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HCCC > Admissions > Financial Aid > FAQs 

FAQs

1. I don't need Financial Aid. I only want a student loan. Why do I have to fill out the FAFSA?
Student loans are considered Financial Aid. Your family's financial information is used to determine your loan eligibility.

2. My family will not file their taxes by the deadline for Financial Aid. How do I file the FAFSA?
You may estimate your family's tax information by using information from the W2's and last year's tax forms.

3. What is the Federal School Code for Herkimer County Community College?
The Federal School Code is 004788.

4. I live in my own apartment, not with my parents. Why do I need to include my parents' income on my FAFSA?
The Department of Education has set guidelines for independence. To be considered independent and not include parents' income a student must be:

  • Born before Jan. 1, 1984 (for 2007/2008 academic year) or

  • Be married

  • Have a child who receives half of their support from the student

  • Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

  • Be an orphan or ward of the court until age 18

  • Be working on a masters or doctorate program.

Thus, if a student is living in a separate residence from their parents, it does not make them independent. Therefore parent information must be provided.

5. What types of financial aid forms do I need to file?
HCCC requires students to file the FAFSA (Free Application of Federal Student Aid) and Express TAP Application.

6. How soon will I be notified of my financial aid awards?
You will be notified of your awards in approximately six to eight weeks, provided that you file your forms in a timely fashion and respond to all inquiry letters from the Financial Aid Office.

7. My parents are separated or divorced. Do I need to report both of their incomes?
Only report the income of your custodial parent. If your parents are separated or divorced and filed a joint tax return, you must separate the non-custodial parent's income and provide only the custodial parent's income.

If your custodial parent has remarried, you must provide both your custodial parent and stepparent information on the FAFSA.

8. I did not keep a copy of my tax return. Where do I get another copy?
The FAFSA form requires information from the student’s and parent’s previous year tax return. If your tax return is misplaced you may contact the IRS at 1(800) TAX-1040, and request a “tax return transcript.”

9. Would you be able to tell me from a copy of my tax return whether I will be eligible for financial aid?
It is very difficult to determine aid eligibility by a tax return. Many other factors in addition to income are incorporated in the determination of aid. Examples of some of the factors are: asset information, family members in college, household size and age of parents. Unless the family income is extremely low or extremely high, financial aid is difficult to determine.

10. I do not qualify for any financial aid except for a student loan. What other alternatives do I have to help pay for college costs?
A student’s loan eligibility can be limited, however there are additional options.

  • Parents may take out a Parent PLUS Loan to pay for their child’s education (see section regarding PLUS Loans).

  • Most schools offer monthly payment plans with little or no fee to the parent or student.

  • Students may consider taking out an alternative education loan from an outside lender (for additional information on alternative loans, please click here.

  • Students/Parents should always consult with a financial aid counselor to determine alternate ways to pay for college costs.