At Hiram College, your education is more than just coursework — it’s a legacy. Founded in 1850, Hiram has been a place of innovation and leadership for 175 years, preparing students to become thoughtful leaders and skilled professionals ready to face the challenges of tomorrow. James A. Garfield, a key figure in the College’s history, studied at the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute (now Hiram College), later serving as a teacher and eventually principal. His journey from student to national leader reflects the College’s commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and lifelong learning.
Today, Hiram continues that tradition by offering students the tools to build their futures with confidence. With personalized mentorship, hands-on learning through the distinctive Hiram Plan, and a promise of financial clarity through the Hiram Guarantee, students can focus on what matters most: their goals, their passions, and their path forward.
The Hiram Plan and Experiential Learning
At the core of a Hiram education is the Hiram Plan, a distinctive semester structure that combines traditional coursework with immersive, hands-on learning. During the first 12 weeks of the semester, students engage in a full course load. In the final three weeks, you focus on a single, intensive course that goes beyond the classroom — whether through fieldwork, research, or study-abroad opportunities.
These hands-on experiences prepare you for your career, and Hiram ensures that every student participates in one of three key experiential learning opportunities:
•Internships that align with their career goals.
•Professor-led study away or study abroad programs that immerse them in new cultures and environments.
•Research projects that allow them to work closely with professors on scholarly inquiries.
The best part about Hiram’s study away trips? Hiram professors design and lead them. This personal approach creates a high-quality, educational experience tailored to students’ academic and personal interests.
The Hiram Guarantee
One of Hiram’s newest commitments to its students is the Hiram Guarantee, a promise that students who follow their academic plan will graduate on time and without unexpected tuition increases. By offering a fixed tuition rate for four years, there’s no financial uncertainty for you or your family.
Paired with generous scholarships and financial aid packages, Hiram makes a private college education accessible and affordable. The Guarantee reflects the College’s dedication to removing financial barriers and ensuring that students complete their education ready for success without the burden of excessive student debt.
Hiram Athletics
At Hiram, approximately 50 percent of students are collegiate athletes, proving it’s possible to excel both in academics and athletics. With the support of coaches and professors, student-athletes prioritize their academic success without compromising their time as athletes.
Access to tutoring and academic advising also helps students succeed and thrive on and off the field.
James H. Barrow Biological Field Station
Get your boots on the ground at the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station. Hiram’s 550-acre living, learning, active research lab is just three miles from campus. The Field Station is a place where education and nature connect, providing students of all majors the chance to engage in hands-on learning through fieldwork, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental stewardship.
Students can:
•Conduct independent research projects with professors and Field Station staff.
•Assist with trail maintenance and animal care.
•Work on nature education programs for children and adults.
The Field Station is an invaluable resource that can’t be found on most campuses. It’s a place where students are encouraged to explore their interests in science, conservation, and environmental education in a practical setting.
Campus Involvement and Leadership
As a Hiram student, you are encouraged to get involved on campus through over 25 clubs and organizations. These experiences build leadership skills, develop passions, and encourage meaningful connections with peers.
Being involved on campus doesn’t just make your time at Hiram better — it prepares you for life after graduation. You can gain valuable experience in student government, volunteer organizations, and cultural clubs that translate into success in your career.
Preparing for Life Beyond Graduation
Employers seek graduates who are well-rounded, experienced, and ready to contribute from day one. Hiram’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students develop the skills they need to stand out in today’s competitive job market. Students who participate in internships, research, and study away programs are more likely to be employed post-graduation and better prepared for the realities of the modern workplace.
Schedule a Visit
At Hiram, students don’t just earn a degree — they build a future. Experience what makes Hiram unique by visiting campus. Schedule your visit today at hiram.edu/visit and take the first step toward building your future at Hiram College.