Hanover College
Hanover, Indiana
Situated on 650 acres of woods on the banks of the Ohio River, Hanover College is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to the livelihood of its distinctive intellectual community. Hanover encourages students to take charge of their education and future as committed, curious learners.
Hanover offers 33 majors in the liberal arts as well as a design-your-own-major option for students to individualize their education. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and its teacher-certification is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Indiana Department of Education.
Get to know Hanover College
College Highlights




UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Every student, regardless of major, has the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research. Biology majors might assist a professor in the lab, while others may travel to Greece to study ancient texts and archaeology.
SUMMER RESEARCH FELLOWS PROGRAM
Designed to emphasize experiential learning in a biological sub discipline, the Summer Research Fellows program encourages students to work closely with a professor on an active research project over the summer. Students even receive a monetary award and a stipend to cover room and board.
Hanover students are consistently recognized for their academic excellence through opportunities to present their findings at regional and national conferences. The Academy of Science, Evolution Meetings, and Animal Behavior Conference are among the many platforms in which students demonstrate their abilities. They also have the opportunity to publish their work in peer-reviewed scientific journals, including the Journal of Freshwater Ecology and Ethology, Ecology, and Evolution. Hanover students have been awarded Fulbright Scholarships, Rivers Institute Grants for Independent Research, and participation in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU).
MEET THE POLICY-MAKERS
Political science students are able to take courses that not only teach them about national policy, but also take them directly to the source of the most important policies impacting the U.S and the world. Through the Field Study of Washington D.C., students can conduct independent research and complete interviews with policy-makers across the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government. The Field Study of the United Nations introduces students to the inner workings of essential U.N. functions, allowing them to interact with diplomatic officials from around the world.
STUDY ABROAD
Hanover is committed to preparing students for an increasingly global workforce. Students who wish to broaden their cultural and intellectual horizons can choose from faculty-led, short-term, and semester-long off-campus study programs. Just a few examples of the possibilities include partner programs with Australia, Belgium, and Turkey; foreign-language intensives in France, Germany, Mexico, and Spain; and immersive trips through the University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC) to programs in Korea, China, Thailand, India, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Sweden, Norway, Ghana, and South Africa.
“People do not often have the opportunity to see an entirely different world; I had three opportunities to do so. Each one of them offered experiences that have shaped my outlook on the world in varying degrees.” – Hilary F. Tollefson ’14
The Spring Term Off-Campus program provides another opportunity to travel the world. Through this program, Hanover faculty themselves enrich their course material by taking their students on trips for fully hands-on experiences. Biology and geology professors bring their students to various sites for essential field work, while English professors invite their students to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 3%
Hispanic/Latinx: 4%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 4%
White, non-Hispanic: 75%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 1%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 9%
Hanover students have the privilege to learn and grow in small classes led by award-winning, passionate professors. Rich mentorship and individualized instruction support students through every stage of their academic career.
“We place students in urban student teaching experiences in Indianapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati and within a 30-mile radius for local student teaching. Students are encouraged to be members of the Indiana Student Education Association (ISEA), which hosts state-level education leadership opportunities, professional development conferences, and a speaker series. Our students also present development topics to practicing teachers and have been involved in research activities around best practice in education.” – Dustin Bailey, Assistant Professor of Education
CORE CURRICULUM
Hanover believes in the power of a well-rounded, comprehensive liberal arts education. Students complete courses that cover a wide range of topics to prepare them for the diverse situations they will face after graduation. Every student must complete courses that cover the following topics: literary and artistic perspectives; historical and social perspectives; philosophical and religious perspectives; scientific, mathematical, and algorithmic methods; world languages; and health and fitness. Such components of the core curriculum encompass the essential tenets of a liberal arts education and altogether promote holistic learning.
FIRST-YEAR INTRODUCTION
The August Experience marks the beginning of a Hanover student’s life on campus. New students use this time to move into their residence halls, participate in activities to introduce them to their new home, and take their first college course. Offering a smooth and supportive introduction to college-level thinking, the August Experience course and common reading experience provide a solid academic foundation for every student. Students are also introduced to their advisors and their campus community with activities like films, field trips, and speakers.
At the continuation of the fall semester, freshmen then enroll in a course that introduces them to the value and purpose of a liberal arts education as they learn close reading and analytical skills and develop successful academic habits.
