Financial Aid Instructions (pdf)

If you are an international student (those who are not United States citizens and do not possess an alien registration card), please read the separate International Financial Aid Section. This section describes the financial aid process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have an alien registration card, or “green card.” 

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent to be eligible for aid. Applicants who do not receive aid at the time of admission must be prepared to pay for the first two semesters of enrollment. The earliest that we can accept a new application will be for the second year of enrollment. Financial aid is not available for students who seek a second bachelor's degree.

A completed financial aid application serves as your application for all types of aid available from Hampshire. This includes Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Work-Study, Federal Perkins, and Ford Direct Loans, as well as Hampshire Grant assistance. You must complete all of these forms even if you are only interested in work-study eligibility. It is important for you to apply by the appropriate deadline.

You and your parents must complete ALL of the following forms. Remember that different forms are submitted to different places, and that you must allow for sufficient mail and processing time to meet deadlines. We strongly suggest that you keep a copy of everything you submit.

It is important for students to use the same name and correct Social Security number on all application materials. The name used must match the name on the Social Security card. Please put the student's name on the top of each form you submit to our office.

Be sure to use the correct forms:

• Spring 2012: Use 2011/12 PROFILE and FAFSA
• Fall 2012: Use 2012/2013 PROFILE and FAFSA (available January 1, 2012)

To apply for financial aid, submit items 1 and 2 (below) by the stated deadline. The other items should be submitted as soon as available (but no later than May 1, 2012, for those admitted for fall semester 2012).

*Note: Early Decision I candidates must file the PROFILE and Noncustodial PROFILE by November 15, 2011. Early Decision II candidates must submit the PROFILE and Noncustodial PROFILE by January 1, 2012.

1. PROFILE Application
This is the application used to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid. You must apply online through the College Board. There is a fee for processing this form. This is a two-step process. You must register and then apply. Register early to obtain the password referenced in item two below. Hampshire's College Board Code is 3447. Complete the PROFILE Application online as soon as possible, using estimates if necessary. If your biological or adoptive parents are not together, the parent with whom you reside completes the PROFILE. See below for information on the other parent. You will receive an acknowledgement when the PROFILE has been submitted.

2. Noncustodial PROFILE
This application is required if your biological parents are separated, divorced, or never married. This is another major document used to determine your eligibility for Hampshire funds. There is a fee for processing this form. If applicable, both PROFILEs are required to complete your financial aid application. The Noncustodial PROFILE is available online using the password obtained by registering as described above. Registration must be completed to obtain the password. The noncustodial parent will be instructed to change the password immediately to ensure the security of the information. The noncustodial parent should complete the form online as soon as possible, using estimates if necessary.

3. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
This application determines your eligibility for federal aid. There is no fee for this form. The FAFSA is available online; a paper application can be obtained from your high school college guidance office. Hampshire's Title IV School Code is 004661. You and your parents complete and submit this form to the federal aid processor. If your biological or adoptive parents are not together, the parent with whom you reside completes this form. If you apply online, you must sign electronically with separate pin numbers for you and your parents. The FAFSA will NOT be processed without signatures.You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) after the FAFSA has been processed and we will receive the electronic record of it (ISIR).

4. IRS 1040 Federal Tax Returns
Students applying for spring 2012 who were not required to file a tax return for 2010 should download the 2011 Non Tax Filer Statement Form. Students applying for fall 2012 who will not be required to file a tax return for 2011 should download the 2012 Non Tax Filer Statement Form (available January, 2012).

Unsigned returns are not acceptable. Telefiles should be signed somewhere on the form. Copies of these tax returns should be mailed to: Financial Aid Office, Hampshire College, 893 West Street, Amherst, MA 01002-3359.