Ways to Pay

Heartland Community College (HCC) offers a variety of financial opportunities.

To determine your eligibility, we compare the cost of attending HCC and expected financial contributions of your and/or your parent(s)' and then we factor in your academic standing.

After you have been accepted as a student in an eligible curriculum at HCC and have demonstrated need, we try to meet that need by offering aid. This aid can consist of a grant, an on/off campus job, and/or a loan. Financial aid awards must be applied to educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, child care, or other educational costs.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Eligibility

If you would like to receive financial aid from HCC, make sure you:

  • Are enrolled as an undergraduate student pursuing a degree or eligible certificate
  • Have an official high school transcript or GED on file with the Registrar.
  • Are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Are not in default on any education loan
  • Are not receiving financial aid at more than one school for the same period of time

Important Financial Aid Dates Fall 2026

Dates listed are contingent on your completion of requested tasks listed on your tasks tile and if corrections need to be made to your FAFSA.
*HCC reserves the right to change these dates.

Important Dates (PDF)

Apply for Aid

Apply for Aid. Plan Ahead. Succeed.

  • Apply to HCC.  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. 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 26-27 and the 27-28 FAFSA. Use school code 030838 for HCC. Please review Eligibility Requirements for Federal Aid. Processing of the 27-28 FAFSA will start March 2027.
  • 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 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. Loans should be accepted by payment deadline to avoid delays and dropped classes for the fall semester.
    • Expecting a financial aid refund? Sign up at Bank Mobile for your refund preference.

*Need books for your courses? Eligible students will receive notification to their HCC email regarding bookstore charges a month before the fall semester begins. 

  • Follett (the bookstore) will email students a few weeks before courses start with notice that you have a credit in the bookstore that you can use to charge course materials.  Please note this is not an additional grant.  The amount you charge will be added to your charges on your summer semester bill.  Financial aid will be applied to your semester total.  If you do not have enough aid to cover your charges, you will be responsible for the remaining balance.
  • Please remember that adjustments to your financial aid may cause you to incur debt. Always check with financial aid before altering your enrollment*
  • Financial aid can adjust based on enrollment and eligibility.

*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.

*Payment for Classes if the 26/27 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 FAFSA yearly. Apply as early as possible. The FAFSA form should be submitted by the date for the respective semester as listed below. To be considered for all aid types, 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.

HCC's Priority FAFSA Priority Deadlines
Semester Priority Deadline
Fall Semester March 1
Spring Semester Only October 1

 

What to Expect

Once students have received a Financial Aid Offer letter, grants are automatically applied to the HCC student account.  Federal Loan offers are not automatically applied, they must be accepted to be applied to the HCC student account.  When visiting your myHeartland student center, the first page of your student center will show a balance due regardless of aid applied to the HCC student account. Please click on view my schedule tile/semester bill to view a "real time" summary of your HCC student account. Financial aid is initially awarded on full-time enrollment and will adjust on the 10th day of classes to reflect your actual credit hours of enrollment.

Federal and state grants, scholarships and Federal loans are usually divided equally between the fall and spring semester. Financial aid funds are first used to pay any outstanding tuition, fees and bookstore charges.

Gift Aid

Grants and scholarships are called "gift aid" because they are free money—financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid*. Grants are often need-based, while scholarships are usually merit-based. Grants and scholarships can come from the federal government, the state government, the college, or a private or nonprofit organization. Do research, apply for any grants or scholarships the student might be eligible for, and be sure to meet application deadlines! 

*Here are some examples of why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant:

  • You withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given. 
  • Your enrollment status changed in a way that reduced eligibility for grants (for instance, if you switch from full-time enrollment to part-time, the grant amount will be reduced). 
  • You received outside scholarships or grants that reduced the need for federal student aid.

Federal Programs

PELL Grant

Eligibility for this program is based on financial need. The program provides funds to undergraduate students for college costs, like tuition and fees, and living expenses. The financial aid administrator will determine the student’s Pell Grant Award based on their SAI (Student Aid Index) from their FAFSA and the number of credit hours in which the student are enrolled. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. The student may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time. For more information on Pell Grant, please visit this page.

