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Scholarship FAQ

Financial Need

• Many scholarships list financial need as a criterion. How is financial need determined?

  Your level of financial need is determined by the formula applied when the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is submitted. The "estimated family contribution" (EFC) listed on the Student Aid Report you receive from the Department of Education will be used to measure your financial need. Your signature on this application permits the Foundation Office to obtain financial need information from the HCC Financial Aid Office.

• I don't qualify for federal or state assistance. Can I still apply for HCC Foundation Scholarships?

  Yes.  Students who don’t qualify for federal or state assistance may still qualify for a Foundation scholarship that requires financial need. Foundation scholarships use a broader definition of financial need than state and federal assistance programs.

• I am already receiving financial aid and/or another non-Foundation scholarship. Can I still apply for a scholarship?

  Yes.  You can and should apply for both financial aid and scholarships. If you receive financial aid, consult with the Financial Aid Office about whether a scholarship might impact your financial aid award.

Application Questions

• What should I include in my essay?

  The essay questions are your opportunity to tell the scholarship selection committee important things about yourself that aren’t included elsewhere on your application. To ensure full consideration be sure to answer any additional essay questions listed under additional application requirements for individual scholarships

• I noticed that one of the essay questions asks me to describe my community service/school activities. I have never done any community service. Is this question required?

  You should still answer this question. You may be ineligible for those scholarships that require community service. However, community service is not required for most Foundation scholarships. Remember to think broadly about what you have done in terms of activities (i.e. church, professional organizations, sports, etc.). You can also use this question as an opportunity to tell the scholarship selection committee about what is important to you.

• Do I have to submit ACT scores?

  No. Your ACT scores are not required and will not be considered on your scholarship applications.

• After submitting my application, how do I know if it was actually received?

  After you hit the "summit" button a message will appear to let you know if your application was processed.  Early submission is recommended.

Eligibility

• Some scholarships require a minimum number of "credit hours completed" to qualify. Does that include the courses which I am currently enrolled?

  No. The number of "credit hours completed" is determined at the time your application is submitted. Credit hours in which you are currently enrolled will not be included because they have not been completed.

• Can I apply for HCC Foundation scholarships if I am working toward a certificate and not a degree?

  Yes. Applicants may be seeking either a degree or certificate unless otherwise noted in the scholarship criteria.

• I am not an honor student. Will I still be considered for a scholarship?

  Yes. Many Foundation scholarships don’t require a specific grade point average (GPA). However, it's important to remember that all are competitive. The Foundation has established a universal requirement that all applicants who are currently enrolled at HCC must meet or exceed HCC academic requirements for good standing. (See HCC Catalog and Student Handbook)

• I'm enrolled as a part-time student. Can I still get a scholarship?

  Certain Foundation scholarships are designated specifically for part-time students. Part-time is defined as less than 12 credit hours per semester.  (Note:  Most Foundation scholarships require that you are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester.)

Miscellaneous

• How are scholarship recipients selected?

  Applications are reviewed by a committee. All decisions are final.

• Can I be awarded more than one scholarship per semester?

  Yes, though multiple awards are not typical. The scholarship committee will usually try to assist as many students as possible. Some sponsors may request that their scholarship not be awarded to a student receiving other scholarship assistance.

• May I use my Foundation scholarship at another school?

  No.  Foundation scholarships are ONLY for use at HCC. Foundation scholarships may not be used for dual enrollment and are non-transferable.

• What types of classes may I take using my scholarship?

  Most HCC credit courses are eligible. Community education, corporate education and study abroad programs are not included.

• How will I know if I've been awarded a scholarship?

  The selection process will take approximately six weeks. Recipients of the Presidential and Dean's Scholarships will be notified approximately three weeks after the application deadline. All other recipients will be notified shortly thereafter. Notifications of non-award will not be sent until all awards have been officially accepted.

• Some scholarships have a different application deadline or indicate "deadline to be announced." Do I need to submit a separate application for those scholarships?

  No, you may apply for all scholarships with one application. However, recipients of scholarships with alternate deadlines will not be announced until after their respective deadlines.