Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I only need 1 or 2 credits to graduate (now that there are
4-credit courses)?

ADMISSIONS

What types of programs are available at Hebrew College?
Hebrew College offers a variety of degree and certificate programs. Visit our Academics page for more information.

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Who are the faculty at Hebrew College?
Learn more about our outstanding faculty on our Faculty page.

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Who are the students at Hebrew College?
Hebrew College is primarily a graduate school with a small number of undergraduate students. Graduate students of all ages and backgrounds come to Hebrew College seeking to become knowledgeable, creative participants, educators and leaders in the Jewish community and the larger world.

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Do I have to be Jewish to go to Hebrew College?
No. Students from a wide variety of backgrounds are welcome to study at Hebrew College. The Rabbinical School and Cantor-Educator program are only open to Jewish students, but they do not require that students be affiliated with any particular stream of Judaism.

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Is Hebrew College affiliated with a particular religious movement?
No. Hebrew College is transdenominational and welcomes students from a diverse array of religious and secular backgrounds.

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Can I take courses without working toward a degree?
Students can take up to three courses for credit as nonmatriculated students before being required to matriculate. Students can audit certain courses on a noncredit basis.

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How do I apply to Hebrew College?
Application information may be found on our Admissions Guidelines and Deadlines page.

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What is the cost of courses?
The cost of courses varies; please see our Tuition and Fees page for more information.

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How do I apply for Financial Aid?
Guidelines may be found on our Financial Aid page, or contact Marilyn Jaye, Student Financial Services Coordinator, at mjaye@hebrewcollege.edu or 617-559-8642.

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Is the TOEFL required?
The TOEFL is required of most students for whom English is not their first language. Some exceptions are made for students who have already completed a degree where the language of study was English.

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Are GREs required?
GRE test scores are required for all degree programs but not for most certificate programs.

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How can I arrange a campus visit?
Contact Kate Nachman, Admissions and Recruitment Manager, at admissions@hebrewcollege.edu or 617-559-8610.

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Whom may I contact for more information?
You may fill out our online form to request information, or contact Kate Nachman, Admissions and Recruitment Manager, at admissions@hebrewcollege.edu or 617-559-8610.

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REGISTRATION

Do I need to register every fall and spring semester?
Yes. Degree candidates who wish to maintain their degree candidacy while they are away from the College for one or two semesters must apply for a leave of absence. Leave of Absence forms are available online and in the Registrar's Office, suite 313.

In lieu of tuition, students who are approved for leave will be charged an Active File Fee for each semester of leave status. While on leave, students may not be eligible to receive financial aid. Students are advised to check with the Program Director of their academic area and the Financial Aid Office (if applicable) regarding their status while on leave. Please note that the period of time a student is on leave counts toward the grace period on deferred loans; as a result, loan repayment will be activated.

Students are expected to return to registered status after the approved period of leave. Students who do not return or who do not apply for an extended leave of absence will be considered to have withdrawn from degree candidacy.

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Can I study online?
Students may pursue a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies, study Hebrew, or enroll in individual courses through Hebrew College Online. More information about the program is available in the Hebrew College Online FAQs page.

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How do I add or drop a course?
Complete an Add/Drop form. The add/drop deadline can be found in the Academic Calendar. The form must be postmarked by this date.

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How do I request an Incomplete?
Fill out an Incomplete form. If the instructor agrees, coursework must be completed and submitted by the student during the semester following that in which it was originally due. Submit all outstanding assignments to Shira Persky in the Academic Programs office, suite 308.

A new grade will be entered once it has been submitted by the instructor. If a student fails to submit the outstanding work to the instructor within the time frame outlined above, the grade "I" will be changed to "NG."

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Where do I submit a late paper?
Students are required to submit late papers to Shira Persky in the Academic Programs office, suite 308; she will forward them to the appropriate instructor.

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How do I withdraw from a course?
Complete a Course Withdrawal form. The deadline for withdrawing from courses is the last day of the course in that semester. The form must be postmarked by this date.

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How do I get an adviser?
Once you confirm your acceptance to Hebrew College, you will be assigned and notified of your faculty adviser by the Dean of Students office. If you need advising assistance and you are unable to reach your assigned adviser, please contact Ina Regosin, Dean of Students, 617-559-8618.

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How do I request a transcript?
The Registrar's Office issues transcripts only with the written authorization of the student (no requests by phone, email, or fax will be accepted). The normal processing time for transcripts is two days from the receipt of the request. You may download the Request for Transcript form online, but must hand in the completed form to the Registrar's Office by postal mail or in person.

Official transcripts ($5.00 per transcript) will not be released if the student has a past due account with the College. Unofficial transcripts are free of charge.

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How do I cross-register for courses?
Students enrolling in courses through cross-registration are subject to the rules and deadlines of the host school. Students interested in cross-registering are advised to plan well in advance, since some courses in other schools begin earlier than Hebrew College courses. You may download the Petition for Cross-Registration form online, or pick one up from the Registrar's Office, suite 313.

