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 25/26 FAFSA. Use school code 030838 for HCC. If you need assistance, contact Tecola Campbell (ISAC Corps Represenative) at 309-218-2966 or Tecola.Campbell@illinois.gov. Please review Eligibility Requirements for Federal Aid. 
• Complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid if you ae an Illinois student who is not eligible for federal financial aid (and cannot complete the FAFSA).
• Apply for HCC Foundation Scholarships (deadline is March 1, 2025 for 25/26 aid year).
• 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 25/26 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.