Your FUTURE is Worth the INVESTMENT!
College is one of the most important investments you will ever make. Hanover College is committed to making college affordable and sustainable by helping students and families 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 institutional financial aid (scholarships, need-based aid, grants, etc.) must not exceed the cost of 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 2027-2028*
| Category | Annual Charge | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $48,082 | Your rate is locked for four years! |
| Avg. Housing | $8,664 | This is the average cost of Hanover housing. Your cost might be a little higher or lower based on the type of room selected. |
| Food (meal plan) | $8,163 | This is the cost of any meal plan we offer. May change slightly based on the final dining vendor contract. |
| General Fee | $1,045 | The general fee covers the student activity fee, IT support, etc. |
| Books | $750 | This fee covers required textbooks (printed and/or electronic). |
| Other Charges | $590 | These charges include orientation ($350 – first year only); Tenant Insurance to cover potential incident-related damage to room or belongings ($120); and Laundry ($120). |
| TOTAL | $67,294 | 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 $600 annual commuter fee. For purposes of calculating total cost of attendance and aid eligibility, commuters are allocated a reduced amount for housing ($5,610) and food ($5,695).
Other Possible Expenses for 2027-2028
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 | $600 | Students who participate in varsity or junior varsity sports are required to have additional insurance. | |
| 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. | |
Thinking about using the Parent PLUS Loan?
Learn more about recent changes to Parent PLUS Loan borrowing limits (PDF).
All Undergraduate Students Receive a Merit-Based Academic Scholarship!
Scholarships for Students Entering Fall 2027
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 | $31,000 |
| Presidential | 3.50-3.74 | $29,000 |
| Trustee | 3.25-3.49 | $25,000 |
| Dean’s | 3.24 and below | $23,000 |
Scholarship decisions are based on an applicant’s weighted high school GPA at the time of applying; utilizing the GPA as provided by the applicant’s transcript. Merit scholarships renew each year automatically as long as student remains a full-time student in good academic standing at Hanover.
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 institutional aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Questions? Contact an admission counselor.
Campus Visit Awards
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.
The only thing better than visiting Hanover College once is coming back a second time! Come back to campus a second time to visit and you get another $1,827, in recognition of Hanover’s founding 200 years ago in 1827! Your second visit must occur by May 1, 2027 to qualify.
These amounts are combined into one student success award (see below) of up to $5,827 for years two-four.
All forms of institutional aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Student Success Award
First-year Hanover College students will have access to a renewable award up to $5,827 for years two through four, if they are making satisfactory academic progress and continue to complete the FAFSA each year.
All forms of institutional aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Free Books Award
Be admitted to Hanover College AND complete your FAFSA by Dec. 15, 2026 and receive FREE BOOKS (a $750 value) for your first year at Hanover!
Need-Based Grants
| Award Name | For Consideration | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Hanover Grant | Demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA | Open throughout academic year |
| Frank O’Bannon Grant | Resident of Indiana and demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA | April 15 |
| 21st Century Scholarship | Resident of Indiana and successful completion of the 21st Century Scholars Program | April 15 |
| Federal Pell Grant | Demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA | Open throughout academic year |
Competitive/Selective Scholarships:
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, 2026.
Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 15, 2026, using Hanover’s code 001801.
All forms of institutional 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 completing a continued ensemble participation agreement form 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, 2026.
All forms of institutional 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 and making Satisfactory Academic Progress.
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, 2026.
All forms of institutional 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, 2026 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, 2026, using Hanover’s code 001801.
All forms of institutional 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, 2026.
Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 15, 2026, using Hanover’s code 001801.
All forms of institutional aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Other Awards for Students Entering Fall 2027
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 3.50. 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 institutional 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 to -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 to a -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 institutional 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 institutional aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Legacy Award
Hanover College offers a $2,000 award to immediate relatives of Hanover graduated alumni 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 step siblings; grandparents, uncles, and aunts. 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 institutional aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Hanover 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 institutional 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 institutional 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 institutional 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 institutional 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 institutional 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, 2027. 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 institutional 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 institutional 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 institutional 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 institutional aid and grants cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Additional Hanover Financial Aid Resources
Class of 2030 Billing Estimator (TBD)
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 SallieSM 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
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.
Please note that many scholarships are for one-year only and are not renewable. Please check your scholarship information carefully.
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.
Helpful Tools and Videos
Take out the guess work and get a customized financial package built just for you. Apply today.
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
Staff
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