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How do I contact the Registrar?
Marilyn Jaye, Acting Registrar, is located in Suite 313. You may contact her by phone, 617-559-8642, or via email, mjaye@hebrewcollege.edu.

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FINANCIAL AID

When should I apply for aid?
It is recommended that you apply for aid at the same time you apply for admission. If you are already admitted, the matriculated student priority deadline is May 1 of each year. Be sure to read our Financial Aid page for details about what Hebrew College offers.

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Do I have to re-apply every year?
Yes, all students must re-apply for assistance each year. Every effort will be made to keep level funding, but the awards are contingent upon the student's need and the school's level of available funds. Your aid award may vary from year to year.

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What does a completed financial aid application consist of?
The Hebrew College Financial Aid Application, a completed FAFSA and copy of your current income tax forms. A verification worksheet and other materials may be required if your FAFSA is selected for verification. Be sure to read our Financial Aid page for more information.

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Is financial aid available for everyone?
Only matriculated students may receive college-sponsored aid. A matriculated student is one who has applied for admission to and been formally accepted into one of Hebrew College's degree or certificate programs.

If you are a matriculated student who does not wish to apply for additional aid or a non-matriculated student taking classes for credit and work in the Jewish community, there are two abatement programs available to you: Stone/Teplow Families Educator Program and the Jewish Communal Worker Program.

Be sure to read our Financial Aid page for more information.

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Is being a matriculated student the only requirement to receive aid?
No—you must be admitted as a degree- or certificate-seeking student and enrolled at least half-time for each semester you want aid. (Half-time definitions vary by program). You must also maintain satisfactory academic progress in your course of study.

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What is Hebrew College's federal code for the FAFSA?
Hebrew College's federal code is 002157.

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I submitted my FAFSA form, but did not receive my Student Aid Report (SAR)?
Go back to the FAFSA website and make sure you completed all the necessary information including entering your PIN signature on the last page.

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Hebrew College did not receive my FAFSA.
Go back to the FAFSA website and make sure you entered Hebrew College's federal code 002157.

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Will changing the number of credits I am taking affect my aid?
Yes, changing the number of credits you are carrying each semester will affect the amount of aid you receive from Hebrew College as well as whether or not you can receive a Federal Stafford Loan. Hebrew College requires you to attend at least half time each semester. (Half-time definitions vary by program; speak to your adviser if you have questions.) The Federal Stafford Loan program requires that you take at least six credits each semester. If you drop below six credits, you may not borrow monies during that semester and you run the risk of your previous loans entering the grace or repayment period. Adding credits may make you eligible for additional loan money. Speak to the Student Financial Services Office if you are adding or dropping courses, or if you are withdrawing from a course or school after the add/drop period.

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My award letter included information about a Stafford Loan. What is a Stafford Loan?
The Stafford Loan program is a run by the U.S. Department of Education. The program makes loan money (money that must be repaid) available to undergraduate and graduate students at low interest rates and with a deferred payment plan. This allows the student to finish his/her education without having to make payments while he/she is attending school. The loan program includes a subsidized and unsubsidized feature as well as a grace period after graduation (or student leaving school) which gives the student time to find employment before repayment starts.

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What is the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loan money?
There are two types of Federal Stafford Loan: subsidized and unsubsidized. With a subsidized loan, the government pays the interest on the loan while you are in school. The subsidized amount is based on need and not every student qualifies for it. An unsubsidized loan accrues interest while you are in school. You have the option of paying the interest on this loan while you are in school or deferring the interest until after you graduate, at which time that amount will be added to the principle of the loan. The Student Financial Services Office will tell you in your award letter how much you qualify for in subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

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How do I get the Stafford loan money?
If your award letter says you qualify for a Stafford Loan and you are interested in receiving one, you should complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and its accompanying form and return it to the Student Financial Services Office. The Student Financial Services Office will certify the MPN and submit it to the appropriate agency. Funds will be disbursed to the school around the end of the add/drop period of both the fall and spring semesters. The money is put into your student account, applied to any outstanding tuition or fees and the amount left is then issued to you via check. You will be notified when the check is available to pick up. No funds will be distributed unless you have completed your Entrance Counseling.

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What is Entrance Counseling?
Participation in the Stafford Loan Program requires each student to receive counseling about the rules of the loan. You will be asked to go to the Hebrew College Federal Stafford Loan website, read some materials there and then answer questions about the materials. The Student Financial Services Office will be notified once you have complete the counseling and can then mark your account as ready to receive disbursed federal funds.
Stafford Entrance Counseling Welcome

Upon graduation, you will be required to go back to the Hebrew College Federal Stafford Loan website and participate in an Exit Counseling session, which will go over the rules of repayment for your loans. Exit Counseling is a graduation requirement for all students who have received Stafford loans.
Stafford Exit Counseling Welcome

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What happens if I do not repay my loan?
Failure to repay your student loans can have serious consequences. If you go into default, your lender may require you to repay the entire amount immediately plus all the interest, any collection charges and late payment fees. The lender may sue you and ask the federal government for help in collecting the loan. The IRS may withhold your income tax refund and apply it to your loan. You will not be allowed to get any additional federal student aid. Additionally, the lender may notify credit bureaus of your default which will affect your credit rating and can make it difficult for you to obtain, credit cards, car loans, etc.

