Hiram College
Hiram College is a private nonprofit university in Hiram, OH ranked #988 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 777 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 993.5%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Accounting and Related Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 71.9% first-year retention, and 54.5% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $21,058, about $4,060 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -52.2%, roughly 137.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $40,270. That's about $3,418 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Hiram College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Hiram College graduates 54.5% of students within six years and keeps 71.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Hiram College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $27,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $800 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,850 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,572 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $40,572 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 31.7% of Hiram College students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $16,550 to $26,698 depending on family income. Use Hiram College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $22,236/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $26,698/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $40,270
- 10-Year Median Earnings $40,270
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 56.7%
- Employment Rate 92.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Hiram College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Hiram College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Hiram College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Hiram College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Hiram College graduates earn $40,270 median, the -52.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 777
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 71.9%
- Graduation Rate 54.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 11:1
How to Get Into Hiram College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Hiram College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 993.5%, Hiram College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 93.5% acceptance rate, Hiram College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Hiram College undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Accounting and Related Services, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.5%
- Accounting and Related Services 13.9%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 11.9%
- Education, General 5.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.7%
- Biology, General 4.6%
See more majors
- Psychology, General 3.1%
- Sociology 3.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $69,407
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $61,266
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $60,455
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Communication and Media Studies $57,027
- 5. Biology, General $52,231
- 6. Psychology, General $46,733
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $69,407—49% more than Psychology, General ($46,733). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Hiram College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Education, General (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 9 graduates)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degree, 8 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (43 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Education, General
- Biology, General
- Sociology
- Psychology, General
- Marketing
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Computer Science
- Social Sciences, General
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Music
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Health
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Natural Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International/Global Studies
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Design and Applied Arts
- Criminology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 777
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 52.6%
- Female Students 47.4%
- Caucasian 50.2%
- Asian 0.8%
- Hispanic 9.0%
- Black 10.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 31.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Hiram College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Hiram College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Hiram College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hiram College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Hiram College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Hiram College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Hiram College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -52.2% ROI. Ranked #988 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $21,058 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $40,270 median earnings. With 54.5% graduating within six years and 71.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Hiram College's Positioning
With a B grade and #988 ranking, Hiram College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $21,058 annually, Hiram College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 71.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,741 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -52.2% ROI and $40,270 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $11,058+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Hiram College ranks #988 of 1942 institutions, with 1164 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 54.5% six-year graduation rate sits 8.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 71.9% first-year retention is 4.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -52.2% return on investment is 137.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $40,270 run about 8% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $21,058 is roughly $1,040 higher than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 11:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 71.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.9% employment rate within three years sits 24.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $21,058 is about $1,040 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 31.7% trails the national share by 2.5 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Hiram College—a private nonprofit university in Hiram, OH—at B overall. It appears at #988 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 71.9% retention and 54.5% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -52.2% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $21,058 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $40,572.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $19,514 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 31.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $40,270 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 8% below typical U.S. college outcomes.
Roughly 92.9% of graduates are employed three years out.
Plan around an ROI of about -52.2% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
93.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Hiram College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Hiram, OH 44234-0067
- Website www.hiram.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$51.4M