Hiram College

Hiram, Ohio, United States · Est. 1850 · Liberal Arts College

Private liberal arts college in Ohio with 1,061 students, strong experiential learning, and historic ties to President James A. Garfield.

  • Founded March 1, 1850, as Western Reserve Eclectic Institute; renamed Hiram College in 1867
  • Private nonprofit liberal arts college in Hiram, Ohio (30 miles from Cleveland)
  • 1,061 students (1,026 undergraduates, 35 postgraduates) as of fall 2024
  • 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 104 faculty members
  • Ranked 10th among regional liberal arts colleges in Midwest (U.S. News 2026); Forbes rank 639
  • 94% job placement rate; distinctive Hiram Plan with 3-week intensive courses and experiential learning

Academics

Hiram College offers 30 majors and 38 minors for undergraduates, plus pre-professional programs and graduate degrees (Master of Arts in Sport Management and Interdisciplinary Studies). The college is organized into four interdisciplinary schools: Arts, Humanities & Politics; Scarborough School of Business & Communication; Health, Education, Sustainability & Society; and Science & Technology. The curriculum is marketed as Hiram Connect, featuring First Year Colloquium, major declaration, experiential learning, and capstone projects. Five centers for interdisciplinary studies support integrated learning in entrepreneurship, scientific engagement, literature and medicine, public leadership, and writing.

Campus & Student Life

Hiram's 110-acre campus in a college town setting hosts approximately 50 registered student clubs and organizations across eight categories. Greek social clubs (not fraternities/sororities) are active. The college maintains the James H. Barrow Field Station in Garrettsville with 500+ acres for wildlife research and environmental education. Athletics compete in NCAA Division III, with teams called the Terriers participating in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) as of July 2024. The college has a rich athletic history, including a 1904 Olympic gold medal in basketball.

Admissions & Affordability

Hiram College offers the Tuition Guarantee, which locks in tuition rates for all four years, paired with a Graduation Guarantee for students following their academic plan. The college emphasizes affordability and predictability for students from diverse economic backgrounds. As of fall 2025, the student body includes 777 degree-seeking students from 31 states and 7 foreign countries. The college welcomes transfer and international students with dedicated support services.

Notable History & Outcomes

Hiram College was founded by members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and is now nonsectarian. James A. Garfield, the 20th U.S. President, was a student (1851–1853) and later principal (1857–1861). The college has produced numerous notable alumni including authors, physicians, politicians, and scholars. With a 94% job placement rate and career center support for interview preparation and postgraduate guidance, Hiram prepares students for professional success.

Founded
1850
Type
Liberal Arts College
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationChristian Church (Disciples of Christ) [historical]; now nonsectarian
Websitehttps://www.hiram.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$54.3K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources