It is the college’s goal that no student should be restricted from attending this institution because of limited financial resources. To meet this goal the college maintains a program of grants, scholarships, loans and part-time employment for eligible students who are accepted and enrolled in the college as certificate or degree-seeking students in good standing. Howard Community College awards financial aid in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, color, gender, national origin, age, political opinion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.
Students must complete a Howard Community College Financial Aid Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to begin application procedures. These forms are available on the HCC website at http://www.howardcc.edu/financialaid.
Students seeking any type of financial aid are strongly urged to apply by the March 1 priority filing date. Applications submitted by this date will be given first priority for limited grant funds. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to apply early to ensure the timely receipt of financial aid funds.
You are eligible to apply for financial aid if:
*Students enrolled in programs not leading to a degree or certificate awarded by Howard Community College, such as CPA Preparation, are not eligible for financial aid through HCC.
Transfer students interested in receiving financial aid at HCC must:
All financial aid awards are made in accordance with two criteria: demonstrated financial need and the student’s ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Completed files are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A financial aid file is complete only after the following documents or information have been received:
Once a student’s financial aid file has been reviewed and deemed complete by a financial aid counselor, a financial aid package will be processed and an award notification will be mailed to the student. The initial financial aid package will be based on assumed full-time status for the fall and spring semesters. Awards will be adjusted to actual enrollment prior to disbursement. Financial aid awards can be viewed on HCC Express.
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) randomly selects financial aid applicants for review in a process called verification. HCC also reserves the right to select applicants. All documents must be received before the student’s last date of attendance. If documents are received by Financial Aid Services after the student’s last date of attendance, the documents will not be reviewed and the student will not be entitled to any financial aid for that semester.
Summer and winter classes will be considered as separate sessions when determining your financial aid eligibility. Pell is the only fund that will be awarded for the summer and winter terms. Students who wish to be considered for summer or winter financial aid, must be registered in order for their eligibility to be determined. Financial Aid Services will automatically review eligibility for students who register prior to the two business day payment period. Students who register during the 2 business day payment period must meet with Financial Aid Services to determine eligibility.
Students awarded financial aid will have their financial aid applied directly to their tuition bill beginning the fourth week of the fall and spring semester. If the financial aid disbursed (paid) exceeds the tuition bill, the student gives permission for the excess aid to be used for purchasing books and supplies in the HCC bookstore unless a written statement declining to do so is submitted to Financial Aid Services before charging books and supplies. Any financial aid funds, including Federal Stafford Loans, over and above tuition, fees, and bookstore charges are mailed directly to the student by HCC check within 14 days after the credit balance is created each semester. Any Federal PLUS Loan, over and above tuition, fees, and bookstore charges are mailed directly to the parent by HCC check within 14 days after the credit balance is created each semester.
Federal Stafford Loan and Federal PLUS Loan funds are applied directly against the tuition bill. Loan disbursements received by Electronic Fund Transfer do not require additional signature/endorsement. The student/parent will be notified in writing of the receipt of EFT loan funds and may cancel the disbursement in writing within 14 days of receipt. Loan disbursements received by check require the borrower’s endorsement at the Cashier’s Office.
Students participating in the work study program will receive checks semi-monthly from the Cashier’s Office based on the number of hours worked.
Student aid awards are normally for one academic year. Continuation is dependent upon meeting application priority deadline dates each year, re-establishing financial need, making satisfactory academic progress, and continuing to enroll for at least one (1) credit per semester (six credits for loan applicants).
Need for financial aid is determined by the following calculation:
Cost of Attendance Budget (COA)
Less
Equals Financial Aid Eligibility (Need)
To determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the calculation formula used is the Federal Needs Analysis mandated by the U.S. Congress. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the student’s family contribution is calculated and reported on the Student Aid Report (SAR) which is emailed or mailed to the student’s home by the federal processor.