Lifetime Eligibility Regulation: The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds any one student may receive over their lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding one can receive each year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

You can receive between $250 and $500 a year, depending on financial need, when you apply, the amount of other aid you receive, and the availability of funds at Heartland.  Each participating school receives a certain amount of FSEOG funds each year from the U.S. Department of Education's office of Federal Student Aid. Once the full amount of the school's FSEOG funds has been awarded to students, no more FSEOG awards can be made for that year. This system works differently from the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides funds to every eligible student. Make sure you apply for federal student aid as early as you can. Each school sets its own deadlines for campus-based funds. For more information on SEOG, please visit this page. 

State Programs

Monetary Award Program (MAP)

MAP grants can only be applied toward tuition and mandatory fees. Map grants cannot be used for items such as books, travel or housing. You must be a resident of Illinois and be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours at an Illinois college. The actual amount of the award each term depends on the calculation of financial need, the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at Heartland, the number of hours for which you are enrolled, and other factors related to the amount of funding provided for the program each year. For more information on MAP grants, please visit this page. 

Lifetime Eligibility Regulation: While you are classified by Heartland as a freshman or sophomore, the limit on the number of MAP Paid Credit Hours that can be paid is 75. If this limit is reached, you must attain junior status at whichever school you are (or will be) attending for your MAP grant eligibility to resume.  The maximum number of MAP Paid Credit Hours is capped at the equivalent of 135.

Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid is an application for Illinois students who are not eligible for federal financial aid (and do not file the FAFSA). The student may apply for a State of Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant using the online Alternative Application for Illinois Federal Aid, which is patterned after the FAFSA. Further details and the application can be found at the Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act and Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid page.

**Thursday, June 5, 2025 was the last day for students to apply for 2025-26 MAP grants by submitting an initial 2025-26 FAFSA or, for qualifying students, an Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. The announcement of awards for students whose FAFSAs are received by the federal processor or whose Alternative Applications are received by ISAC after that date will be put "in suspense" – basically, a waiting list for 2025-26 MAP. See the 2025-26 Processing Updates section of the MAP page for further details.**

ECACE (Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program)

The ECACE Scholarship addresses the shortage of qualified early childhood educators and build a strong, well-prepared workforce by encouraging those who want to further their education. The scholarship helps pay the cost of attendance for an academic year up to $7,500 for students. Recipients are expected to continue working or return to work in the early childhood care and education field in Illinois after completing their studies. To learn more and apply, please visit ISAC.

*Note from ISAC: The priority consideration date for the application process to be completed is Monday, May 19, 2025 for the 2025-2026 aid year. Applications received after that date will be considered only if funding remains after all timely, complete qualified applicants have been awarded.

MTI (Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program)

If: 1) you plan to teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school, for which the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has determined that no less than 30 percent of the enrolled students are African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American, or Native American; and 2) you are of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin or are a qualified bilingual minority applicant, then you may qualify for up to $7,500 per year as part of the Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program. Funds from this program may be used  to pay for tuition, fees and room and board, or commuter allowances, if applicable. This scholarship may be received for a maximum of the equivalent of four academic years (eight semesters) of full-time enrollment.

As part of the application process, you must agree to the terms and conditions that are outlined in the application's Teaching Agreement/Promissory Note (available for 2017-18 academic year and later via the Program Service Requirements page). By receiving this scholarship, you must teach in Illinois. If this teaching commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a loan, and you must repay the entire amount plus interest. To learn more and apply, please visit ISAC.

*Note from ISAC: The priority application consideration date for the 2025-2026 academic year was March 31, 2025.

iGROW (Illinois Graduate and Retain our Workforce Tech Scholarship Program)

The Illinois Graduate and Retain our Workforce (iGROW) Tech Scholarship Program provides scholarship assistance to Illinois students pursuing IT and related careers. The program was designed to recruit and retain individuals to work in technology jobs that have a high demand for new employees. The program gives priority to renewal applicants, students who demonstrate academic excellence, students who demonstrate financial need, and minority students. Scholarships pay up to $7,500 in tuition & fees and room & board costs for each year recipients meet eligibility requirements at an ISAC-approved institution of higher learning.

As part of the application process, you must agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the Application/Work Agreement/Promissory Note (available for 2024-25 academic year via the Program Service Requirements page. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application). By receiving this scholarship, you must agree to work in Illinois in a qualifying job for a period of no less than two years. An additional year of work will be required for each year of scholarship funds received beyond two years (examples: if you receive scholarship funds for one or two years then, in order to fulfill the program requirement, you must work in Illinois in a qualifying job for two years; if you receive scholarship funds for three years, then you must work in Illinois in a qualifying job for three years). You must begin employment with an employer in Illinois that is directly related to the field of study that qualified you for assistance under this program within one year following completion of the program. If this commitment is not fulfilled, the scholarship converts to a loan, and you must repay the entire amount, plus interest. To learn more and apply, please visit ISAC.

