Grants

A grant is considered financial aid that you do not have to pay back, and is given to students who have financial need.  The following are types of Federal grants:

Federal Pell Grant —Pell Grant is a Title IV program offering need-based grants ranging up to $5,550, dependent upon appropriations by Congress, student eligibility and level of enrollment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) —FSEOG is a Title IV program offering grant funds for students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Grants can range from $100 to $4,000 per year, based on the student’s need and funds available from the U.S. Department of Education. Typical full-time awards at HCC range from $100 to $1,000 per year. Priority for FSEOG is given to those students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA and those who apply by the college’s priority filing date of March 1 each year.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) —ACG is a Title IV grant program for degree-seeking students in their first and second year of studies.  Students must have completed a “rigorous” high school program and have graduated from high school since January 1, 2005.  In addition, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, Pell Grant eligible, and attend HCC on a half time (6 or more credits) basis. ACG provides up to $750 for the first year and up to $1,300 for the second year, subject to Congressional appropriations and the national number of recipients. Second year students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above at the beginning of their second academic year to continue eligibility. Students self-identify their eligibility each year when completing the FAFSA on the Web application. HCC will then verify that the student meets all ACG eligibility criteria each semester, including a review of the student’s high school transcript to verify the completion of a “rigorous” high school program.

Scholarships

A scholarship is considered financial aid that you do not have to pay back, and is usually given to students who have financial need, are recognized for academic achievements or other talents, and/or who are preparing for certain career fields. Each scholarship has different requirements. It is important to read the scholarship criteria required to be considered and/or maintain the scholarship.  Scholarships are available through Howard Community College, the Maryland Higher Education Commission and private outside sources.  Click here for more information.

Maryland State Scholarship Program —The Maryland Higher Education Commission offers several need-based scholarships for Maryland residents. The scholarships most frequently awarded to HCC students include, but are not limited to, Educational Assistance Grants, Guaranteed Access Grants, Senatorial Scholarships, and Delegate Scholarships. In order to be considered for a Maryland State Scholarship, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 each year. Some state scholarships may have additional application requirements. Additionally, some scholarships require full-time (12 or more credits) enrollment.

HCC Grants/Scholarships —This is a need-based grant/scholarship program funded from Howard Community College’s operating budget. Scholarships are available to new and returning students. Awards range from $100 to $3,000, not to exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books in combination with other grant/scholarship aid. Priority is given to those who apply by the March 1 priority deadline each year and demonstrate financial need as determined by Financial Aid Services.

HCC Educational Foundation, Inc. Scholarships —The HCC Educational Foundation maintains a scholarship program through contributions from private businesses, foundations, civic organizations and individuals. Scholarships are available to new and returning students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and/or financial need. Scholarship awards can range from $100 to $5,000 per year, not to exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books in combination with other grant/scholarship aid. Award amounts and availability of funds are subject to change. Generally, priority is given to those students who apply by the March 1 ­priority deadline.

For more information on scholarships, click here.

Loans

Direct Loans are low-interest Federal loans for students and parents to help pay for the cost of a student's education after high school. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) rather than a bank or other financial institution. 

Federal Stafford Loans —Stafford loans are a Title IV financial aid program where federal aid eligibility requirements apply. Loan applicants must be actively enrolled half-time (6 credits or more). Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. In order to be awarded a loan, students must follow the directions on the HCC website (under Pay for College- Apply for a loan).

The loan limit for a first year student in an eligible degree or certificate seeking program (0-29 credits completed) is $3,500. The loan limit for a second year student in an eligible degree or certificate seeking program (30 or more credits completed) is $4500. “Dependent” (as defined by the FAFSA) students have additional unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility of $2,000. “Independent” (as defined by the FAFSA) students have additional unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility of $6,000. Annual and aggregate limits apply. The interest rate for a subsidized loan (need-based) is 4.5% while the interest for an unsubsidized loan (non need-based) is 6.8%. The financial aid office will determine which type of loan the student is eligible for. 

Students enrolled in certain certificate programs may not be eligible for the full loan amount due to the short duration of the program. Students who wish to borrow funds from the Direct Lending loan program at HCC are required to complete loan entrance and exit counseling each year.

Federal PLUS Loans —Federal PLUS Loans are a Title IV program which enables parents with favorable credit histories to borrow funds to pay the educational expenses of their child if the student is classified as a “dependent” (as defined by the FAFSA) and is enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more). The student and the parent must meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and the student must maintain satisfactory academic progress. The parent must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen and may not be in default or owe a refund to any federal student aid program. The PLUS loan is non need-based loan. A parent is eligible to borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other financial aid the student is receiving. Currently, the interest rate is fixed at 7.9%.

For more information on loans, click here.

Work-Study

The work-study program offers HCC students part-time job opportunities with flexible hours and competitive wages that are earned throughout the academic year. The program also provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and marketable skills. Students are paid for hours worked on a semi-monthly basis. The hourly funds earned do not directly reduce the cost of tuition and fees and are not directly credited to the student's account. At the discretion of the student, earnings can be used to pay any outstanding balance to the college. 

Federal Work-Study Program —Federal Work-Study is a Title IV program offering part-time work for HCC students who demonstrate financial need. Students work up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester, depending upon the student’s financial need, availability of federal funds and the student’s class schedule. Seven percent of the school’s annual Federal Work-Study allocation will be used to fund community service jobs.

HCC Student Work-Study Program —HCC Student Work-Study is an institutionally funded part-time work program. Any student who desires part-time employment at the college may apply. Students work up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester, depending upon the availability of the college’s funds, and the student’s class schedule.

For more information on work-study, click here.