Paying for Classes

Tuition and Fees Information

Tuition and Fees Information

The College strives to maintain its position as the lowest-cost institution of higher education in the area. However, students should investigate their eligibility for financial aid. Each year, students at the College receive over $80 million in financial aid. There are many aid programs sponsored by government agencies, the College itself, and private groups.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees vary depending on the residence of the student and must be paid in order to complete the registration process. Students who fail to pay the tuition and fees or make payment arrangements by the payment deadline risk being dropped from classes.

Students who reside in one of the 22 sponsoring school districts must submit a Certificate of Residence by the tuition due dates in order to pay sponsoring district rates. Students who reside outside one of the sponsoring districts will be required to pay out-of-district tuition and a capital outlay fee. The list of sponsoring school districts and tuition and fees may be viewed at www.hacc.edu.

Laboratory and Special Fees

Many programs and courses require additional fees. These are stated in the course schedule, in course descriptions in this catalog, and in other informational materials. They often are labeled laboratory fees and cover special costs in certain courses that include insurance, equipment and materials, software use, special testing, and transportation for field trips.

Residence Requirements for Tuition Subsidy

Students are considered Pennsylvania residents if they maintained continuous residence in the Commonwealth for 12 months prior to the start of the enrolled term. A student may rebut this presumption with convincing evidence. Exceptions also apply to citizens of foreign countries depending upon one’s Visa status.

Students who wish to claim subsidy from one of the 22 sponsoring school districts of the College must obtain a Certificate of Residence by applying through their school district website. Upon approval, the school district will submit the certificate to HACC electronically. The College itself does not determine residency in one of the districts. The student’s address as of July 1 determines the district responsible for issuing a Certificate, and each district sets its own requirements for residency. A Certificate of Residence is valid from July 1 to June 30, and a new Certificate must be obtained yearly for the new academic year.

Students Who Wish Sponsorship at another Pennsylvania Community College

Students who live in school districts that sponsor HACC may pursue associate degrees at other Pennsylvania community colleges (with sponsorship only in curricula not offered by HACC) by making a request to the Board of Trustees. HACC will provide tuition assistance to cover the sponsoring district’s share of the tuition, but will not assist in payment of any fees or other costs to the other community college.

Some school districts may refuse to sponsor students at other colleges; therefore, students should check with their school districts concerning this matter. A list of sponsoring school districts is available at www.hacc.edu. Students must complete an Application for Approval to attend a Non-Sponsored Pennsylvania Community College, available from the Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment Services. Students seeking sponsorship must submit to the Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment Services a current, valid Certificate of Residence from their school district. Only after the Board of Trustees approves each application submitted by the Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment Services will the student be assured of sponsorship at another community college in Pennsylvania.

Time and Method of Payment

Students are expected to pay their account in full for the term as of the published due date or enroll in HACC’s tuition payment plan. The due dates are available on the Schedule/Bill and at www.hacc.edu.

The College accepts payment by credit card (MasterCard, VISA, and Discover), by check, or by cash. Credit card or check payment may be made online via myHACC at my.hacc.edu. A $25 service fee is charged for returned checks and repeat offenders will be required to remit payment via only cash, a money order, or a certified check. The College offers a tuition payment plan designed for students to pay tuition over a period of time rather than all at one time. See www.hacc.edu for details.

The College may refuse to issue grades or transcripts and deny registration or readmission to students who owe money to the College or who have failed to return college books or equipment.

Refunds

Students who choose to withdraw from courses according to published deadlines may receive a refund. The refund amount is based upon the total cost of the course and the premise that a student paid the balance in full. A refund is calculated as follows: full refund of all tuition charges and fees up to the end of the first week of classes (or the equivalent for shorter parts of terms), refund of one half of tuition charges up through the third week of classes (or the equivalent). Course drops or withdrawals are not eligible for a refund after the third week of class of the major part of term or the equivalent for shorter parts of term. Refund dates are published on the reverse side of the Schedule/Bill and at www.hacc.edu.

Students dropped or withdrawn for disciplinary reasons may not be eligible for a refund. Students who are receiving federal grants or loans, such as a Federal Pell Grant, SEOG and Direct Loan, will have their financial aid recalculated which may result in a balance owed to the College. More information about the impact of withdrawing from classes on financial aid is included on this web page: www.hacc.edu. 

