Why did you choose Hope College? This is a common question that most students on campus have previously answered. While many answers range from the liberal arts education to the student involvement opportunities available to the beauty of the Holland community and everything in between, I have also consistently heard a seemingly more practical answer: financial aid and scholarships. For me, I have a similar response.
While it’s no secret that Hope College (similar to other private colleges and universities) can be costlier for students and families, the College also seeks to make a Hope education more accessible by providing generous support and scholarship packages.
As listed on Hope’s website, there are several academic award packages available to students: National Merit Scholarship ($24,000 per year), Trustee Scholarship ($24,000 per year), Presidential Scholarship ($15,000 per year and up), Distinguished Scholar ($13,000 per year), Alumni Honors Scholarship ($11,000 per year), and Anchor Award ($7,500 per year). While each of these includes its own set of criteria and standards, they offer opportunities for students to receive financial support for their work in the classroom. Donors also fund scholarships for packages awarded to students within their respective majors and minors. While these may or may not be awarded to first-year students, the opportunities are there as students progress throughout their college careers.
In addition to academic achievement awards, Hope offers scholarships through what they call “Distinguished Artist Awards,” which provide fine arts awards in the following areas: creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual arts.
A more recent initiative is Hope Forward – a plan to provide fully-funded tuition at Hope College that is rooted in generosity and gratitude. Currently funded by the generosity of donors, the idea is that awarded students will pay-it-forward out of gratitude after graduation and continue funding other students. This program was spearheaded under the vision of Hope College President Matt Scogin, who seeks to underscore the College’s mission statement and its Christian roots through this distinctive stewardship of resources. This seemingly revolutionary model was even featured on the podcast of five-time New York Times Bestselling author, Malcom Gladwell, who visited Hope’s campus last Spring.
Aside from these, there are many additional ways to pursue financial support for attending Hope from organizations outside of the college. Hope’s Financial Aid Office website is a great resource for external scholarship opportunities for students who have completed their Federal Student Aid (FASFA).
While the cost of tuition can feel overwhelming for students and families, it’s important to consider there are supportive resources available. I have outlined only some of the options available and I encourage prospective students and families to speak with their admissions rep and the Financial Aid Office about their specific circumstances and to learn more about the many resources available to them.