Returning to Heartland
The Dean of Students Office oversees the Returning Hawks Award (RHA) Program, which allows former students who owe the college money to return to Heartland and start taking college classes towards a degree or certificate. Successful students are eligible to have up to $2,500 of debt forgiven.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the Returning Hawks Program, you must:
- Have been away from Heartland for 3 or more years.*
- Be a current resident of Heartland's district.
- Currently owe the College money.
- Complete the Admission process for Returning Students.
- Complete the RHA Program application for Spring 2027 (application opens October 1, 2026).
- Meet with the Dean of Students designee to review and sign the RHA contract.
Students who participate in the RHA Program receive one-on-one guidance from one of our success coaches.
*Students admitted to a WEI-approved program may be considered for the Returning Hawks Program even if it's been less than 3 years since they were last enrolled. Go to WEI's website to learn more about the programs available and to submit an interest form. Conditions apply.
Submission and Notification
The new applicant window will open October 1, 2026. New applicant meeting invitations will be sent starting October 15, 2026.
To ensure students' success, the Returning Hawks will only consider students for fall and spring semesters. The deadline to apply for fall semester is August 1. The deadline to apply for spring semester is January 1.