For a Howard County student living at home with parents, the following Cost of Attendance budget represents the estimated student cost for nine months. (Based on 12 credit hours and $110 per credit tuition cost without individual course lab fees).
Tuition and Fees* $3,020
Books and Supplies 1,000
Room and Board 6,464
Personal 1,000
Transportation 1,282
Total Budget> $12,766Budgets for other categories of students may be obtained from Financial Aid Services.
*Tuition figures are based on FY 2007 fee schedule. All tuition and fees are subject to change.
Section 493.A of the Higher Education Act requires post-secondary educational institutions to disseminate relevant, candid information on student financial aid programs available at the college. These rights and responsibilities may be found in the the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) publication entitled The Student Guide. This guide is available online at http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_ guide/index.html.
Any change in a student’s financial situation, address, or school enrollment must be reported to Financial Aid Services. Students have the right to request a review of their financial aid package when a change in family or personal circumstances occurs. Students also have a right to review their financial aid records and may do so during our walk-in counseling hours.
The U.S. Department of Education requires HCC to disseminate information and disclose certain information to students. This information includes, but is not limited to: Voter Registration, Equity in Athletics, Campus Crime and Security, Completion and Transfer Out Rates, and Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus policies. For further information on the listed topics, please refer to the HCC website at www.howardcc.edu.
Howard Community College maintains and/or coordinates the following financial aid programs for students. Financial aid awards are normally for one academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to reapply each year.
Counseling services are available in Financial Aid Services to assist students with application procedures and to discuss program eligibility.
GRANTS
Federal Pell Grant—Pell Grant is a Title IV program offering need-based grants ranging up to $4,050, dependent upon appropriations by Congress, student eligibility and level of enrollment. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)—FSEOG is a Title IV program offering grant funds for students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Grants can range from $100 to $4,000 per year, based on the student’s need and funds available from the U.S. Department of Education. Typical full-time grants at HCC range from $200 to $1000 per year. Priority for FSEOG is given to those students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA and those who apply by the college’s priority filing date of March 1.SCHOLARSHIPS
Maryland State Scholarship Program—The Maryland State Scholarship Administration offers several need-based scholarships for Maryland residents. The scholarships most frequently awarded to HCC students include, but are not limited to, Educational Assistance Grants, the Guaranteed Access Grants, Senatorial Scholarships, and Delegate Scholarships. In order to be considered for a Maryland State Scholarship, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. Some state scholarships may have additional application requirements. Some scholarships require full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment. Please check with the Maryland State Scholarship Administration at 800-974-1024 or www.mhcc.state.md.us for additional information. HCC Grants/Scholarships—This is a need-based grant/scholarship program funded from Howard Community College’s operating budget. Scholarships are available to new and returning students. Awards range from $100 to $3000, not to exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books in combination with other grant/scholarship aid. Priority is given to those who apply by the March 1 priority deadline and demonstrate financial need as determined by Financial Aid Services. HCC Educational Foundation, Inc. Scholarships—The college’s foundation maintains a scholarship program through contributions from private businesses, foundations, civic organizations and individuals. Scholarships are available to new and returning students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and/or financial need. Scholarship awards can range from $100 to $4000 per year, not to exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books in combination with other grant/ scholarship aid. Award amounts and availability of funds are subject to change. Generally priority is given to those students who apply by the March 1 priority deadline. For more information on specific scholarships available, consult Financial Aid Services or refer to the HCC website at www.howardcc.edu. To contribute a scholarship for students, contact the HCC Educational Foundation Office at 410-772-4450.PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT
