Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for financial aid?
The financial aid application is offered on a web site. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov, select Filling Out a FAFSA then choose Fill out a FAFSA or Fill out a Renewal FAFSA if you have previously applied. Also, workshops are offered each semester to help with the application. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for scheduled dates. Back to top
I heard recently that changes have been made to the Department of Education’s PIN process. What are the changes? Do they affect me if I already have a PIN?
Yes, the U.S. Department of Education has instituted two changes to the PIN process to enhance the security of your PIN and your personal information.
1. If you already have a PIN, the first time you attempt to use it on or after December 26, 2004, you will be prompted to agree to a PIN Terms and Conditions Activation Agreement. This agreement asks you to keep your PIN in a safe place, not to share it with anyone and to select a “challenge” question to which only you know the answer. It may be used to verify your identity in the future.
2. If you apply for a PIN on or after December 26, 2004, you will be required to agree to the Terms and Conditions Activation Agreement, and to select a challenge and response before your PIN is issued.
Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records. It is critical that it remain as secure as possible.
What paperwork do I need to do the application?
- Your social security number
- Your driver’s license (if any)
- Your W-2 forms and other records of earnings
- Your Federal tax records from prior year. (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040Telefile or out-of-country tax forms). If you are married, you will also need your spouse’s records.
- Parent’s tax forms if you’re a dependent student (e.g., 23 years old or younger, unmarried, no children)
- Parents’ social security numbers
- Any untaxed income records such as: Social Security, Temporary Assistance to
- Needy Families, Welfare or Veterans benefits, etc.
- A current bank statement and any other records for investments such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds; real estate that you don’t live in is also an investment
- Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen) Back to top
My parents don't support me. Why do I need their tax returns?
The Federal government does not consider you to be independent for financial aid purposes until you are 24 years old or have met other requirements. If one or both of your parents are alive, they are responsible for your education as long as you are under the age of twenty-four. Based on the information submitted on the application and the review by the Financial Aid Office a determination will be made on your status. Back to top
I can't find a copy of my tax return (or W-2's). How can I get another copy?
Go to the Internal Revenue Service web site: www.irs.gov to request a copy of your transcript using form 4506; just follow instructions. The Financial Aid Office also has this form. Back to top
Do I need an appointment to get help in filling out the financial aid application?
The Financial Aid Office offers workshops during the academic year for online filing of the FAFSA. Please check with the Financial Aid Office for scheduled dates. An appointment is needed only for unusual circumstances Back to top
Why do I have to fill out the FAFSA again if all the information is the same?
Federal regulations require that the information on the FAFSA reflect the last year for which complete information is available. For each academic year, the information needed is from the previous tax year. Even if it is very similar to the previous year, you must complete the new FAFSA and submit it for processing in the correct academic year. Back to top
What is the Title IV Federal Code number for HCC?
The Title IV code for HCC is #004513. FAO has a directory for other institutions as well. This information is also available when you file electronically Back to top
How long does it take to receive the Student Aid Report?
Once you submit your electronic application your information goes to the U.S. Department of Education’s Central Processing System (CPS); the need analysis process will take about two weeks. If you have listed HCC and are an admitted student at the college the Financial Aid Office will receive your application electronically. You will be contacted by mail or e-mail if additional information is needed. It is your responsibility to continue the process with the Financial Aid Office until eligibility is determined and your file is completed. You can check your financial aid status anytime by going to myCommNet. Back to top
Do I have to mail my SAR back in order to correct it?
With electronic filing you have access to your application on the web site under Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA. If you’re not sure bring in your information to the Financial Aid Office for review. Back to top
How do I apply for a loan?
You must submit a separate application for a loan. If you want to apply for a loan, please come to the FAO to pick up a fact sheet with questions to study. When you are ready you must watch a video and take a test. The loan application will be accepted if you score 90% on the test. Back to top
Why do I have to take a test?
The Financial Aid Office is responsible for counseling loan applicants regarding their rights and responsibilities as student borrowers. HCC has put this method into practice and has found it to be an effective means of educating loan applicants about their future loan obligations. Back to top
When do I get the money?
It is the responsibility of the student to send the promissory note back to the lender after the school has electronically submitted your application to the guarantee agency. When the lender’s requirements are met, funds are disbursed, and your account balance is satisfied. You will then be refunded the unused portion, if any. Remember, all loans are disbursed in two payments; the first disbursement may only partially satisfy your account balance.
Why can’t I apply for more?
Loans are limited by the Federal Government by grade level. HCC offers first and second year loans only. Back to top
If I don't want a loan, and I'm not eligible for grants, how can I pay for my courses?