NES (Nursing Education Scholarship Program)

If you are pursuing a certificate in practical nursing, an associate degree in nursing, a hospital-based diploma in nursing or a bachelor’s or graduate degree in nursing and demonstrate the greatest financial need among qualified students, you may be qualified to receive the Nursing Education Scholarship. If awarded, you must begin full- or part-time employment as a licensed practical or registered professional nurse, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a nurse educator in Illinois within six months of graduating, and remain employed for a period equivalent to the educational time supported by the scholarship. If you terminate studies, or fail to become employed, you will be required to repay the full scholarship amount, plus seven-percent interest per year. To learn more and apply, please visit ISAC.

Self-Help Aid

Includes work opportunities and loans. It's called self-help because you take responsibility for receiving this type of aid. Work-Study allows you to earn money while you are in college. Student loans assist with educational expenses while in college.

Federal Work Study

Eligibility for this program is based on financial need. The financial aid administrator will determine the Federal work study eligibility based on your student aid index (SAI) from the FAFSA and the number of credit hours in which you are enrolled. The program provides on- and off-campus jobs for undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. Eligible students earn the federal minimum wage and are paid every two weeks by paycheck. Work study hours are typically 10-20 hours per week.Work study is only earned if you are hired for a position at HCC. It is the student's responsibility to review the job listings and secure a position. View more information about the federal work study program here.

Please visit the Career Center for job postings.

Federal Loans

Stafford loans are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Direct loans are funds that must be repaid with interest. Your lender is the U.S. Department of Education and the loan is repaid to the federal government.  All students borrowing under the direct loan program must submit the FAFSA.  There are two types of Federal Direct Loans – a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan. You must demonstrate financial need in order to receive a subsidized loan.  The federal government will pay the interest on a subsidized loan while you are enrolled in college at least half time (6 credit hours).  An unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need. You are responsible for paying the interest on an unsubsidized loan from the time the loan is disbursed. The loan(s) will only disburse if you are enrolled in six (6) credit hours or more. 

Because both Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans MUST be repaid (with interest) to the U.S. government, you will be required to sign a legally binding contract (promissory note) promising to repay the loan. You should think very carefully before borrowing under these loan programs because there are serious consequences to not repaying student loans.

Under the Direct Loan program, you may generally borrow up to $5500 as a freshman and up to $6500 as a sophomore per academic year.  Under certain circumstances independent students may be eligible to borrow up to an additional $4000.

HCC Default Prevention and Management Plan

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

PLUS is available to parents of dependent undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time (six credit hours). The loan is not based on need and the borrower is the parent, not the student.  Eligibility is based on credit approval.  Parents may borrow up to the amount of educational expenses minus any financial aid received by the student.  An origination fee is deducted from the loan amount.  This fee goes directly to the federal government to help offset the cost of processing the loan. Repayment begins within 60 days of the funds being fully disbursed. Visit studentaid.gov for interest rates and fee information. Please contact us if interested in a parent plus loan. 

Exit Loan Counseling
Before graduating or if you drop below half-time attendance, you must complete an exit loan counseling session. The session will:
  • Review your repayment obligation
  • Provide information on typical monthly repayment amounts based on various levels of borrowing
  • Explain deferment and forbearance options
  • Stress the serious consequences of defaulting on a federal student loan

In-person exit loan counseling sessions can be scheduled during your last semester of attendance. Online exit loan counseling is also available. 

Private Loan

Due to HCC's affordability, only about 12% of HCC students need a student loan. Over 99% of these students' borrowing needs are met by the Direct Loan program.  Since less than 1% of HCC students have a need for a loan beyond the Direct Loan program, the HCC financial aid office does not have a preferred lender list for private loans nor do we have preferred lender arrangements.  Students who have need of a loan beyond the limits of the Direct Loan program should evaluate lenders to find the most affordable private loan.

Summer Aid

Summer financial aid award amounts are estimates based on your enrollment status. All federal and financial aid programs have specific requirements for summer and may differ between programs. 