Financial Aid

Many students benefit from a variety of financial aid programs at HACC. The financial aid process can be divided into five main areas:

• Applying for Financial Aid

• Determining Aid Eligibility

• Awarding Financial Aid

• Disbursing Financial Aid

• Financial Aid Programs.

The Financial Aid staff at each campus provide assistance to students throughout the year. Contact the office through email at financialaid@hacc.edu with questions and view Financial Aid Information at www.hacc.edu/Paying.

Applying for Financial Aid

To begin the financial aid process, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. 

HACC’s Title IV school code is 003273.

The recommended filing date is February 15 before the academic year begins. Students can complete the FAFSA at any point during the academic year; however, students who apply by February 15 of the previous year receive maximum consideration for aid eligibility.

After completing the FAFSA online, students receive a summary of their application results in the form of a FAFSA Submission Summary for the 2025–26 application year. If you provided a valid email address on your FAFSA form, you’ll receive an email letting you know when your FAFSA Submission Summary is available to view online in the applicant’s Dashboard on studentaid.gov. The online FAFSA Submission Summary is available after your FAFSA form is processed. If you didn’t provide a valid email address on your FAFSA form, you’ll receive a paper FAFSA Submission Summary via postal mail. Students should check the report or summary for accuracy to ensure all information reported on the FAFSA is correct.

In a process called verification, some students may be required to submit additional documentation before they receive financial aid awards. If this occurs, the student will be notified via HAWKMAIL, and the required verification items will be listed on the Financial Aid Tab in myHACC.

It is recommended that students should have their financial aid requirements completed by June 30 in order to guarantee Fall financial aid, or by October 31 to guarantee financial aid for the Spring semester. Students who apply or complete their verification documents after these dates may need to sign up for HACC’s payment plan or make other payment arrangements until their aid is finalized.

Determining Aid Eligibility

Federal student aid programs are based on the principle that students (and their parent/step–parent or spouse, if applicable) are considered the primary source of financial support for postsecondary education. Financial aid is intended to supplement, not replace, family resources.

Formula for determining financial need:

Colleges base financial aid eligibility on the following equation:
Cost of Attendance (COA) - Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need (Financial Aid Eligibility)

The Cost of Attendance (COA) estimates the cost to attend HACC for an academic year. It includes direct charges (tuition and fees) and related living expenses (food and housing). The Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated using the information provided on the FAFSA and determines eligibility for financial aid. Financial Need is simply the difference between the Cost of Attendance and the student’s Student Aid Index. If the Cost of Attendance exceeds the Student Aid Index, the student is considered to have financial need. Most aid programs require students to have financial need; however, if there is no remaining need, the student may still be eligible for a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Students can find out more information about COA at www.hacc.edu. 

Professional Judgement

Special Circumstances – If a student or their family’s situation has changed significantly from what is reflected on the federal income tax return, students may be eligible to have their financial aid adjusted. Some examples of special circumstances include the loss of employment, divorce, separation, or death of a parent or spouse. 

To have the change in income reviewed by the financial aid office, students should take these steps: 

1. If the student has not yet completed the FAFSA, they must do so and go through the financial aid process. 

2. For students who have already completed the FAFSA and have been awarded aid, they should complete the online form linked at https://www.cognitoforms.com/HACC2/SpecialCircumstance2526.

Unusual circumstances - Students who are unable to provide parental information on the FAFSA due to unusual circumstances may be considered for provisional independent status. Unusual circumstances may include, but are not limited to, parental incarceration, an abusive family environment, abandonment, estrangement, refugee or asylee status, or being a victim of human trafficking.

Applicants should indicate “Yes” to the FAFSA question: “Do unusual circumstances prevent the student from contacting their parents or would contacting them pose a risk?” This will allow the FAFSA to be submitted without parental information or signature.

To finalize the application, students must contact the Financial Aid Office at the institution they plan to attend. Supporting documentation may be required, such as:

• A documented interview with a financial aid administrator

• A court order or official documentation of parental incarceration

• A written statement from an attorney, guardian ad litem, or authorized program representative (e.g., TRIO or GEAR UP)

Students are encouraged to reach out to the Financial Aid Office for assistance and further guidance.

