Financial Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant program is a federal program that provides funding for undergraduate students. Eligibility is based on financial need. Submission of the FAFSA is required for consideration.

Pell Grant Application Online

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program is a federal program that provides money to a limited number of undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $100.00 to $400.00 per academic year at HCC and are awarded based upon exceptional financial need criteria and the order in which Student Aid Reports are received that meet these criteria.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) program is a federal grant designed to encourage high school students to participate in a rigorous high school curriculum in order to be better prepared for college. It is awarded to first and second year students enrolled in an Associate Degree program who maintain a 3.0 GPA, attend full-time and remain eligible to receive Pell Grant funds.

Earn Access Rewards North Carolina (EARN)

The EARN program is available to dependent students only who are US Citizens and North Carolina residents. This fund provides scholarship for students who:

  1. qualify as a legal resident of the United States,
  2. qualify as a North Carolina resident for tuition purposes
  3. enroll in college for the first time within seven months of high school graduation or obtaining a GED
  4. are classified as “dependent” for Federal Title IV programs or as a ward of dependent of the court
  5. demonstrate total family income not exceeding 200% of the applicable federal poverty guidelines
  6. meets all other eligibility requirements for the federal Pell Grant and
  7. in order to retain eligibility for the Scholarship for a second year, meets the satisfactory academic progress standards established by the eligible college or university in which the student is enrolled.

North Carolina Community Grant (NCCG)

Eligibility: Must be a North Carolina resident enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester in curriculum programs. Eligibility is determined based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant. Students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant may be considered for this grant based on estimated family contribution as determined on the Student Aid Report. The amount per grant will vary according to financial need.

N.C. Student Incentive Grant (NCSIG)

This program is restricted to legal residents of North Carolina who are accepted for enrollment or enrolled full-time, in good standing, in an eligible educational institution in North Carolina. Students are required to complete the FAFSA to be considered for this grant. Application deadline is March 15 for the following fall term.

North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS)

The NCELS program is available to legal residents of North Carolina who are enrolled for at least 6 credit hours per semester in a curriculum program; classified as an undergraduate in matriculated status in a degree, certificate, or diploma program at an eligible North Carolina Institution. Students are required to submit the FAFSA to be considered for this grant.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and civic organizations, scholarships are available to HCC students. These scholarships are established with gifts from donors to the HCC Foundation and are either endowed or non - endowed. Criteria for awarding the scholarships are specified by the donors in conjunction with the college. Endowed scholarships are generated through the investment of permanently - held principals so that only the income from the principal is used for scholarship awards. This enables the scholarship to exist in perpetuity. Non - Endowed scholarships are those for which all funds are dispersed as scholarships rather than as long-term investments. These scholarships are sometimes referred to as annual gifts.

Most institutional scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need and scholastic achievement. A student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a Student Aid Report on file to be considered for all scholarships awarded by HCC. Additionally, students must complete a separate scholarship application which is available in Student Services or on-line by selecting the link provided below to print out the application from your home or work.

Students need to submit their completed scholarship applications to the Financial Aid Office. A brief 100 word essay is also required with your completed application. All students are encouraged to apply. Scholarship applications are due by May 1st of each academic year and the majority of HCC's scholarships are awarded by July 1st. Students may continue to apply for scholarships as they become available. Students need apply only once per academic year to be considered for all scholarships for which they meet the stated criteria. Scholarship notification is available online no later than mid July. Scholarships are subject to change without notice.

Scholarships may be obtained from outside sources, and we have provided a link below for information referencing these sources.

Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a program of financial assistance for the education and training of veterans, reservists, and their dependents who meet the federal criteria. The State Approving Agency approves the curriculum programs for VA benefits.

Applications for VA educational benefits are available through the VA office located in Student Development Services. Applicants must submit a copy of DD214 (discharge papers) or NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility), an official high school/GED transcript, and official transcript(s) from previously attended colleges or military education programs. These transcripts must be on file and evaluated before the veteran can be certified for veteran’s benefits.

Veterans and their dependents are admitted to HCC under the same admission requirements as other students. Veteran students are expected to attend classes regularly. They must pursue the exact curriculum listed and approved in the HCC catalog, and maintain satisfactory academic progress, attendance, and conduct to maintain eligibility for payments. VA educational benefits are not paid for any grades other than A, B, C, D, or F.

Payments for educational benefits are based on a student’s classification according to his/her credit hours per semester.

Other Agencies and Resources

In addition to applying for financial aid through HCC, it is suggested that students make themselves aware of programs through the Veterans Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, N.C. Commission for the Blind, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the N.C. Employment Security Commission. Referral information is available through the Financial Aid Office.

For information on local scholarships and loans it is suggested that students contact their high school guidance counselors.

This page was last modified on Friday, November 07, 2008 at 10:53 AM