Applying for Aid

Applying for financial aid can feel overwhelming, but HACC is here to help you through the process. More than half of all HACC students qualify for financial aid, including grants and scholarships they don’t have to pay back. Even if you are not sure if you are eligible to receive financial aid, it is worth your time to apply.

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. You can complete the FAFSA using the myStudentAid app (available in the Apple App Store or Google Play) or online.

HACC's school code is: 003273

Please note:

You must submit the FAFSA by Feb. 15 to be considered for the maximum amount of aid possible.
You must submit the FAFSA by May 1 to be considered for the PA State Grant Program.
Students who miss the deadlines above may still be considered for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans or Federal Direct PLUS Loan.
You must submit the FAFSA no later than June 30, or by the end of the academic year (whichever comes first).
Other deadlines are in place for Direct Loans and PLUS loans. Please contact financialaid@hacc.edu for clarification.
Your completed FAFSA will be sent to:
- The U.S. Department of Education for various federal grants and the Federal Direct Loan program
- The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant Program
- HACC to be considered for all institutional scholarships and other funding
Completing the FAFSA does not commit you to borrowing or accepting any form of financial aid.

Make sure to regularly check your HAWKMail for updates and other important information from HACC about financial aid.

Rights and Responsibilities

HACC electronically disseminates required student consumer and “Right-To-Know” Act information as required by federal regulations.

As a student receiving financial aid at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), it is your responsibility to know and comply with the rules governing the aid you receive. Below is a listing of certain rights to which you are entitled and certain obligations for which you are responsible as an aid recipient at HACC.

What are the rights of all aid recipients?

As a student receiving financial aid, you have the right to:

Know that the information pertaining to your financial aid application and awards is kept confidential, as mandated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Know the cost to attend HACC, including fees, books, room/board, personal expenses and transportation.
Consult with HACC’s financial aid office concerning your application for assistance, budgeting and/or financial problems which may occur.
Receive information about the financial aid programs available at HACC, including all federal, state and institutional aid programs.
Review information regarding application procedures and deadlines for each of the available HACC programs. Know how your financial aid award was determined.
Know about the types of aid, including how much of your financial aid must be repaid (loans), and what portion is free (grants) aid. If the award is a loan, you have the right to know the amount which must be repaid, the interest rate, the amount of each payment, length of time you have to repay and when repayment begins (per your lender’s guidance).
Know your application will be evaluated using the same system of need analysis applied to all students.
Understand how your financial aid will be disbursed.
Know how to accept, decline or reduce your financial aid awards.
Review information regarding the financial aid refund and repayment policy.
Understand how the financial aid office determines whether you are making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and what happens if you do not meet SAP requirements.
Receive a full and clear explanation of financial aid policies, procedures and decisions.

What are the responsibilities of all aid recipients?

As a student receiving financial aid at HACC, you have a responsibility to:

Complete all applications and forms accurately.
Comply with all financial aid deadlines.
Reapply for financial aid each year you are enrolled at HACC and wish to be considered for financial aid.
Provide correct information. Misrepresented information on financial aid applications and forms is a violation of federal law and may be considered a criminal offense.
Read and understand all documents you are asked to sign and keep copies for your records.
Return any additional documentation and new information requested by the financial aid office in a timely manner.
Request assistance if you have questions or don't understand the information provided to you.
Check your myHACC account on a regular basis to ensure there are no outstanding items required for financial aid.
Notify the Welcome Center at HACC any time your name, address and/or phone number changes.
Know and comply with the rules governing your financial aid awards.
Notify the financial aid office of any financial aid awards you receive from outside resources including scholarships, grants, veteran's benefits, tuition waivers or other educational/tuition assistance.
Complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note if you borrow Direct Loans.
Complete Direct Loan exit counseling if you drop below half-time enrollment (6 credits) or when you complete your program and graduate.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Use financial aid only for educational expenses incurred while attending HACC.
Repay any over-award of financial aid.

What are the additional responsibilities of federal work study (FWS) recipients?

If you have federal work study as part of your financial aid awards, you have a responsibility to:

Complete all necessary employee hiring forms.
Maintain the work schedule you and your supervisor have decided upon.
Complete all work assignments.
Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
Notify your supervisor if you cannot report to work.
Not work during your scheduled class times.
Carefully monitor your earnings so you don't exceed your award for the academic year.
Accurately and honestly report your hours worked on your electronic or paper time sheets.

How can I file a complaint?

HACC must provide current and future students with contact information for filing complaints with state agencies, in accordance with federal regulations.

How can I learn more about disclosures for federal student aid programs?

Download HACC's Code of Conduct Learn more about consumer information.