ways to make college expenses and obligations reasonable and affordable, without overloading us or our daughter with debt.” Morad Eghbal, father of Elaheh Eghbal ’13

Does not include an estimated $4,200 per year for books and supplies, transportation and other out-of-pocket expenses.

1 2

Based on $44,620 tuition, fees, room and board

3

Based on $33,280 tuition and fees

Contact Hood’s financial aid office to learn more about the financial aid process. 301-696-3411 or finaid@hood.edu

Elaheh Eghbal ’13

Go to Hood’s Net Price Calculator at www.hood.edu/finaid