Financial FAQ
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1.) How much will my books cost and how can I pay for them?
We estimate that the average Hanover student will spend approximately $900 per year for books. You may purchase books with a check, cash or a major credit card. Please contact the bookstore (ext. 7120) if you have specific questions regarding payment policies. Also, if you have excess funds on your student account, the Business Office will report your credit balance to the bookstore and you may charge your books against that credit balance. Please contact the Business Office (ext. 7043) if the bookstore does not have your credit balance information.
2.) Should I participate in commercial scholarship or financial aid searches?
We encourage our students to research the availability of any financial assistance that may be available. However, do not participate in any search which requires you to pay a fee in order for an agency to find scholarships or grants for you. Please note that applying for need-based aid is free at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Frequently, these search agencies turn up federal sources of aid or other funds you could most likely locate on your own. We have very few students who tell us they found additional aid by using a commercial search company.
3.) My financial aid award does not cover all my costs. What are some ways I can pay for the balance?
If your family is not able to pay your balance, we first recommend that you maximize your Stafford Loan. To obtain eligibility for the Stafford Loan program file he FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you have maximized the Stafford Loan and still need additional funds, your parent can apply for a Federal PLUS Loan. You can also apply for an alternative/private loan. Additional loan information can be found at www.hanover.edu/loans.
Hanover parents can also take advantage of the payment plan offered through the TuitionPay Monthly Plan. The plan allows you to pay off your balance in 10 monthly payments (June – March), interest free. There is an annual enrollment fee of $55. For more information, contact the Business Office (ext. 7041) or call TuitionPay Monthly Plan at 800-635-0120 or visit www.hanover.edu/loans.
4.) Can I borrow less than the amount listed on my award letter?
Absolutely. We list the maximum Stafford Loan (if any) you are eligible for on your award letter. However, we encourage you to borrow the least amount possible.
5.) I am interested in finding a campus job, but Federal Work-Study was not listed on my aid award. Am I eligible for it?
Hanover does not participate in the Federal Work-study program. There are jobs available on campus and students are paid via a monthly paycheck.
6.) How do I determine whether I am a dependent or independent student for financial aid purposes?
Hanover uses the FAFSA guidelines to determine dependency status. To be considered as an independent student, a student must be able to answer "yes"; to one of the following questions on the day you filed your FAFSA:
- Were you born before January 1, 1984?
- Will you work on a master's or doctorate program?
- As of today, are you married?
- Do you have children who receive more than half their support from you?
- Do you have dependents (other than children or a spouse) who live with you and receive more than half their support from you now and through June 30, 2008?
- Are both of your parents deceased or were you a ward of the court until age 18?
- Do you currently serve on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
- Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
If you cannot answer yes to at least one of these questions, then you are considered a dependent student. Your dependency status for financial aid purposes is not affected by whether you file your own tax return, or whether you are listed as a dependent on your parent's tax return.
7.) Can international students apply for financial aid?
Only United States citizens (US nationals) and eligible non-citizens can file the FAFSA to apply for federal and state need-based aid. All other students, including those in the US on an F1 or F2 student visa, are not eligible to file the FAFSA. International students will be considered for a scholarship through Hanover's Admission Office. Visit www.hanover.edu/admission/international/ for additional information on admission and financial assistance for international students.
8.) Will my financial aid package change from year to year?
You must re-apply for need-based aid each year by filing the FAFSA. Assuming that your financial situation stays the same and you maintain good academic standing, your aid should stay about the same from year to year. Keep in mind that changes in your household size, in the number in college, or in your or your parents' income or assets can have an effect, either positive or negative, on your financial assistance awards. Merit scholarships are automatically renewed each year provided you maintain the required G.P.A. for your scholarship.
9.) How will scholarships from agencies other than Hanover affect my financial aid award?
It really depends on the amount of the outside scholarships and on whether or not we have been able to meet your need with other assistance. Please notify us when you find out you have received an outside scholarship and we will notify you of any changes to your existing awards by sending you a revised award letter.
10.) I think my parents make too much money. Do I really need to file the FAFSA to apply for assistance?
We encourage all students to complete a FAFSA for their first year in college. Parental income is not the only factor that determines aid eligibility, and some people are pleasantly surprised to find that they qualify for assistance. Keep in mind that families who do not receive other need-based aid can still borrow a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan by filing the FAFSA. Filing the FAFSA is the only way to maximze all possible sources of funding for your education.
11.) We heard that tax credits exist for families who pay higher education tuition. Can you explain more about them?
In 1997 the Taxpayer Relief Act was introduced, allowing eligible families to receive tax benefits for higher education costs. The Hope Scholarship Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit are outlined fully in IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Higher Education. Visit the IRS Web Site or call 800-829-3676 to request a copy of this publication. Hanover cannot offer families tax advice concerning these or other tax issues. For detailed information and advice, we recommend you consult your tax preparer. If you have a student enrolled at Hanover, and need more information concerning the 1098-T form that was mailed to you, contact the Business Office (ext. 7041).
12.) Why do I have to submit copies of my tax return and W2's?
One third of all students who file the FAFSA are selected for verification and are required to submit documentation so Hanover can verify that the information on the FAFSA is correct. In addition to this random selection to comply with federal regulation, students who estimate their tax return information on the FAFSA are selected. We cannot proceed with processing your financial assistance until all of the required documentation has been submitted.
Still have a question? Feel free to contact the Office of Financial Assistance via email finaid@hanover.edu or call 1-800-213-2178.
