Financial Aid Programs

Housatonic Community College is committed to providing access to higher education by minimizing economic barriers. HCC participates in all state and federal financial aid programs.  

The amount of assistance is based primarily on need, satisfactory academic progress, and availability of funds. To be eligible for Financial Aid, students must have a high school diploma or GED, be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen and be enrolled in a degree or eligible certificate program. Financial aid is available for credit courses only; audit or non-credit courses are not covered by financial aid.

To Apply for Financial Aid

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov. For Fall semester enrollment the FAFSA should be completed by May 1. HCC’s Federal School code, 004513, must be included for proper processing. The Financial Aid Office must receive the results of your FAFSA and Financial Aid and the HCC Admission application process must be complete before an award can be made. 

Please Note: You are now expected to link your FAFSA directly to your IRS tax information.  Students who fail to do this correctly and are selected for verification will need to bring IRS Tax transcripts.  We will no longer accept copies of 1040 Tax returns.

Students who complete their FAFSA after TBD will not, in all probability, have an official financial aid award in place before classes begin on August 27, 2019 and must explore other means of payment (cash, check, credit card, payment plan) or risk having their registration cancelled.

Please Note

You do not have financial aid until you have received an official award notice via e-mail or letter.

Students who register for classes before receiving the official award letter must pay for their classes (cash, check, credit card, payment plan) or run the risk having their registration cancelled.

Students who want to register before their financial aid processing is complete must pay all fees on the day of registration thereby holding their classes until 4:45 pm, Wednesday, August 7, 2019.

Fees are non-refundable.

Financial aid awards are based on your enrollment status as of the 14th calendar day of the semester. Any courses added after that time will not be covered by financial aid but billed directly to the student.

Students who officially withdraw during the first two weeks of classes will have all financial aid cancelled. The Business Office will bill these students for 50% of their tuition, all fees and book charges if any.

Tax Credit Programs

The American Opportunity Tax Credit provides for qualified education expenses.  Eligible students can receive up to $2,500 tax credit for the first four years of post-secondary education.

The Lifetime Learning Credit helps students pay tuition for upgrading job skills or career training. The Lifetime tax credit is 20% of qualified tuition and fee expenses, up to $2,000 per year, with some income-based limitations.

For more information on these programs, consult your tax advisor or the IRS website at www.irs.gov

Important Financial Aid Information

Students who receive partial financial aid must pay or make arrangements for the balance owed by 4:45 pm, TBD.Failure to follow the above guidelines will result in cancellation of your registration.

The following information affects your enrollment status.

Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Deadline dates are May 1 for classes beginning in September and November 1 for classes beginning in January.

The only formal announcement of financial aid is an official award letter or e-mail sent by the Financial Aid Office. Information on MyCommnet is not official unless you have received an official e-mail award notification or have been sent an award letter.

Please Note

Applicants are responsible for completing all Federal eligibility and file completion requirements as early as possible.

Under NO circumstances will financial aid be available for the fall semester unless ALL requirements are satisfied by TBD.