Financial Aid Checklist
- Apply to HCC at www.heartland.edu/application/. Are you a new student or returning after a two-semester absence? Submit your online application for admission.We cannot receive your FAFSA unless you have applied to HCC.
- Create an FSA ID at www.studentaid.gov/create-account. The FSA ID serves as your digital signature for the FAFSA and login information for Federal Student Aid websites. Students may apply for an FSA ID anytime and it is recommended to create one 3 days before completing the FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need to create an FSA ID.
- Complete the 24/25 FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov. Use school code 030838 for HCC. The application will be available starting December 2023. Once you receive confirmation from FAFSA that it was processed, it will take another 7-10 days to load into our system at HCC.
- Apply for HCC Foundation Scholarships (deadline is April 1, 2024 for 24/25 aid year) at www.heartland.edu/payingForCollege/scholarships/apply.
- Actively monitor your HCC email for status updates. HCC email is the HCC Financial Aid Office's only form of direct communication. Check your email daily.
- Did your financial aid email ask you to complete additional requirements? Complete them before July 1 to avoid delays and dropped classes for the fall semester.
- Review your semester bill to confirm your financial aid is ready by the payment deadline on home.heartland.edu > student center > view/print semester bill. You may also review aid on your financial aid tile.
- Accept your Self-Help Aid (Federal direct loans) if needed. Offered loans must be accepted to appear on your student bill. Instructions for accepting/declining loans are available at www.heartland.edu/payingForCollege/financialAid/receivingAid. Loans should be accepted by payment deadline to avoid delays and dropped classes for the fall semester.
- Expecting a financial aid refund? Learn how to select a refund method at www.heartland.edu/payingForCollege/paymentsRefunds/refunds.
- Need books for your courses? Eligible students will receive notification to their HCC email regarding bookstore charges a month before the fall semester begins.
- Thinking about dropping classes after the semester has started? Contact the Financial Aid Office first! Financial aid students must maintain satisfactory academic progress towards completion of their program of study to maintain financial aid eligibility. Learn how to maintain your financial aid eligibility by reviewing our Financial Aid Policies at www.heartland.edu/payingForCollege/financialAid/formsPolicies.
*Payment for Classes if the 24/25 FAFSA has not been received by the Financial Aid office by July 1st, the student will need to setup a payment plan for tuition/fees with the Business Office prior to the payment due date to prevent classes from being dropped. If the student is found to be eligible for financial assistance after payment has been made, the student may be reimbursed.
When to Apply
You must reapply for student aid every year.
Apply as early as possible. The FAFSA form should be submitted by the date for the respective semester as listed below.
Semester | Priority Deadline |
---|---|
Fall Semester | March 1 |
Spring Semester Only | October 1 |
To be considered for all aid types and to ensure your financial aid eligibility before each semester, apply by the preferred filing dates. Note that the major state grant program may require you to file earlier than the dates outlined due to limited funding.
Payment for Classes
If the above information has not been received by the Financial Aid office by these dates, the student may need to make arrangements for payment of tuition/fees with the Business Office prior to the payment due date. If the student is found to be eligible for financial assistance after payment has been made, the student may be reimbursed.
Transfering to a New School
if the student transfers schools, the aid does not transfer. Check with the new school to find out what steps the student must take to continue receiving aid.