HCC offers a payment plan, which is available through the Business Office. You must watch a ten-minute video in the library and then you will be instructed on completing the form. If you are a returning student in good academic standing, you may apply for an HCC Foundation scholarship. Back to top
What is the deadline for applying for financial aid?
Students are strongly encouraged to apply by May 1 for the fall semester and by November 1 for the spring semester. Remember, processing takes three to six weeks. Back to top
How many credits do I have to take in order to be eligible for financial aid?
Usually, six. The Financial Aid Office will inform you if you are eligible for financial aid with fewer than six credits. Back to top
Can I take more credits than I was awarded?
Yes. Your financial aid will be adjusted if you add courses during the first two weeks of classes. After 14 days into the semester no adjustment can be made, and any added courses are at your expense. Back to top
Why aren't I eligible for grants? OR Why aren't I eligible for more?
The formula for determining financial aid eligibility is:
|
COA (Cost of Attending the school)
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution, from the SAR) = NEED (Eligibility) |
If your EFC is high, you may be eligible for only partial aid;
If your EFC is larger than the cost of attending HCC, you will not be eligible for grant aid. Back to top
If I'm not eligible for grant aid, what else can I apply for?
If you are a returning student in good academic standing, you may apply for an HCC Foundation scholarship. If you are a new student, you should consider using the payment plan. Student loans are available but not encouraged. Back to top
How can I get extra funds for course-related expenses that were unanticipated?
OR
How can I pay for my books if financial aid wasn't enough to cover them?
You may apply for Supplemental Assistance through the HCC Foundation. Applications are available in the Resource Development Office, A202. These funds are limited. Back to top
If I drop a course, will it affect my financial aid?
Possibly. If you drop the course within the first two weeks, financial aid for that course will be canceled and you will be billed for 50% of the tuition, plus all fees. If you drop the course after two weeks, financial aid will have been credited for that course, but you may receive a W, F or N, which could affect your academic status. Failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy For Student Financial Aid Recipients may result in academic probation and/or termination from financial aid. If you withdraw completely, you will be subject to the Title IV refund policy, and will be billed for any balance remaining after “unearned” financial aid is withdrawn from your account. Back to top
If I'm on academic probation, does it mean that I'm not eligible for financial aid?
If you have received an academic probation notice from the Financial Aid Office, you are eligible for financial aid for one more semester, but you must correct whatever is wrong academically by the end of that semester, and bring your overall academic standing up to Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy For Student Financial Aid Recipients standards.
What if I have unusual problems during that one semester?
If there is a legitimate reason for your not attaining Satisfactory Academic Progress, you may appeal your status. The Financial Aid Office can explain the appeal process to you. Back to top
Will financial aid cover courses not in my degree program?
NO. Financial aid will, however, cover DS or ESL courses that you need to take in your first academic year as long as you are in a eligible degree or certificate program.
If I was terminated from another college, will I be eligible for financial aid at HCC? Back to top
Yes. You will be making a fresh start, for financial aid purposes. However, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy For Student Financial Aid Recipients at HCC. Back to top
I was terminated from financial aid at HCC _X_ semesters ago. I want to return to HCC. Am I eligible now?
No. You must take enough courses (and pay for them on your own) to
once again meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy For Student Financial Aid Recipients standards before you
are again eligible for financial aid at HCC.
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I have already been awarded financial aid at another school. How do I transfer it to this school?
Your financial aid award is not transferable. The Financial Aid Office at each school must determine your eligibility at that school, since it depends on the costs, number of credits, etc., at that school. On the FAFSA simply add HCC to the list of institutions to which you wish the results be sent. Our code is 004513. Please allow six weeks to process the application and revise the file.. Back to top
How do I get another SAR?
Students who filed electronically can go to the web site, and select FAFSA Follow-Up, then select Print Student Aid Report (SAR). Back to top
I plan to register in person. Do I have to bring in my registration papers to the Financial Aid Office?
No. If you have received an official award letter from the Financial Aid Office you are done when you register. If you are an AmeriCorps recipient and need the Financial Aid Office’s approval, please come to the FAO after registering. Back to top
I plan to register by mail or fax. How will I get financial aid?
If you are certain that you have received a Financial Aid Award letter from the Financial Aid Office, your financial aid will be processed automatically. Be sure to check off the Financial Aid box on the registration form. If you are filing your registration electronically, after selecting your classes click on “submit changes.” You can check your financial aid status on the myCommNet Back to top
How do I apply for the new Hope scholarship?
You don’t, because the “Hope scholarship” is NOT a scholarship at all; it is a tax credit that you or your parents may be able to receive on your next tax return with information supplied to the Internal Revenue Service by the school you attend concerning tuition/fees expenses you have paid out of pocket or on student loans. Your tax preparer will give you the information you need.back to top
How can I check my financial aid status?
Go to myCommNet