Apply for Financial Aid

Types of Aid

The amounts and types of financial aid you receive are determined through federal, state and institutional guidelines. Most federal financial aid is based on financial need.

  • Grants are awarded through federal, state and institutional sources and are generally based on financial need. Grants are "gift" assistance and do not need to be repaid
  • Scholarships are provided through the HCC Foundation, corporations, private donors and the college. Scholarships are "gift" assistance and do not need to be repaid.
  • Path to Profession Program (Work-Study) student employment is offered through the college. Student employees work on or off-campus and are paid an hourly rate for work performed.
  • Federal student loans are offered at low-interest rates and can be repaid over an extended period of time, generally after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits).


Financial aid will verify eligibility based on the information provided on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first step in applying for financial aid.

Before You Apply for Financial Aid

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID 

Review Eligibility Requirements 
Review eligibility requirements for further information about qualifying for federal financial aid. 

Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the Correct Aid Year

  • 2023-2024 Financial Aid: If you plan to attend HCC during Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and/or Summer 2024, you need to fill out the 2023–24 FAFSA form using 2021 tax info. Students are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of more aid.

File Early
Students are encouraged to file their FAFSA application as early as possible. Take a look at HCC's FAFSA Guide. This guide includes tips and information for those completing their FAFSA applications.

Submit Admissions Application
We cannot begin to process your FAFSA without an admissions application on file. Please make sure you submit an admissions application prior to completing FAFSA. Click here to learn about admissions and enrollment steps.

Data Retrieval Tool
When possible, please utilize the Data Retrieval Tool to import tax return information into the FAFSA. 

Use HCC'S SCchool Code: 
Please use HCC's School Code (010422) when filling out the FAFSA. We will not receive your application unless you use the school's code. 

STUDENTS WITHOUT A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Undocumented students who are eligible for state financial aid funds should complete the Texas Application For State Financial Aid (TASFA) to request state funds, not the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information, please visit our "Undocumented Students – TASFA" webpage. 

 

 

Step 1: Apply for Financial Aid

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID

Click the link to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using HCC's School Code (010422). The information you provide determines whether you qualify for federal and state grants, and federal loans.

  • 2023-2024 Financial Aid: If you plan to attend HCC during Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and/or Summer 2024, you need to fill out the 2023–24 FAFSA form using 2021 tax info.

  • HCC's FAFSA Guide: This guide includes tips and information for those completing their FAFSA applications. 

STATE AID FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Students who do not qualify for federal financial aid through the FAFSA application have the option to complete the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) to be evaluated and considered for Texas state and HCC institutional financial aid programs.

 

Step 2: While You Wait for Financial Aid Award

Login to Access Your HCC Message Center 
All notices, status updates, and announcements will be sent to the Message Center. 

  1. Visit https://myeagle.hccs.edu or scan the QR code.
  2. Select the “Student Sign In” Tile and log in using your HCC student login. If you need help with resetting your password, please call 713.718.8800.
  3. Select the Message Center tile, to view all your financial aid-related messages and notifications.

Submit required documentation 
To view your Financial Aid To-do List, please visit HCC MyEagle https://myeagle.hccs.edu; select ‘Student Sign-in’ tile/box; select the “Checklist” box/tile; and then select “Financial Aid” on the left-hand menu. Your To-do list will outline all the additional documentation needed to process your FAFSA.

  • Verification: You may see a note on your Student Aid Report saying you’ve been selected for verification or you may receive an email from the Financial Aid Office. Verification is the process schools use to confirm that the information reported on your FAFSA form is accurate. Click here to learn more. 

  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): A Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Should your family members have questions regarding your financial aid, you must complete a FERPA release form‌ to authorize the release of your Houston Community College record. Click here to learn more.

 

Step 3: Review Financial Aid Award Requirements and Enroll

Review the “After the Award” resource page with enrollment details; steps to accept or decline aid; and information about requirements for all types of aid. 

 

Step 4: Payment Plan for Balances Not Covered by Financial Aid

If you do not have enough financial aid to cover costs of classes, you will have to make arrangements with the Business Office to pay for the remaining balance. For more information about payment plans, please click here. 

 

Step 5: Disbursement (Payment for Classes) and Refunds

The system will show that you owe money for classes because your financial aid has not disbursed. 

Disbursement means that all eligible financial aid funds will be posted to your account as a payment for classes. Once a disbursement of your financial aid is posted as payment for your classes, any aid leftover will be refunded to you within 48 – 72 hours (2-3 business days).

Students will begin to receive disbursement and refunds when they attend classes (all classes, including late start) for at least 5 to 6 weeks. Click here for more information. 

 

Financial Aid Contact Center

We at HCC Financial Aid are here to help you with your questions and concerns. Please visit our Contact Page to view the most current contact methods, hours, and annoucements.