1. What is financial aid?
Financial aid refers to any funds available to students and/or their parents to help offset the cost of higher education. Funds come from federal, state, private, and institutional resources.
2. Who should apply for financial aid?
Any student needing assistance with the cost of higher education should apply for financial aid. Because not all federal aid is based on need, we encourage all students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) regardless of family income. New York State residents should also apply for New York State financial aid at hesc.ny.gov
3. When should I apply for financial aid?
You should apply for financial aid as soon as possible. To achieve the best financial aid package, you should complete and submit this information before April 1. Students need to reapply for financial aid every year.
4. What is financial need?
Financial need is a formula the government uses to determine how much you should pay toward your own education. Simply, it is the difference between what your college costs will be and what you have available to pay them. We start by adding all of your basic college costs, including tuition, fees, room, meal plan, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Then we subtract what you and your family can pay toward your basic costs (expected family contribution), calculated from your FAFSA form, and from this determine your financial need.
5. Who is eligible to receive financial aid?
A student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to receive federal financial aid. Also, a student must not be in default on a prior student loan, owe a repayment of aid to the U.S. Department of Education, or have a drug conviction. International students that apply for admission can be considered for Hilbert scholarships, but would not be eligible for federal financial aid.
6. What is a financial aid package?
The Director of Student Financial Aid calculates financial aid packages for students. Financial aid can consist of a combination of different types of aid. It can include scholarships, grant, student loans, and work-study
7. What forms are needed to apply for financial aid?
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). New York State residents should apply for New York State aid at hesc.ny.gov.
8. Do I have to apply for admission to Hilbert to be considered for financial aid?
Yes, you must apply for admission before the Office of Student Finance can consider your eligibility for financial aid, including scholarships. You can apply online or contact the Office of Admissions at 716-649-7900 or 1-800-649-8003.
9. What tips do you have for completing the FAFSA?
Hilbert has a staff of financial aid counselors who can help you fill out the necessary forms. But you should keep the following tips in mind when completing the form.
- Because much of the information supplied on the FAFSA is taken from you and/or your parents’ (for dependent students) federal income tax forms, you should make every effort to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA to complete accurately and completely.
- Complete the entire form; don’t leave any questions blank.
- Be especially careful when entering numbers such as your Social Security number.
- Double-check your answers before submitting the FAFSA.
10. What types of financial aid are covered by the FAFSA?
Federal financial aid includes Pell Grants, Supplemental Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.
11. What other types of financial aid are available?
Other than federal aid, assistance from the New York State government is available for those that qualify. Hilbert College also offers merit and campus-based scholarships, and external scholarships can also be used as a resource. Grants and scholarships are, in effect, gifts and do not need to be repaid. Federal loans and private education loans can be borrowed in addition to other aid received to help with educational costs. Loans have regular repayment schedules and usually do not come due until after graduation. Contact the Student Finance Office at 716-926-8944 for additional information regarding scholarships and loans.
12. How can I be declared an independent student?
For financial aid consideration for the 2024-2025 academic year, a student can be considered an independent student if they meet at least one of the criteria the federal government has established. Below are some of the conditions they have established:
- Born before January 1, 2000
- Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Enrolled in a graduate or professional program
- Married
- Orphan or a ward of the court
- Have legal dependents other than a spouse
If you are estranged from your parents and this can be documented by an independent, professional third party (member of the clergy, social worker, counselor, etc.), please see a Hilbert financial aid counselor for assistance.
13. How do I know how much aid I will receive?
We send out financial aid notifications to new admitted students. The letter outlines how much the government determines you should be able to pay. Then we list the ways we can make up the difference. Current student receive financial aid award notifications after Spring grades have been submitted. You can accept your desired financial aid online at finaid.hilbert.edu.
14. Does a large family or more than one student in college at the same time increase the amount of financial aid?
Eligibility for financial aid is based on federal and institutional estimates of your family’s ability to contribute to the cost of education on a yearly basis. A typical offer consists of a combination of grants, loans, and work-study. Your offer is likely to change each year for one or more of the following reasons:
- You forgot to reapply for financial aid and miss the priority deadline (April 1).
- Your family’s income will change.
- Your loan amount may increase as you continue through school.
- The number of children in college may change.
- The cost of education will go up.
15. Is financial aid available for summer?
Pell and/or student loans may be available, depending on the amount you utilized during the prior Fall and Spring semesters and the number of credit hours you are enrolled in during the summer. Please see a Hilbert financial aid counselor if you are considering taking summer classes to determine your financial aid eligibility for the summer.
16. If I withdraw from school, do I have to pay back my financial aid?
Students who withdraw from school may be expected to repay a portion of their financial aid. Any refundable amount used to pay tuition and fees or for college housing is returned to the appropriate financial aid sources.
17. What if my financial situation suddenly changes?
If you or your parents (for dependent students) experience a change in financial situation, you can request for the Student Finance Office to reevaluate your aid eligibility. Please contact the Student Finance Office for more information.
18. Are there payment options available to pay my college costs not covered by grants, scholarships or loans?
Any balance remaining after grants, scholarships and loans can be paid with cash, personal check, VISA, MasterCard, or Discover. The college also offers a monthly payment plan, which divides the semester’s balance into four manageable monthly payments. In addition, many employers offer a tuition reimbursement benefit to qualified employees. Students who are sponsored under this benefit may defer tuition payment until two weeks after the grade reports for the semester are mailed.
19. How will I receive my money?
All financial aid will be credited to your Hilbert billing account. If the credited charges exceed what you owe Hilbert, then a refund check will be disbursed to you. Your refund check may be picked up at the Office of Student Finance located on the second floor of Franciscan Hall.
You will receive work-study wages as hours are worked during the pay period. Students receive paychecks every two weeks for the hours they worked.
20. What is work-study?
Work-study is a form of financial aid. This program provides jobs for students who need to supplement their earnings to meet a portion of their educational expenses. Students are paid for work they perform at on-campus jobs. Students who are eligible for the program must be enrolled at least half-time. More information about the work-study program and job openings is available online via Handshake. Students can work 20 hours maximum per week.
21. What types of scholarships are available at Hilbert?
There are a variety of scholarships available through Hilbert, including scholarships in the areas of academic excellence, degree programs, adult learner, female student, incoming freshmen, transfer student, ethnic, and financial need. .
22. What are some tips in seeking scholarships through my community?
External scholarships come to the attention of the Office of Student Finance through a variety of sources. Large companies in your area or your parent’s employer may also be a great source. In some cases, you may have to be directly associated with an organization to qualify for a scholarship.