To have the Unusual Circumstance reviewed by the financial aid office, students should take these steps: 

3. If the student has not yet completed the FAFSA, they must do so and go through the financial aid process. 

4. For students who have already completed the FAFSA they should complete the online form linked at https://apps.hacc.edu/HACC_Forms/A25y8j/openform.cfm?FID=5385.

Additional Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Federal Student Aid a student must:

• Enroll in an eligible degree, certificate or diploma program

• Be a citizen or eligible noncitizen of the United States

• Have a valid social security number

• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or have completed home schooling

  • Home schooled students must provide documentation that meets regulations per Act 196. 

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.

• Not owe a refund on a federal student grant or be in default on a Federal student loan.

• Not have a conviction for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid

Federal regulations mandate that students should only take courses that apply to their program of study, this is called Courses in Program of Study (CPOS). No aid is awarded for audited courses or credit by examination. For more information about additional eligibility criteria visit www.hacc.edu. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
To remain eligible for financial aid, students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. SAP is different from the College’s definition of academic standing.

HACC students who have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and wish to be considered for federal financial aid must meet the criteria stated in this policy for all terms.

According to regulatory requirements, Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be checked after every term (Fall, Spring, Summer).

SAP is measured in the three following ways, and students must meet all three measures to remain eligible for financial aid. 

Quantitative Measure (PACE/Completion Rate). Students must complete at least 67% of all the credits they attempt.

Qualitative Measure (Cumulative GPA). Students must maintain an acceptable Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher cumulatively. 

Maximum Time Frame to Complete a degree. Students must be able to complete their program within 150% of the maximum time frame allowed for their program. For most associate degree programs the maximum amount is typically 90 credits and normally no more than 95 credits. 

Additional Degree Request. Students who successfully complete a Title IV program of study and receive a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, and plan to return to HACC and request additional financial aid must submit an Additional Degree request for financial aid consideration.

Warning Status: At the end of a term in Good Standing, students who do not meet the cumulative GPA and/or 67% overall credit hour completion rate will be placed on financial aid Warning for the following term. During their Warning term, students are permitted to receive federal aid.

Suspension Status: Students who do not meet the SAP criteria after their warning term or who cannot complete their program of study within the maximum time frame will be placed on financial aid Suspension. Their aid will be canceled for all upcoming terms.

Appeal Process: Students placed on financial aid Suspension may appeal the decision if extenuating circumstances exist for the semester(s) in question. Students can find the appeal form in the myHACC portal – Student – Financial Aid Tab - Online Forms.

For more details about HACC’s SAP policy, students can use the following:

• Financial Aid and Your Grades-  A resource from www.hacc.edu which explains how SAP is measured 

• SAP Appeal Instructions- Details about completing a SAP appeals are located in the student myHACC portal or by using the direct link: https://apps.hacc.edu/HACC_Forms/A25y8j/openform.cfm?FID=4651. 

• Students may only be approved for a maximum of 3 financial aid appeals. No more considerations will be made after the third and final appeal approval.

PA State Grant regulations: The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for Pennsylvania State Grants is not covered under this policy, but is instead determined separately by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). For more information about PHEAA, visit www.pheaa.org/grants/state-grant-program.

Awarding Financial Aid

Eligible students who complete the aid process will receive an award package, identifying the type(s) and amount(s) of aid for which the student is eligible. Generally, aid is awarded at full time enrollment. These awards are divided between the terms for which the student plans to enroll. Financial aid awards may be modified at any time during the award year due to the situations listed below.

• Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

• Any change in status (including grade level, program of study, or credit hour enrollment: less than half time, half time, ¾ time, and full time).

• Receipt of additional funding not listed on the award letter such as PA State Grant, private scholarships, vocational rehabilitation assistance, veteran benefits, Pennsylvania EAP, tuition waivers, employee tuition assistance, etc.

• Previously submitted information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or conflicting.

Students will be notified of changes through their HAWKMAIL and should review their Financial Aid Award through myHACC - Student - Financial Aid Tab.

Disbursing Financial Aid

Students' estimated financial aid will appear on their schedule bill once their financial aid package is complete and meets all requirements. If the student does not have enough financial aid to pay charges, it is the student’s responsibility to pay the difference by the tuition due date or be at risk of being dropped from classes. Students who have financial aid in excess of their tuition and fees can charge their books at the bookstore. Visit bookstore.hacc.edu for more information. 

