Photo: Hiram College. Retrieved from: www.city-data.com
Hiram College is a private liberal arts school located an hour outside of Cleveland in Hiram, Ohio. The college hosts 1300 students, around 75 full time professors and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Known for its study abroad program catering to the 30% of students who take advantage of it, and a unique academic calendar, it’s no wonder why Hiram was one of 40 colleges to make Loren Pope’s list of Colleges that Change Lives.
Hiram holds their students accountable to conduct themselves in a manner that embraces values honored by the college. These values include; community, responsibility, and innovation.
Located just an hour from Cleveland, students can get the small town feel of Hiram, Ohio but have the opportunity that Cleveland has to offer. Students can not only gain valuable internships within the city but they can take advantage of the numerous activities such as plays, shops, and museums that the city has to offer.
History
Hiram College was founded in 1850 as a co-educational college, by Amos Sutton Hayden of the Disciples of Christ Church. Before it became known as Hiram College, it was called The Western Reserve Eclectic Institute. Although Hiram started off as just a school for area students, word spread to students from out of state. The institute did not become a college until 1867, when it received collegiate ranking.
The 20th President of the United States, James A. Garfield attended Hiram College as a student and later went on to become a professor and principal there. Other notable alumni and faculty include Jonathan Estrin, the Executive Vice President of American Film Institute; Jan Hopkins a journalist for CNN, and Benjamin D. Pritchard known for being the general who captured Jefferson Davis at the end of the United States Civil War.
Campus Life
Hiram College’s academic schedule is unique. Consisting of two fifteen-week semesters, each semester is divided into one twelve-week session and one three-week session. During the twelve-week session each student takes three courses. During the three-week session students focus on one intensive course.
Known as “The Terriers”, Hiram students have many opportunities around campus to practice what they love to do. Whether it’s to write or direct film, play soccer or join a sorority there are numerous ways to get involved on campus.
One of the events that happen on campus each year is the Run for Grace and Andy. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund named for two former students who were killed when their vehicle was struck by a drunk driver in 2006.
Financial Aid
Costs are comparatively low at $40,000 a year, Hiram College awards over $15 million dollars each year to students who demonstrate financial need. Furthermore administrators at Hiram College guarantee that the annual cost for tuition will not increase between the student’s freshman and senior year. This way students will know exactly how much they will be required to pay upon graduation.
Hiram College gives out numerous merit-based and financial-based scholarships, loans, and grants. Furthermore, the financial aid department works with students to help find private scholarships and grants in order to help finance their education.
