Applying for Financial Aid at Earlham

Frequently Asked Questions

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How many students at Earlham receive financial assistance?

In a typical academic year, 85-90% of Earlham's student body receives some form of financial aid.

What is the difference between achievement-based aid
and need-based aid?

Achievement scholarships are awarded based on ability or academic performance. The Presidential Honors Scholarship is one example of this type of award. The recipients are selected by the Admissions staff, based on the student's credentials reported in their admissions application file. Need-based aid is financial assistance based on a family's financial situation. Recipients are awarded funds through the Financial Aid Office, based on the information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Earlham Financial Aid Application.

How is "financial need" determined?

When a student and their family complete the FAFSA, the data is reported to the federal processor. Earlham then receives this information via a Student Aid Report, or SAR. This SAR includes the "expected family contribution," or EFC. The difference between the EFC and the cost to attend Earlham is considered a family's financial need. For example, if Earlham's costs were $40,000, and a family's EFC was $6,000, that family's financial need is the difference, or $34,000. Earlham works to meet that need through a combination of federal, state and institutional resources. This may include grants and scholarships, work-study and student and parent loans.

Will my package change after the first year?

You must apply for need-based aid each year. Students admitted to Earlham and awarded aid will continue to be awarded the aid for which they qualify each year, as per the policy, in effect, when the student entered Earlham. Simply stated, assuming that your financial situation stays the same and you maintain satisfactory academic progress towards your degree, your aid eligibility should stay approximately the same all four years. There are four basic areas that directly affect a student's aid eligibility: number in the family, number in college, income and assets. Significant changes in any one of these areas could affect your aid from year to year.

How do local and community scholarships affect my aid package?

If Earlham was not able to meet your family's need through your aid package, then the outside scholarship amount will simply be added to the Earlham package. If we were able to meet your family's need, we will reduce need-based loans and employment first. Need-based grant aid will be reduced only when loans and work are fully eliminated. We reduce these figures, if your need was met, so that you do not violate any federal or institutional policies. Different policies apply to Bonner Scholars.

Can I get financial aid for studying off-campus?

If you are accepted to study through one of the many off-campus programs offered through Earlham or an approved Great Lakes College Association program, you may use your Earlham financial aid award. Earlham-funded aid is available for only one of these off-campus programs. If you choose to study off-campus outside of the programs offered through Earlham or the GLCA, you must apply for financial aid at the institution which offers that program. Earlham does not offer aid for May Term programs.

Is there financial aid for international students?

The Admissions Office selects the recipients of the International Student Scholarships and work awards. For further information & application materials, international students should contact the Admissions Office.

The student has not been claimed as a dependent on their parent's tax return. Does that make them independent? 

No.  Currently, the only reasons a student may be considered independent for financial aid purposes are:

  • the student was born before January 1, 1986 (for the 2009-10 academic year)

  • the student is enrolled in a graduate or professional program (beyond a bachelor's degree)

  • the student is married

  • the student has children that receive more than half their support from the student

  • the student has dependents (other than children or a spouse) that live with them and receive more than half their support from the student

  • the student is an orphan or ward of the court (or was, until age 18)

  • the student is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

  • the student is currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training

  • In rare cases, a financial aid officer can change a student's dependency status to independent. This process requires extensive documentation and consultation with the Director of Financial Aid.