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.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

This is a new federal program starting in 2006-07. These grants are only for Federal Pell grant recipients who graduated from a “rigorous high school curriculum” after January 1, 2005. In New York, students with Regents Diploma with Honors or Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation may qualify. You must be enrolled in college full-time in a 2 or 4 year degree program. Qualifying freshman students receive $750 per year and sophomore students $1300 per year in addition to Pell. Go to http://www.studentaid.ed.gov for more information.

Federal Direct Student Loan Program

Direct Student Loans are low interest loans available to students 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(tm)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 the http://www.herkimer.edu/financialaid/student_loan).

Note:
Graduates that are enrolled for 14 or less credit hours, and are only enrolled for one semester during the academic year (Fall or Spring), will have their Federal Direct Student Loans prorated based on the number of credit hours they are enrolled in.  Students that are enrolled for 15 or more credit hours during the semester are entitled to the entire amount of their student loan.

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(tm)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 the http://www.herkimer.edu/financialaid/parent_loan).

Federal College Work Study Program (FWS)

College Work Study provides jobs for students with 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.

State Aid

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/)

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 here http://www.herkimer.edu/foundation/scholarships.