Federal Work-Study Program—Federal Work-Study is a Title IV program offering part-time work for HCC students who demonstrate financial need. Students work up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester, depending upon the student’s financial need, availability of federal funds and the student’s class schedule. Seven percent of the school’s annual Federal Work-Study allocation will be used to fund community service jobs. For more information, please inquire in Financial Aid Services or refer to the HCC website at www.howardcc.edu/financialaid. HCC Student Work-Study Program—An institutionally funded part-time work program. Any student who desires part-time employment at the college may apply. Students work up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester, depending upon the student’s financial need, availability of the college’s funds, and the student’s class schedule. For more information, please inquire in Financial Aid Services or refer to the HCC webpage at www.howardcc.edu/financialaid.LOANS
Federal Stafford Student Loans—Stafford loans are a Title IV financial aid program and federal aid eligibility requirements apply. Loan applicants must be actively enrolled in at least six credits. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Applications and loan packets are available online at www.howardcc.edu/financialaid. The Family Federal Educational Loans (FFEL) loan packet must be completed in addition to the FAFSA and HCC Financial Aid Application. A student may borrow a maximum of $2625 for the first year of an academic program. The loan limit for a second year in an associate degree program is $3500. "Independent" students have additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility of $4000 per year, not to exceed the cost of attendance. Currently, the interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. For more details regarding this program consult "The Student Guide," a free financial aid brochure available online at www.howardcc/edu/financialaid. Students enrolled in certain certificate programs may not be eligible for the full loan amount due to the short duration of the program. Please inquire in Financial Aid Services for more information. Students who wish to borrow funds from FFEL loan programs at HCC are required to complete Loan Entrance and Exit counseling each year. Federal PLUS Loans—Federal PLUS Loans are a Title IV program which enables parents with favorable credit histories to borrow funds to pay the educational expenses of their child if the student is classified as a "dependent" and is enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more). The student and the parent must meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and the student must maintain satisfactory academic progress. The parent must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen and may not be in default or owe a refund to any federal student aid program. A PLUS Loan application must be completed in addition to an HCC Financial Aid Application and a FAFSA. Applications are available at www.howardcc.edu/financialaid. The PLUS loan is not a need-based loan. A parent is eligible to borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other financial aid the student is receiving. Currently, the interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. For more details regarding this program review "The Student Guide," a free financial aid brochure available at www.howardcc.edu/financialaid.The U.S. Department of Education gives institutions the authority to exercise professional judgment in determining students’ eligibility to participate in Title IV funding programs. Financial aid administrators will utilize this discretion accordingly to assess the circumstances of students with unique borrowing history. Additional steps may be required in the application process for a loan as a result.
Students receiving financial aid have the responsibility to follow the college’s withdrawal procedures as outlined in the Howard Community College catalogue (page 31).
The Higher Education Act requires the college calculate a Return of Title IV Funds on all federal financial aid students who withdraw (officially or unofficially) from all classes on or before the 60% attendance point in the semester. A schedule is used to determine the percentage of the semester the student attended based on the withdrawal date/last date of attendance.
The percentage of the semester the student attended is calculated as follows:
Number of days in attendance
Number of days in semester
The number of days counted includes all calendar days in the semester including weekends and holidays, but excludes college breaks of five or more days.
The percentage of the semester the student attended is used to calculate the amount of the student’s earned versus unearned federal aid funds. The unearned portion of federal aid funds received must be returned to the appropriate aid program in accordance with the order of return as mandated by law. The order of return is: Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan, Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, Other Title IV Aid.
The college is responsible for returning the lesser of unearned Title IV Aid or unearned institutional charges. Unearned institutional charges are based on the determined percentage of the semester the student did not attend. The college is responsible for its return of funds first, followed by the student’s return of funds.
The student is responsible for returning:
Amount of unearned Title IV Aid
- Amount of aid school returns
Amount Student Returns
The college must return its portion of unearned Title IV aid (loan and grant) to the appropriate federal program within 45 days from the student’s withdrawal date as determined by Financial Aid Services. If the amount the student returns includes a federal loan program, the student is responsible for repayment of the loan in accordance with the terms of the loan program. If the amount the student returns includes grant aid, the student must repay 50% of the grant money received, rather than 100%.
