Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.)

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.)