Procedure 5.1: How to Apply for Financial Aid

1.      Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in one of three ways:

a.      Submit FAFSA on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov

b.      Complete FAFSA worksheets (with assistance from Financial Aid Office (FAO) if requested) and 
          submit to FAO for electronic processing.
c.      Complete paper FAFSA and mail to Department of Education (DOE) in envelope provided.   Paper
         applications are currently being phased out.

 2.      FAFSA is processed by DOE. DOE determines Expected Family Contribution (EFC). EFC determines
          student eligibility. HCC receives product of FAFSA called SAR/ISIR (Student Aid Report).

 3.      Student must apply for admission to HCC and must be accepted into a qualified program of study

         –associate degree, diploma or certain certificates.

 4.      FAO notifies student that SAR/ISIR has been received and is being processed. This notification

         includes a scholarship application, WorkStudy application, and Alternative Loan information.

 5.      Students with eligibility for grants (federal and/or state) who are selected for a process called
           Verification or who are missing information necessary to complete processing of their application are
           sent a Communication Tracking letter listing the information required.

 6.      When the student’s “file” is complete, i.e., all supporting information received, verification completed,
          and the student is fully accepted into a qualified degree-seeking program, a post card is mailed to the
           student.

 7.      The post card notifies the student that he/she is eligible for financial aid and instructs him/her on how
           to accept the award. These steps are:

 a.      Go to www.haywood.edu. Select Current and Prospective Students. Select Financial Aid. Select
           FA Calendar and FA Facts and FAQs. Read this information. Select FA Quiz. Enter your name,
           email and Colleague ID Number. Complete the Quiz and submit.

 The FAO is notified via email that the student has completed the Quiz. The student’s award is then loaded to his/her student account and an award letter is generated and mailed to the student. A signature on the award letter is no longer required.
 

9.      Students should meet with their advisors to register for classes.

Tuition and fees are automatically charged to the student’s award. Students do not have to go to the Cashier’s Office.
 

 At the appropriate time, students may charge books and supplies in the HCC Book Store to their award.

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