Receiving Your Aid

Once you’ve successfully applied for financial aid, HACC will work with you to make sure you fully understand the financial aid package you’ve been awarded and to see that your aid is received in a clear and timely manner.

How long does it take to process my FAFSA?

It typically takes three to five days to process a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that is submitted online. A paper FAFSA is typically processed within seven to 10 days from the date it was mailed.

If you provide a valid email address on your FAFSA, you will receive an email that includes a link to your FAFSA Submission Summary.

What is a FAFSA Submission Summary?

After your 2024–25 (FAFSA) form is submitted and processed, you can access your FAFSA Submission Summary - an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information you reported on your FAFSA form. It includes your estimated eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and federal student loans, your Student Aid Index (SAI) and whether you’ve been selected for verification. The FAFSA Submission Summary replaces the Student Aid Report for the 2024–25 award year.

What is verification?

Verification is a process required by the federal government to verify certain information on the FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education selects students for verification. If you are selected for verification, you will be notified via your HAWKMail with a list of documents required to complete your file. The required documents will also be listed in your myHACC account. Because verification must be completed in advance of awarding financial aid, it is imperative that you submit requested documentation as soon as possible. Verification processing usually takes two to three weeks, but can take longer during the peak season in July and August.

Can I lessen my chances of the government selecting me for verification?

You can’t eliminate the chance of being selected for verification, but you can reduce the possibility. The Future Act Direct Data Exchange (FADDX) Tool allows those who have filed their taxes to transfer data from their processed federal return directly into the FAFSA. This saves time on FAFSA completion, reduces the chance for error, and can reduce the chance of being selected for federal verification.

How will I find out what financial aid I received?

After your FAFSA is complete and submitted, HACC will send an email to your HAWKMail account with your financial aid offer. The financial aid offer outlines the type and amount of financial aid you may receive while studying at HACC and can include grants, scholarships, work-study or loans. You can also view the aid you’ve been offered in your myHACC portal.

Do not make any changes to your FAFSAafter you receive your financial aid offer from HACC. If you find you made an error, please contact the financial aid office.

How will aid be disbursed?

Financial aid will be applied to your tuition bill after the semester starts and once we have verified your enrollment and attendance. Any amount in addition to tuition, fees and bookstore charges intended to cover other educational expenses will be refunded according to this schedule. HACC's student accounts office issues refunds via BankMobile. For more information about BankMobile Disbursements, visit this link: http://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/.

How can I purchase books with my financial aid?

Textbooks and supplies are available before the beginning of the semester at HACC bookstores, as well as online at bookstore.hacc.edu. Financial aid, if available, can be used two weeks before the beginning of classes. Students who want to purchase books outside of the HACC bookstore should contact the financial aid office . Students are encouraged to purchase textbooks before the semester begins so they can be used on the first day of class. Please check your invoice/schedule for your estimated refund to know how much aid you have available to purchase books.

Does HACC adjust my financial aid?

HACC may adjust your financial aid at any time during the academic year if:

You add or withdraw from a course.
You never attended a class.
Your FAFSA or other financial aid documents are inaccurate, incomplete or have conflicting information. You change your program of study.
You receive funds from other sources that exceed your cost of attendance budget.
You do not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
You change your enrollment status to less than 6 credits.
Your eligibility criteria changes.
You provide fraudulent information.

The government may cancel your loan. You may also lose some grant and scholarship eligibility.

HACC will notify you via your HAWKMail address and your myHACC account if your financial aid award changes for any reason.