  • HCC must have your completed 2025-2026 FAFSA information. June 15, 2026 is the last day Financial Aid will load 25/26 FAFSA's. If you have not submitted a FAFSA by June 10th, you will not receive financial aid for the summer 2026 semester.
  • You must be seeking an eligible degree at HCC. 
  • We will not offer you aid if you are only attending HCC for the summer semester. You must be a continuing HCC student from the Spring 2026 semester, or enrolled in classes at HCC for fall 2026.
  • You must be in enrolled in summer courses that are part of your degree program.
  • You must be meeting the Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Your summer Pell grant eligibility will be based on any unused Pell grant funds for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Summer Requirements for loans:

  1. Complete a summer loan request after you have registered for classes. Request the amount you need to borrow for summer (loan request amount cannot be left blank, you must write a numerical amount). The loan request also requires an ink signature, the form cannot be electronically completed. Instructions for uploading completed documents to the Financial Aid Office can be found in the ShareFile Instructions Document. We do not accept emailed documents. You may also fax documents to 309-268-7962.
  2. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours for summer and have remaining loan eligibility for the 2026-2027 award year. 

Financial Aid Forms and Policies

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education and State of Illinois student aid regulations, Heartland Community College is required to establish minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to qualify for federal and state financial aid. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that students are making progress toward the completion of their educational program of study. The following standards apply to students receiving federal or state financial assistance, including grants, loans, scholarships, and federal work study. Students who do not attend or withdraw from classes, defer grades and perform poorly will not maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their program of study and will become ineligible for financial aid. Minimum standards are subject to change in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education and State of Illinois regulations.

Important: This Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is separate from the Heartland Community College Academic Standing Policy.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (PDF)

Terms and Conditions of Financial Aid Awards

This document explains the terms and conditions of your Financial Aid Award as well as your rights and responsibilities as an aid recipient. You are responsible for understanding the terms and conditions stipulated. This information is the most accurate available at the time of publication. It is subject to change at any time without notice due to the nature of federal, state and institutional guidelines affecting aid.
Be aware that any intentionally false statements or misrepresentations you make (written or verbal) in any phase of the financial aid process may eliminate you from future consideration for any assistance from Heartland Community College, and may subject you to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Terms and Conditions of Financial Aid Awards (PDF)

Student Loan Code of Conduct

The 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act requires that all institutions adopt a Student Loan Code of Conduct, which serves as the formal guiding principles in insuring integrity of the student loan process and ensures the ethical conduct of Heartland Community College (HCC) employees in regard to student loan practices.

Interaction with Borrowers

Heartland Community College participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program through the U.S. Department of Education. This program includes Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and Direct Parent PLUS loans.

To a much lesser extent, private education loans are also processed for students at their request as needed.

HCC does not maintain a preferred lender list for private student loans nor does it recommend any private lender. All decisions concerning private education loans will be made by the borrower based on his/her independent review of lender benefits and services. HCC will not refuse to certify or delay certification of any private education loan based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.

Gifts

Employees of the HCC Financial Aid Office are prohibited from receiving gifts from any lender, guaranty agency or loan servicer. Exceptions related to specific types of activities or literature include the following:

  1. Brochures or training material related to default aversion or financial literacy
  2. Food, training or informational materials as part of training as long as the training contributes to the professional development of those individuals attending the training
  3. Favorable terms and benefits to the student employed by the institution as long as those same terms are provided to all students at the institution
  4. Entrance and exit counseling as long as the institution's staff are in control and they do not promote the services of a specific lender
  5. Philanthropic contributions from a lender, guaranty agency or servicer unrelated to education loans
  6. State education, grants, scholarships or financial aid funds administered by or on behalf of the State
Contracting Arrangements

Employees of the HCC Financial Aid Office shall not accept, from any lender or affiliate of any lender, any fee, payment or other financial benefit as compensation for any consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.

Revenue Sharing

HCC will not enter into any revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender. This is defined as any arrangement between a school and a lender that results in the lender paying a fee or other benefits, including a share of the profits, to the school, its officer, employees or agents, as a result of the school recommending the lender to its students or families of those students.

Opportunity Pool Loan

HCC will not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans including funds for an opportunity pool loan in exchange for HCC providing concessions or promises to the lender for a specific number of loans, or inclusion on a preferred lender list.

Staffing Assistance

HCC will not request or accept, from any lender, guarantor or servicer of student loans, any assistance with call center staffing or financial aid office staffing.