The student must return unearned grant aid to the college within 45 days from date of notification. Failure by the student to return or make arrangements to return unearned grant aid to the College within 45 days will result in the student being reported to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). The student will be considered in an Overpayment Status, and will not be eligible for additional aid at any post-secondary institution participating in Title IV Aid programs. Students who are reported to USDOE in an Overpayment Status should contact the USDOE to make payment arrangements to repay the necessary grant funds.
Students who stop attending Howard Community College may not receive further financial aid disbursements, may lose some or all of the aid that has already been disbursed to their account, may be responsible for repayment of unpaid charges, and may be considered in overpayment status with USDOE.
Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing from the college will be subject to a Return of Funds calculation at the end of the semester, based on their last date of attendance as determined by Financial Aid Services.
Students who receive financial aid must not only demonstrate financial need, but must also make satisfactory academic progress as determined by Howard Community College in accordance with federal regulations.
Financial aid recipients are required to be in good standing and to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree/certificate requirements for each semester in which they are enrolled. Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester will result in cancellation of financial aid awards. All students who enroll at HCC will be evaluated for satisfactory academic progress each semester, regardless of aid awarded. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress may result in cancellation of financial aid awards.
Semester Requirements—The semester requirements for minimum satisfactory performance for financial aid recipients are defined as follows:Required developmental courses are calculated into the GPA and are counted as regular course work. Required developmental courses will be added onto the program length when determining compliance with the 150% of program length completion requirement. Federal regulations require that Financial Aid Services track the academic progress of financial aid recipients from the first date of enrollment, whether or not financial aid was received. Credits transferred from another institution will be considered as attempted and completed credits in the evaluation of the 150% program completion standard.
Students who fail to meet the cumulative standards will be placed immediately on Financial Aid Restriction, not Financial Aid Probation. No financial aid will be disbursed for the student during subsequent semesters unless the student has made an appeal of the Financial Aid Restriction and the appeal is granted for that semester. The only exception is that a student who is on Financial Aid Restriction because of failure to satisfy the 2.0 cumulative GPA requirements will regain eligibility when his/her cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.0 or above.
Transfer Students–Transfer students will be treated as first time students for their first semester, but accepted credits from another institution will be considered as attempted credits in the evaluation of the 150% program completion and 48 credit cumulative standards.
Students with a cumulative GPA under 2.0 will be removed from Restriction Status once their GPA is above a 2.0 and they have satisfied all Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
Students who have exceeded 150% of their program length can only regain financial aid eligibility on a semester-by-semester basis through the appeal process.
Appeal Process—Financial Aid Restriction Appeals must be made in writing by submitting the Financial Aid Restriction Appeals Form to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee by the date specified in the Financial Aid Restriction notification letter. No late appeals will be considered. When an appeal letter is received, any aid which had been cancelled due to restriction status will be temporarily restored to an estimated status with the exception of scholarship funds for which the student has lost eligibility. Students with estimated aid may also register for classes and their registration will be held until the decision concerning their appeal is finalized. Students who submit an appeal will have their aid restored for the term or session for which their appeal was approved. The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the appeal and notify the student in writing of its decision within fifteen (15) working days of the committee’s meeting date. All decisions made by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee are final.If the appeal is denied all financial aid will be cancelled and the student is responsible for either dropping the classes or paying for the classes. Any student whose appeal is denied and who fails to officially drop the classes before the 100% refund period is over must pay for the classes.
Counseling services and academic support (tutoring) are available for HCC students who are disabled, first generation college students or students from low income families. Academic support services and other services that contribute to student success are available to all students through the Admissions and Advising, Counseling and Career Services and Learning Assistance Center. Further information regarding these services is available on pages 35-37 and on the college’s website.
Financial Aid Services also provides workshops during the year, both on campus and in the community. The office’s Spotlight Program, conducted early in the Spring term, is designed to help current and prospective students complete the financial aid application process.