How to Apply for Financial Aid

School Codes

FAFSA 004788
TAP 2254

1. Apply for Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Filing is as easy as 1-2-3

- If the student or custodial parent (if applicable) has lost or forgotten their Federal Student Aid Pin,  you may request a duplicate at: http://www.pin.ed.gov
- Complete 2008 tax returns for both the student and the custodial parent(s).
- File your FAFSA online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

Five-Minute FAFSA Video - This quick video is a fun and entertaining introduction to completing the FAFSA. http://www.finaid.org/fafsa/video.phtml

FAFSA4Caster - for prospective students who want to plan ahead for college and determine an early estimate for federal student aid. When students are ready to apply for financial aid, they can easily transition the information on their FAFSA4Caster to their actual FAFSA on the Web application. http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

College.Gov - this site is intended to be the go-to-source for information and resources about planning, preparing and paying for postsecondary education. http://www.college.gov

2. Apply for State Aid (NYS residents only)

Full Time Students

- From the confirmation page of the online FAFSA application, select the link “File your TAP Application Now.” Complete and submit the application. (Your FAFSA pin will act as your signature)
- If you did not file your TAP application at the time you filed your FAFSA online, an Express TAP Application (ETA) will be mailed to you if you have a valid EFC from your FAFSA application. You can review the information on the ETA, change any incorrect items, complete any missing items, sign and mail the form using the return envelope, or you can complete your TAP application online at http://www.tapweb.org/totw/. First time users will be required to establish a TAP User ID and PIN. (Parents are not required to establish a TAP User ID and PIN).
- Once your application has been processed you will receive a TAP/State Scholarship Award Notice. If additional information is needed to process your TAP award, you will receive a Request for Information Form from Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC). Be sure to respond to this request as soon as possible.

Part Time Students

- Aid for Part Time Study (APTS) - Students attending 3-11 credit hours may be eligible, however funding is limited. Awards vary up to the cost of tuition and are determined by family income.
- Students should complete the FAFSA application prior to completing the APTS application.
- An APTS Application should be completed and returned to the Financial Aid Office with a copy of the student and/or parent’s 2008 NYS Income Tax Return. 
- Note: APTS will be awarded 1-2 weeks before classes begin, and may not be included in your original award letter.
- Part-Time TAP - Eligible students must be attending 6-11 credit hours, have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have earned at least 12 credit hours in the previous two semesters at HCCC.
- From the confirmation page of the online FAFSA application, select the link “File your TAP Application Now.” Complete and submit the application. (Your FAFSA pin will act as your signature)
- If you did not file your TAP application at the time you filed your FAFSA online, an Express TAP Application (ETA) will be mailed to you if you have a valid EFC from your FAFSA application. You can review the information on the ETA, change any incorrect items, complete any missing items, sign and mail the form using the return envelope, or you can complete your TAP application online at http://www.tapweb.org/totw/. First time users will be required to establish a TAP User ID and PIN. (Parents are not required to establish a TAP User ID and PIN).

3. Award Notification

- Once your application has been processed, the HCCC Financial Aid office will mail you an Award Letter detailing your aid eligibility. All award offers must be accepted or declined by the appropriate deadline.

- To accept or decline award offers electronically, students can access their award information on Student Online Services http://www.herkimer.edu/student_online_services/