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How do I contact the Student Financial Services Coordinator?
Marilyn Jaye, Student Financial Services Coordinator, is located in Suite 304. You may contact her by phone, 617-559-8642, or via email, mjaye@hebrewcollege.edu.

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TUITION

When do I pay my tuition?
Tuition is due before class starts each semester. You must include your registration fee and tuition with your registration form each semester.

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What if I change my mind about classes during Add/Drop period?
If you add more classes during Add/Drop, you will be expected to pay your tuition when you submit your Add/Drop form. If you drop classes, your Add/Drop form will be processed and an appropriate refund will be issued to you. A refund will be issued to your credit card or if you paid by check, a check will be mailed to you. The registration fee is not refundable.

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How do I pay my tuition and fees?
Hebrew College accepts checks or money orders in U.S. dollars made payable to Hebrew College, as well as Visa, MasterCard and American Express. You may also pay by wire transfer. Please contact the Student Financial Services Office for wire transfer instructions.

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Can I pay over the phone?
No, authorization to charge your credit card must be in writing. You may fax both the registration form and authorization to charge your credit card to us at 617-559-8601. Please address your fax to the Student Financial Services Office.

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What if I cannot pay my full tuition upfront?
Circumstances may exist making it impossible for you to pay your entire tuition before classes start. You should speak to the Student Financial Services Office before the semester begins to see if they can assist in making payment arrangements or find financial aid for you. Payment arrangements can result in additional fees. While every effort will be made to assist you, it may be necessary for you to take fewer classes that semester in order to meet your financial obligations.

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What if I withdraw from class after the Add/Drop period?
Hebrew College has a refund policy wherein some portion of your tuition is refundable until the end of the 4th week of class. Should you withdraw from classes after that date, you are still responsible for any outstanding tuition. The registration fee is not refundable even if you drop all your courses during the Add/Drop period.

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What if I do not pay my tuition?
You may be asked to leave class. If you do not comply with payment arrangements, you will not receive grades nor will you be able to take any additional classes in subsequent semesters until your debt is paid. Failure to repay this debt can result in your account being sent to a collection agency. Collection fees will be the responsibility of the student in addition to the debt.

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Does Hebrew College bill via a third party?
No, Hebrew College does not do third party billing. The student is responsible for the tuition and fees. If you want your employer to pay for your tuition, make sure they can provide you with a check payable to Hebrew College when tuition is due or that they are willing to reimburse you after you have paid for the tuition.

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MAJS CURRICULUM CHANGES FOR 2005–2006
(for current students)

I entered the program when the degree requirements were 39 credits. Am I now required to complete 50 credits for the MAJS degree?
Students are bound by the degree requirements that were in place at the time they were accepted, enrolled and matriculated into the program. If you matriculated at the time that the degree required 39 credits, you are not required to complete anything beyond that.

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I no longer see Study of Judaism I or II in the curriculum. What courses do I now need to take to cover that material?
For the majority of students at the beginning of their Hebrew College careers, two of the three Framework courses will suffice. Students are urged to contact their advisers to determine which of the Framework or other courses would best suit their individual needs. If you completed Study of Judaism I but not II, contact your adviser to determine which course will be appropriate for you.

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I have already taken Hebrew I–IV. What are my Hebrew language requirements at this point?
You will need to take the new versions of Hebrew V and VI, which meet three times a week and are each worth 4 credits. Once completed, you will have a total of 8 credits of Hebrew language.

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I have taken Hebrew V and VI. Must I take any additional Hebrew language courses?
No. Hebrew VII and VIII are optional courses. They are each worth 3 credits.

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What elective requirements do I have? Do I still need to take three core text courses to meet my requirements?
The elective requirements are the same. You will still need a minimum of three core text courses to graduate; Gateway courses can count to fulfill that requirement.

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Can I take the advanced core text courses without taking the Gateway courses?
Yes, if you have completed Hebrew V and VI.

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Can I take a Gateway course or other core text course while taking either Hebrew V or VI?
Generally, the answer is no, but it depends on specific course content. Contact your adviser or the Provost for guidance with your individual situation.

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What if I only need 1 or 2 credits to graduate (now that there are 4-credit courses)?
In cases when a student needs only 1 or 2 additional credits are needed to graduate, we are able to set up an independent study course that would generate the correct number of credits.

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