Advisory Board Compensation

Employees of the HCC Financial Aid Office who serve on any advisory board, commission or group established by a lender, guarantor or student loan servicer are prohibited from receiving anything of value from the lender, guarantor or loan servicer for serving in this capacity, except that an employee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred while serving in this capacity.

Verification Policy

Verification is the process of checking the accuracy of the information a student provides when they apply for Federal Financial Aid.  The verification procedures are governed by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. 

Applicants selected for verification are notified by their heartland email and on their myHeartland Student Center Task tile. Please submit in person to the Financial Aid Office during walk-in hours, mail (1500 W Raab Road Suite 1101, Normal IL  61761), fax (309-268-7962), or by upload (instructions on the student center task tile).  We will not accept documents by email.

Heartland Community College verifies all files that are chosen by the U.S. Department of Education and may choose to verify additional files if conflicting information is found.  If a student’s file is chosen for verification by the Department of Education or the Financial Aid Office, they will not be awarded aid until all required documentation has been submitted and verified.

Special Circumstances

At a very basic level, special circumstances are anything that makes the information provided on the FAFSA not reflective of the family's ability to pay. This can include anticipated differences between the two prior tax years and the upcoming year, such as impending job loss, and unusual capital gains. It can also include anything that differentiates the family's situation from other families such as medical expenses not covered by insurance. 

The HCC Financial Aid Office is committed to a thorough and personal review of each family's individual circumstances as the basis for determining a student's financial aid eligibility. However, we recognize that family circumstances can change unexpectedly, affecting a family's ability to contribute toward educational expenses.

Your financial aid is based upon the income from two years prior to the start of the academic year as reported on the financial aid application. If your family's circumstances change after receiving your financial aid offer, you may request a review of your financial aid by completing the financial aid appeal form.

The following may be considered a change in circumstances if not initially reported on your financial aid application:

  • Significant loss of income due to termination or change in employment - recommended waiting 3 months after losing income before completing an appeal 
  • Reduction of child support
  • One-time/non-recurring income
  • High unreimbursed medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance
  • Death, divorce, or separation
  • Elementary or secondary school tuition expenses
  • Parent unreimbursed tuition expenses

 The following is not considered a change of circumstances and cannot be considered:

  • Matching financial aid eligibility from other universities or colleges
  • Student or parent(s) who does not wish to borrow to cover educational expenses
  • Parent(s) refusal to contribute to educational expenses or complete the FAFSA
  • Parent(s) payment of student loans for an older sibling
  • Expenses associated with lifestyle choices such as credit card debt, monthly bills (i.e., mortgage, vehicle, cell phone, or heating payments), wedding and vacation expenses, sports, enrichment activities, etc. 

If you have experienced a special circumstance(s) as described, you may complete the special circumstances form. Supporting documentation may be required. Additional financial assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis and may be in the form of a loan, employment, or grant. Submission of this form does not guarantee an adjustment or increase to your financial assistance. We will notify the student directly if eligibility for assistance can be improved.

Please note: Financial aid forms are processed as quickly as we can, but delays in processing may occur during peak times. Students are encouraged to pay their semester bill on time and should not wait for the financial aid to be processed. The student is responsible for any fees or finance charges accrued due to not paying their bill by the due date. It is our expectation that families will use all resources available to them to finance their education, including current salary, savings, investments, payment plans, and student/parent loans if necessary. Our decision is final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.

Please be aware that the U.S. Inspector General requires us to report all cases of fraud, as well as, purposely providing inaccurate information to receive more aid.

Students must receive their initial financial aid offer before an appeal will be processed. Once reviewed, students will be contacted regarding any changes to their financial aid offer. 

Please contact our office if you have a experienced a special circumstance and need to complete a form, 309-268-8020 or finaid@heartland.edu 

Unusual Circumstances
Most students entering a postsecondary school straight from high school are considered financially dependent on their parents. This means their parents must provide their financial information on the FAFSA. In some unusual circumstances, the financial aid office can change a student's FAFSA status from dependent to independent in situations where providing parental information is very​ difficult for the student. View our dependency override webpage for more information and how to apply.

