Noncredit Scholarships & Financial Aid

We understand that the decision to pursue your education at Howard Community College requires a financial commitment. For this reason, HCC offers an array of assistance designed to offset the costs. Scholarships and financial aid may be available for students who meet certain criteria and enroll in career-related noncredit courses. Some aid may have residency requirements.  

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund

The Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund was created to facilitate workforce education opportunities during the COVID-19 global health pandemic. Funding provides tuition and fee scholarships for programs and students who are eligible. GEER funding must be applied to tuition and fees by December 30, 2022.

Learn More about the GEER Fund

Noncredit Financial Aid Application 

Please read and fully complete the application form and submit it with all required documentation at least three weeks before the class start date. Applying for noncredit financial aid is an annual process. A new application must be completed each fiscal year (July 1—June 30). 

How to Apply:

Email noncreditfinaid@howardcc.edu and indicate your program or course of interest. Our financial aid coordinator will be in touch to discuss eligibility and next steps.

Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship

Take the next step in your career with a financial award by applying to our new Workforce Development Sequence Scholarship. The scholarship, available through the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), is designed to provide a maximum award of $2,000 in financial assistance for approved noncredit certificate program courses that lead to employment, licensure, or job skill enhancement.

The following courses are currently eligible:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Theory & Clinical
• Dispensary Technician I and II
• Early Childhood Education Lead Teacher (90 hour Certification) - Infant and Toddler, Preschool, or School Age – You must enroll in both courses.
• Health Care Interpreter Sequence - You must enroll in both courses.
• Introduction to Dental Assisting & Dental Assisting Externship
• MRI Technologist Certificate Sequence 
• Ophthalmic Technician Assistant Training & Clinical 
• Project Management Professional (PMP) & Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification Exam Prep & Microsoft Project courses - You must enroll in both courses.

These scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are contingent upon availability of funds.

How to Apply:

Email noncreditfinaid@howardcc.edu and indicate your program of interest. Our financial aid coordinator will be in touch to discuss eligibility and next steps.

Kids on Campus Financial Aid/Scholarship Application

Limited funds available. Mail application and accompanying documents to Noncredit Financial Aid, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044-3197. Or, fax to to secure fax line: 443-518-4332, or bring them to Room 100, Hickory Ridge Building on the HCC campus. to NoncreditFinAid@howardcc.edu.

Download Application for July 2021-June 2022 (PDF)

Download Application for July 2022-June 2023 (PDF)

Payment Plan

If you want to set up a payment plan, email paymentplan@howardcc.edu. To qualify for a payment plan, your tuition and fees must total $500 or more in the same term, and the course must be at least 3 months long. Required down payment is 50% of course total plus $25 payment plan fee.

Alternate Funding Sources

The following alternate sources for funding may be available.

• If you are unemployed: Contact Howard County Office of Workforce Development at 410-290-2620.
• If you are a parent, the Career Links program at Howard Community College can provide support if you are income eligible. To request an application call 443-518-4954 or email mmarshall@howardcc.edu. 
• If you are currently employed by a nursing home and wish to take the CNA course: Contact your employer’s human resources director. If you want to set up a payment plan, find out whether your employer can reimburse you for your tuition.
• If you are the spouse of an active duty Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine service member, or activated reserve member in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, or 01-02: You may be eligible for tuition assistance through MyCAA. Eligibility is determined by MyCAA, not Howard Community College.

For more information about noncredit financial aid, please email noncreditfinaid@howardcc.edu.