Financial Aid Programs
*Students must complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for any of the federal aid programs listed below.
Federal Aid
Federal Pell Grant Program
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are determined by the student’s need and awarded only to students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Students that are enrolled for at least three credit hours and meet the above criteria may be eligible for a Pell Grant.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This grant is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need, and priority is given to students who file their FAFSA prior to the April 1st deadline. Students must be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant to receive SEOG. You do not have to repay SEOG awards.
Federal Direct Student Loan Program
Direct Student Loans are low interest loans available to students with financial need to help pay for their college expenses. Unlike other loans, a Direct Loan is funded by the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or credit union. The Department of Education disburses the money directly to the school, and the funds are applied to the student’s tuition and fees. Just like other loans, Direct Loans must be repaid by the borrower. (For more information regarding Direct Student Loans, please refer to Student Loans or the Direct Loan Basics brochure.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Program
Direct Parent PLUS Loans enable parents to receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education, to pay for their child’s college education. To apply for a PLUS Loan, parents may request a PLUS Loan Application from our Financial Aid Office, or download an application from our website. (For more information regarding Direct Parent PLUS Loans, please refer to Parent Loans).
Federal College Work Study Program (FWS)
College Work Study provides jobs for students that are determined to have financial need. Students are paid bi-weekly at a minimum rate of $7.25 per hour, with a maximum award of $2,100 and minimum award of $1,050 per academic year. Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to retain work-study positions. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.
For more information please refer to the U.S. Department of Education website.
State Aid (NYS Residents)
Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
This state grant is provided to New York State residents attending a New York State school full-time. At HCCC eligible students will receive grants ranging from $500 to the full cost of tuition. Funds may be applied to tuition only. New York State Higher Education Serviced Corp. administers this program.
Aid for Part Time Study (APTS)
New York State residents enrolled part-time (3-11 credit hours) may apply through the Financial Aid Office. Awards vary up to the full cost of tuition and are determined by family income. Students that have applied and been awarded APTS, will be notified by mail. The college will credit the award amount to the student’s tuition. No repayment is required. APTS applications can be obtained at the Financial Aid Office, or printed from our website.
Part Time TAP
New York State residents attending a New York State college for 6-11 credit hours may be eligible for Part Time TAP. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and have earned at least 12 credit hours in each of the previous two semesters. All 24 credit hours must have been earned at the institution they are requesting the award from. Awards vary up to the full cost of tuition. Funds may be applied to tuition only. New York State Higher Education Serviced Corp. administers this program. Students should complete the New York State TAP application to determine eligibility. (http://www.tapweb.org/totw/)
State Aid (Non-NYS Residents)
Out-of-state residents are encouraged to apply for any available grants from the state they reside in. Complete list of state education agencies.
Scholarships
HCC Foundation Scholarships
Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students who meet the individual scholarship criteria. A separate application process is required. Applications are available at the Bursar’s Office or Financial Aid Office. Please see a listing of available scholarships at http://www.herkimer.edu/foundation/scholarships.