ON-CAMPUS IMMERSION
Students majoring or minoring in a language can practice their conversation skills through multiple faculty-led activities. Spanish majors, for instance, are encouraged to attend Hora de Café, a monthly, faculty-sponsored event that helps guests practice informal conversation skills. What’s more, Club de Español members participate in cooking, dancing, and entertainment events to promote deeper a understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures. French students, too, can attend the twice-monthly Table Francaise for similar conversational practice. The Cercle Francais club adds to the experience by enriching members’ understanding and appreciation of French language and culture.
Deemed one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, Hanover is sure to be a comfortable home away from home. Students describe its unique size as big enough to meet new people yet small enough to see familiar faces all around campus. Weekends are enjoyed at the campus coffee shop, in the gym, across four dining facilities, and in exciting student organizations.
“Adventurous doesn’t begin to describe student life on campus! From sports to intramurals, to clubs, our outdoor facilities and quad are always overflowing with students! Whether it be playing fetch with your professor’s pups, throwing a frisbee in the practice field, or running around the track…” – Meg Richey ‘17
TRADITIONS
Hanover is full of loved and respected traditions that students do year after year. All are encouraged to participate in one or all of these fun events. Some surprise their friends with their wicked curveball at the annual snowball fight on the night of the first snowfall. The Christmas concert in the Brown Campus Center stirs up the campus’ holiday spirit. And finals season always comes with much-needed activities to help ease the stress of studying, including a late-night breakfast prepared by faculty and staff.
SOCIAL & ACADEMIC ORGANIZATIONS
Whatever one’s interests, there’s a club to make campus life as fun as possible. Social justice, anime, and everything in between has a group of people waiting to engage.
Participating in Greek life is another great way to meet new people, get involved, and supplement the college experience. Nearly 50% of Hanover Students are associated with Greek life on campus. Sororities include Alpha Delta Pi, Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Phi Mu. Fraternities include Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, and Sigma Chi.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Hanover College is located just outside of Madison, IN, a quaint community habited by artisans, restaurants, and shops. Students can take advantage of sponsored, free trips to major cities like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Louisville.
ATHLETICS
The Hanover Pathers compete in numerous NCAA Division III collegiate sports.
Men’s sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, spirit, swimming, tennis, and track & field
Women’s sports: basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, spirit, swimming, tennis, track & field, and volleyball
“The most important lesson I took away is the confidence I needed to be more than a competent teacher, but to be a successful one. I cannot wait to continue to contribute to the lives of high school students after graduation.” – Andrea L. Thomas ’11
As the oldest private college in Indiana, Hanover has a long history of shaping successful, impactful leaders of the world. Hanover graduates enter the workforce as effective communicators, critical thinkers, and important changemakers. An impressive 98.6% of graduates are employed or in graduate school after graduation. Notable alumni include:
- Woody Harrelson 1983: Oscar-nominated actor
- Thomas A. Henricks 1841: Vice President of the United States under President Cleveland
- Harvey Washington Wiley 1867: Author of the Pure Food & Drug Act of 1906
- Carol Warner Shields 1957: Pulitzer prize winning author of the Stone Diaries
- Eric Holcomb 1990: State of Indiana Governor
- Leah Pealman 2006: Fourth place in NCAA III National 10K
LEVETT CAREER CENTER
From each student’s first day on campus, the dedicated staff at the Levett Career Center make themselves known and accessible to help them dream up their goals and create a strategy to achieve them. are there to help you dream up your goals and set a plan to help you achieve them. Helping to craft a four-year plan for every student’s college career, the Center offers ideas for the kinds of coursework and extracurriculars that would best prepare them for their chosen path.
BUSINESS SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The practical and experiential Business Scholars Program allows students to experience what it is like to solve real, pressing business problems. Those who participate in the Program complete a course alongside an internship in which they analyze cases and work on an actual consulting project. Scholars also get the opportunity to meet with prominent business leaders and participate in workshops that perfect their résumé writing and interview skills.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 530 | 75th Percentile: 620
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 530 | 75th Percentile: 610
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 23 | 75th Percentile: 29
Hanover offers a test-optional application policy, allowing students to decide whether they would like to include their SAT and ACT scores. Applications may be submitted through Hanover’s website, on paper, or through the Common Application.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $38,880
Fees: $770
Room: $6,125
Board: $6,175
Aid
Hanover wants to make its education affordable to everyone. That is why nearly 95% of students graduate in four years, over $20 million dollars in aid is given, and 98% of Hanover students receive some kind of financial aid. Need-based grants and merit scholarships are available to all admitted students.
In order to be considered for aid, students are asked to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Contact Hanover College
Contact Admissions
www.hanover.edu/admission
(800) 213-2178
admissionvisit@hanover.edu
Campus Location
517 Ball Drive
Hanover, IN 47243
(812) 866-7000
info@hanover.edu