Howard Community College Financial Aid Services 1

Gift Aid GrantsScholarships Self-Help Aid Work StudyLoans 2

FederalStateInstitutionalPrivate 3

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COA Room & Board Books & Supplies Tuition & Fees Transportation Miscellaneous Expenses 5

 What is it?  Assigns a “number” based on financial situation that the family can “expect” to contribute to the student’s COA  It is calculated according to a formula established by federal law and does NOT change based on institution attending  How is it calculated?  Information the family reports on the student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  Looks at family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, benefits, family size and number in college 6

Student must:  be a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen  have a valid Social Security Number  demonstrate you are qualified to enroll in postsecondary education (e.g. have a high school diploma or GED)  be enrolled in an eligible degree program  not be in default on any Federal Student Loan  register with Selective Service if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25  certify that you will use federal student aid for educational purposes  maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress 7  Note: Other conditions may apply

What you will need: 1. Your social security number 2. Your federal student aid pin 3. Your financial records 4. An address 5. About an hour of your time 8

 Students and Parents must apply for a PIN  The PIN serves as a valid electronic signature  Don’t leave any questions blank  Complete all questions as accurately as possible  March 1 st is the priority filing date for many sources  You can use your estimated tax information if you and your parents have not yet filed your taxes  Be sure to sign it with both PINs and hit the submit button 9

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 You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR)  It will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)  The schools that you list on the FAFSA will receive the information electronically  Financial Aid Offices will process your application  If you need to submit additional documents, follow up immediately or it will delay the process  You will receive notification of your financial aid eligibility 11

Grants  PELL Grant (up to $5,730/year)  Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) (up to $4,000/year) Work Study  Need based award provides funds earned through part-time employment on and off campus (earn up to $3,000/year) 12

Stafford Student Loan  Subsidized Stafford Loans (Need Based)  Government pays the interest while enrolled in college at least half time or until graduation.  Unsubsidized Stafford Loans  Student is responsible for paying all of the interest on the loan (even though payments not required until 6 months after graduation or enrolled less than half time) Parent PLUS  Ability to choose to defer payment while dependent child is in school.  Up to Cost of Attendance (COA) less other aid received 13

Grants and Scholarships  Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) administers over 20 programs for the State of MD  Parent and student must be a Maryland State Resident  Some programs require an additional application available on MHEC’s website ( Examples of State Aid Need-based (file the FAFSA by March 1 st each year):  Educational Assistance Grant (up to $3,000 /year)  Guaranteed Access Grant (up to $14,300/year)  Part-Time Grant (up to $2,000/year) Legislative:  Senatorial (range from $200-$9,000/year)  Delegate (range from $200-$9,000/year) 14

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 Grants  Grants from the institution based on need  Work Study  Institutional Work Study  Scholarships  Awarded by the institution based on various criteria  Financial Need  Academic Merit  Learning Program  Special Skills or Talents  Volunteer Experience **PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINES** 17

 Financial aid funding that comes from private organizations  Civic Organizations  Professional Associations  Private Businesses  Funds may or may not be awarded through Financial Aid Services  Use reliable scholarship search services   

 Cash, Check or Money Order  Tuition Payment Plans  529 Savings & Prepaid Tuition Programs  Employer Tuition Reimbursement Plan  Military Tuition Assistance  Veterans Benefits and Veterans Deferred Payment Plan  Tuition Waivers  Alternative Loans 19

 Howard Community College’s Financial Aid Services Department – community resource  RCF – 222  HCC’s Financial Aid website  Publications  The Guide to Federal Student Aid  Maryland Higher Education Commission  Other websites that end in:  gov  ed  edu 20

 Located in RCF- 222  Phone:  Fax:   Webpage:  Go to  Select “Admissions & Enrollment” tab  Click on “Pay for College”  Select “Financial Aid Services” on the left column 21