Refund Policy

Grants are applied directly to your HCC student account and do not need to be accepted. The dollar amounts listed on your award letter are based on full-time enrollment (15 credit hours) and will be adjusted if you are enrolled in fewer credit hours. Heartland Community College applies all awarded grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward a student’s balance due before being eligible for a refund. A student’s balance due can include: past due tuition, fees, returned checks, fines or other obligations. If funds remain after all institutional charges are paid, a refund will be issued to the student based on the preference selected with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX Inc.. Any remaining financial aid is refunded to the student within 14 days of disbursement to student accounts. Grant and scholarship funds awarded by private/outside donors are not applied to the student’s account until the money is received by Heartland Community College.

Loan refunds

Federal loan funds are applied to your account after the 50% point of the semester. You must complete all student loan requirements each academic year (i.e. entrance loan counseling, completion of master promissory note and Borrower Information Sheet, etc.) before a loan disbursement is made. The federal loan will not disburse if you are in less than six credit hours at time of disbursement. The business office will deduct your incurred costs (tuition, fees, and other authorized charges such as books and supplies) from the financial aid that is credited to your account. Any remaining financial aid is refunded to you within 14 days of disbursement to student accounts.

Return of Financial Aid Policy

Federal regulations state that financial aid is earned by attending class. You have not earned 100% of your financial aid until you have attended 60% of the term. If you withdraw before this date, a portion of your financial aid has not been earned.

The unearned portion is equal to the percentage of the term remaining on the date of withdrawal. Your financial aid eligibility will be recalculated based on your actual period of attendance - you may be asked to repay a portion of the aid that had been disbursed to you.

Your last date of attendance is determined in one of two ways.

If you officially withdraw from the institution, your last date of attendance is date you began the withdrawal process or notified the institution of your withdrawal.

An unofficial withdrawal occurs when you stop attending classes, but do not notify the institution of your withdrawal. At the mid-point of each semester, the institution checks for non-attendance. In cases where a student is failing classes at the mid-point of the semester, each instructor will confirm whether the student is still attending class or will provide the last date of attendance for each class. If you have ceased to attend all classes, the latest date of attendance in all classes will be used to determine the withdrawal date.

Once the institution has determined you have either officially or unofficially withdrawn from the institution, we will notify you (the student) within 30 days if you are required to repay a portion of your financial aid for the term. Heartland Community College returns funds within 45 days to the U.S. Department of Education.

In recalculating your financial aid eligibility, we will reduce your financial aid in the following order:

  1. Unsubsidized Direct Stafford loan
  2. Subsidized Direct Stafford loan
  3. Direct PLUS loan
  4. Federal Pell Grant
  5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  6. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Scholarships

Apply for Scholarships

Get to the online application

You must apply to Heartland Community College before you are able to complete the scholarship application. You will receive login information for myHeartland after you apply to HCC.

  1. Go to home.heartland.edu and log in to Student Center.
  2. Click on the Foundation Scholarship tile. 

Complete the online application

  1. Answer the survey questions. These questions determine your eligibility for various scholarships.
  2. Answer BOTH essay questions in the application.
  3. Make sure the Heartland Community College records department has your transcripts.
  4. Once you hit finish and submit, your application is final.
  5. You will receive an email to your myHeartland email after you have successfully submitted your application.

Scholarship Awarding Information

The Committee will award scholarships after the March 1 and September 1 deadlines.  Students will be notified to their myHeartland email accounts if they have received a scholarship.  Students that were not awarded scholarships will not be notified until after ALL scholarships have been awarded. 

Please read and follow instructions if you have received a scholarship award email. Failure to follow and complete instructions may result in cancellation of scholarship.

Work Ready Scholarships

The Heartland Community College Foundation has scholarships available to assist with tuition for Work Ready Programs. If you are planning to enroll in one of these programs, we encourage you to complete an application.

Work Ready Scholarship Application

The Work Ready scholarship application can be submitted in one of four ways:

  • Email to scholarships@heartland.edu
  • Fax (309)268-7962
  • Deliver to the HCC Financial Aid office in the Community Commons Building at Heartland's Campus in Normal.
  • Mail to the Heartland Community College Financial Aid, 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal, IL 61761 

Besides scholarships, there are several ways to pay for a Work Ready class:

If you have any question regarding the Heartland Community College Foundation Work Ready Scholarships, please contact scholarships@heartland.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to your scholarship questions. If you need more information or have further questions, contact us.

How are scholarship recipients selected?

Applications are reviewed by a committee. All decisions are final.

Can I be awarded more than one scholarship per semester?

