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HCCC > Admissions > Financial Aid > FAQs 

FAQs

1.) I don't need Financial Aid. I only want a student loan. Why do I have to fill out the FAFSA?

Student loans are considered Financial Aid. Your family's financial information is used to determine your loan eligibility.

2.) My family will not file their taxes by the deadline for Financial Aid. How do I file the FAFSA?

You may estimate your family's tax information by using information from the W2's and last year's tax forms.

3.) What are the federal and TAP school codes for Herkimer County Community College?

  • Federal school code-004788
  • TAP school code-2254

4.) I live in my own apartment, not with my parents. Why do I need to include my parents' income on my FAFSA?

The Department of Education has set guidelines for independence. To be considered independent and not include parents' income a student must be:

  • Born before Jan. 1, 1985 (for 2008/2009 academic year) or
  • Be married
  • Have a child who receives half of their support from the student
  • Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Be an orphan or ward of the court until age 18
  • Be working on a masters or doctorate program.

Thus, if a student is living in a separate residence from their parents, it does not make them independent. Therefore parent information must be provided.

5.) What types of financial aid forms do I need to file?

HCCC requires students to file the FAFSA (Free Application of Federal Student Aid) and Express TAP Application.

6.) How soon will I be notified of my financial aid awards?

You will be notified of your awards in approximately six to eight weeks, provided that you file your forms in a timely fashion and respond to all inquiry letters from the Financial Aid Office.

7.) I did not have a copy of my tax return. Where do I get another copy?

The FAFSA form requires information from the student's and parent's previous year tax return. If your tax return is misplaced you may contact the IRS at 1(800) TAX-1040 and request a "tax return transcript."

8.) Would you be able to tell me from a copy of my tax return whether I will be eligible for financial aid?

It is very difficult to determine aid eligibility by a tax return. Many other factors in addition to income are incorporated in the determination of aid. Examples of some of the factors are: asset information, family members in college, household size and age of parents. Unless the family income is extremely low or extremely high, financial aid is difficult to determine.

9.) I do not qualify for any financial aid except for a student loan. What other alternatives do I have to help pay for college costs?

A student's loan eligibility can be limited, however there are additional options.

  • Parents may take out a Parent PLUS Loan to pay for their child's education (see section regarding PLUS Loans).
  • Most schools offer monthly payment plans with little or no fee to the parent or student.
  • Students may consider taking out an alternative education loan from an outside lender (for additional information on alternative loans, please click here.
  • Students/Parents should always consult with a financial aid counselor to determine alternate ways to pay for college costs.

10.) I don't think I'll qualify for financial aid. Should I bother applying?

Yes. At the very least, you will be able to borrow a low-interest federal student loan. In order to receive a federal student loan you must complete the FAFSA.

11.) Is it too late to apply for financial aid?

Our suggested deadline for filing the FAFSA is April 1st of each year, however students can still file for financial aid after this deadline. Late applicants (students filing after April 1st) may miss out on aid programs that have limited funding.

12.) If my parents are divorced or separated, which parent should complete the FAFSA?

You should answer the FAFSA questions using information about the parent that you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, give answers about the parent who provided the most support for you over the last 12 months.

13.) Do I need to include my stepparent's information on my FAFSA application?

Yes. If your custodial parent is remarried, you will need to include your stepparent's information on your FAFSA. You should include your stepparents in your household size, and should also provide their financial information.

14.) My family's financial situation has changed since last year. What do I do?

You should complete a Special Condition Form, and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. You should also provide the requested documentation to support your special condition. The Financial Aid Office will review the new information and if possible recalculate your financial aid. Special Condition Forms should not be completed until July 1st of the academic year.

15.) My SAR (Student Aid Report) indicates that I have been selected for verification. What does this mean?

Approximately 30 percent of all FAFSA applicants are selected to complete a process called Verification. Applicants are selected by the Federal Processing Center when a FAFSA is processed or when changes are made to an existing FAFSA. Financial Aid Offices are required to collect and review tax documents, and other supporting documentation to ensure the FAFSA is accurate.

16.) Do I have to re-apply for financial aid next year?

Yes, you have to reapply for financial aid each academic year. Herkimer's academic year runs from the fall to spring. The FAFSA applications are available in early January.

17.) Am I eligible for work-study?

If your financial aid award letter includes a work-study award, you are eligible. If your package does not include work-study, you should check with your financial aid office during the first two weeks of the semester to find out if you qualify and what positions have become available.