How to Apply for Financial Aid
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year in order to be considered for all need-based federal, state and campus-based programs. In order to receive priority consideration for need based aid programs, all students should file their FAFSA no later than April 1st for the upcoming fall semester.
School Codes: FAFSA: 004788 | TAP: 2254
1. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Apply for a PIN
The student and at least one custodial parent (if applicable) will need to sign the FAFSA electronically. Using a PIN to sign your FAFSA is by far the quickest and most reliable way. You can apply for a PIN prior to completing the FAFSA at http://www.pin.ed.gov
Complete 2009 tax returns for both the student and the custodial parent(s).
File your 2010-2011 FAFSA online at: http://www.fafsa.gov
7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA - http://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/FAFSASimplification/
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
2. Apply for State Aid (NYS residents only)
Full Time Students
TAP - 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 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. Apply for State Aid (Non-NYS residents only)
Non-New York State residents are encouraged to apply for any available state aid as well as scholarships from the state they reside in. Complete list of state education agencies.