Yes, though the scholarship committee will usually try to assist as many students as possible. Some sponsors may request that their scholarship not be awarded to a student receiving other scholarship assistance.

Can I use my Foundation scholarship at another school?

No. Foundation scholarships can only be used at HCC, are non-transferable and may not be used for dual enrollment.

What types of classes can I take using my scholarship?

Most HCC credit courses are eligible. Community education, customized training and study abroad programs are not included.

How will I know if I’ve been awarded a scholarship?

Students will be notified via their my.heartland email if they have been awarded a scholarship. Non-recipients will not be notified until the scholarship award process is complete and all scholarships have been awarded.

What happens if I miss the March 1 deadline?

The priority scholarship deadline is March 1 for Fall scholarships and September 1 for Spring scholarships.

I don't qualify for federal or state assistance. Can I still apply for HCC Foundation scholarships?

Yes. If you don’t qualify for federal or state assistance, you may still qualify for a Foundation scholarship that requires financial need. Foundation scholarships use a broader definition of financial need than state and federal assistance programs.

Many scholarships list financial need as a requirement. How is financial need determined?

Your level of financial need is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The “estimated family contribution” (EFC) listed on the Student Aid Report you receive from the Department of Education will be used to measure your financial need. Your signature on this application permits the Foundation Office to obtain financial need information from the HCC Financial Aid Office.

I am already receiving financial aid and/or another non-Foundation scholarship. Can I still apply for a scholarship?

Yes. You can and should apply for both financial aid and scholarships. If you receive financial aid, consult with the Financial Aid Office about whether a scholarship might impact your financial aid award.

Some scholarships require a minimum number of "credit hours completed" to qualify. Does that include the courses which I am currently enrolled?

No. The number of “credit hours completed” is determined at the time your application is submitted. Credit hours in which you are currently enrolled will not be included because they have not been completed.

Can I apply for HCC Foundation scholarships if I am working toward a certificate and not a degree?

Yes. Applicants may be seeking either a degree or certificate unless otherwise noted in the scholarship criteria.

I’m enrolled as a part-time student. Can I still get a scholarship?

Certain Foundation scholarships are designated specifically for part-time students. Part-time is defined as less than 12 credit hours per semester. (Note: Most Foundation scholarships require that you are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.)

I am not an honor student. Will I still be considered for a scholarship?


Yes. Many Foundation scholarships don’t require a specific grade point average (GPA). However, it’s important to remember that all are competitive. The Foundation has established a universal requirement that all applicants who are currently enrolled at HCC must meet or exceed HCC academic requirements for good standing. (See HCC Catalog and Student Handbook for more details.)

College Illinois! and 529 Savings Plans

Heartland accepts payments from 529 college savings plans, including College Illinois! prepaid tuition benefits. The process for using your funds depends on your plan.

Other 529 College Savings Plans

If you have a 529 college savings plan, contact your plan provider to request payment to Heartland Community College.

  1. Contact your 529 plan provider and request funds for your Heartland tuition and eligible educational expenses.
  2. Follow your provider's instructions for sending payment to Heartland.
  3. Request your funds early. Processing times vary by provider, and payment should be received by your tuition due date.
  4. Check your student account to make sure the payment has been received and applied.
  5. Pay any remaining balance not covered by your 529 plan.

Heartland accepts payments from other 529 plans but does not bill these plans directly. The student or account holder is responsible for requesting the funds from the 529 provider.

College Illinois! Prepaid Tuition

If you have College Illinois! prepaid tuition benefits, contact Heartland Student Accounts to let us know you plan to use your benefits.

Heartland will bill College Illinois! directly for eligible tuition and fees. You are responsible for any charges not covered by your College Illinois! benefits.

For questions about your College Illinois! account, available benefits, or coverage, contact College Illinois! Customer Service at 877-877-3724, option 2.

For questions about how College Illinois! or another 529 payment has been applied to your Heartland student account, contact Student Accounts at 309-268-8140.

Contact Us

Student Accounts Office

1500 W Raab Road
CCB Suite 2100
Normal, IL 61761 
Phone: 309-268-8140
Email: StudentAccounts@heartland.edu

Financial Aid Office

1500 W Raab Road
CCB Room 1101
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8020
Email: FinAid@heartland.edu

Office Hours

Financial Aid

Drop-in Hours: Noon - 4:00 pm

Student Accounts

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.