Payment of Financial Aid – Generally, financial aid is paid to a student’s account after their classes have begun and their attendance is confirmed. Students who attend multiple parts of term (full term, late start, first and/or second seven weeks) may not be eligible for their aid until all classes have begun and their attendance is confirmed. 

Refunds – Students whose financial aid award is greater than their charges will receive a refund within 10 business days from the date their award is paid to their account. This refund is to be used for other educationally related expenses. Refunds are distributed to students through Bank Mobile, a third-party servicer. Refunds are sent based on the student’s refund preference through Bank Mobile. For more details about refunds, visit www.hacc.edu. 

Withdrawing or Failing Courses – Students who receive all “F” grades, all “W” grades, or a combination of all “F” and “W” grades for a term will have their aid recalculated at the end of that term. When this occurs, students may owe money on their account even if the term is over. Students should reach out to HACC's Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from courses to determine if a withdrawal will affect the student’s eligibility for financial aid and/or result in the student having to repay all or a portion of their financial aid. For additional information on withdrawing or failing courses, go to www.hacc.edu. 

Financial Aid Programs

There are two types of aid programs: Gift Aid and Self Help. Gift Aid is not repaid and includes Grants and Scholarships. Self Help are funds which are repaid or earned and include loans and Federal Work Study. With the exception of the Pell Grant program, enrollment of six (6) or more credits is required to receive financial aid Grants.

Federal Pell Grant - awarded to undergraduate students with financial need. Students are limited to six years or 600% of full-time Pell regardless of when or where they receive the Pell Grant. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher are not eligible for Pell grants. 

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - awarded to students with financial need who complete the FAFSA by February 15th. Funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

PA State Grant – limited to Pennsylvania residents who have resided in the state for one (1) year without attending college AND are pursuing an associate degree. Students are limited to the equivalent of two full time years of State Grant. This award is not determined by HACC but is determined by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Scholarships are offered through the HACC Foundation or from outside donors. They may be based on merit, financial need, or other criteria. To be considered for HACC scholarships, students must file a FAFSA and complete a scholarship application. For more information and a list of outside scholarships, please visit www.hacc.edu/scholarships.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides jobs to students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. Jobs may be available on campus or at approved off-campus locations. Students are paid bi-weekly based on the number of hours worked, not to exceed 20 hours per week. The money is earned and is not deducted from the student’s bill. To learn more about Federal Work Study visit www.hacc.edu. 

Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. For Federal Direct Stafford loans, repayment does not begin until six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below six (6) aid-eligible credits. If students drop below six (6) aid-eligible credits, they may not be eligible to receive a student loan disbursement. HACC will award loans up to a student’s maximum eligibility. More information about annual and aggregate loan limits is available at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized#subsidized-vs-unsubsidized. 

Federal Direct Stafford Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. 

A SUBSIDIZED loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. Students will not be charged any interest while enrolled in at least six aid-eligible credits. 

An UNSUBSIDIZED loan is NOT awarded on the basis of need. Students will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. The student has the option of paying or not paying the interest and principal while in school.

First-time students are required by the Federal government to complete Entrance Counseling (EC) and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The student’s FSA ID is required to complete both.

PLUS Loan: Parents of dependent students may also borrow to pay for educational expenses. The annual limit is equal to the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received by the student. Dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS Loan may be eligible to borrow up to an additional $4,000 through the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program. The Parent PLUS Loan application is available in the student’s myHACC account.

Veteran Benefits:

HACC is proud to welcome all veterans, currently serving members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their family members. Over 400 veterans, current US Armed Forces members and eligible family members, attend HACC. Available on every HACC campus, the Military and Veterans Affairs team (MVA) will:

• Support and guide students on how to use their military education benefits including the GI Bill®

• Provide assistance with Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) benefits

• Assist with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Military Family Education Program (MFEP) benefits

• Work to find educational and other resources

• Connect veterans with HACC’s VSOC (VetSuccess on Campus) representative 

HACC is a proud partner of the Community College of the Air Force and My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA) Program. 

Students may contact HACC’s MVA team at 717-780-2331 or by email at vaoffice@hacc.edu. HACC also has a VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC) counselor. They can be reached by email at vsoc@hacc.edu.