Hilbert College

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Filing for financial aid can be confusing at times. If you have any questions, stop by the Office of Student Finance on the first floor of Franciscan Hall or contact us at:
716-649-7900 or  studentfinance@hilbert.edu

Apply for Admission to the College
Do this as early as possible. Hilbert can make a financial award only after you are admitted to the college. Hilbert is on rolling admissions, so you may apply anytime. It is important to apply sooner rather than later to allow time to prepare, complete financial aid paperwork and register.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To apply for need-based aid, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. List Hilbert College, federal code 002735, on the form. You must file the FAFSA to be eligible for federal and state grants and loans, Hilbert scholarships, or work-study employment. To file online, you will first need to obtain a personal identification number (PIN). You can get one at www.pin.ed.gov.

For more tips on filling out your FAFSA, see one of our financial aid counselors or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. You may also visit FAFSA4caster to receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid.
 

What Information Will I Need?
Gather the following information before you fill out your FAFSA:

1. Your driver’s license and Social Security card.
2. Your federal income tax returns and those of your parents (for dependent students). Also, W-2 forms from the most recently completed tax year.
3. Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security or AFDC benefits.
4. Current bank statements.
5. Records of stocks, bonds, and other investments.
6. Business records.
7. Your alien registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen.

If your tax forms are not complete, you can estimate your tax information and then forward a copy of both your taxes and your parents’ (for dependent students) to the Office of Student Finance once they are completed.

Submit Your FAFSA Before March 1 ( this is the ideal time, however, it is not a strict cutoff date)
We recommend you file a FAFSA between Jan. 1 and March 1 each year to ensure the best possible financial aid package. Aid applications should be filed before you begin your first year and every year you attend Hilbert.

Financial Aid Award Letter
Around March 15, we will begin sending out financial aid award letters. They will be sent in order of when the processed FAFSA applications were received. This letter will describe your financial aid package, including information on how much the government determines what you should be able to pay. This is called your EFC (estimated family contribution). The award letter will likely include loans, grants, and maybe even scholarships. After you review and understand the letter, sign the award letter and mail it back or drop it off at the Office of Student Finance. 
 

New for 2010-2011 - Beginning with the 2010-2011 Academic Year, Hilbert College will participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. All federal student and parent loans will be disbursed by the U.S. Government. We will no longer use private lenders(such as banks, credit unions, etc.) for Stafford or PLUS loans. There is a Federal Direct Loan website that offers additional information about the program and how to apply for loans.