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Where to Apply for Financial Aid

Students may apply on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ or contact one of the Financial Aid offices listed below in person.

When to Apply

      Students must apply every year. It is important to apply early, preferable before March 1.  

College Eligibility Guidelines

      HCTC offers students a variety of financial assistance programs including grants, student employment, scholarships, and loans. To be eligible for financial assistance, a student must:  

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Complete, submit, and have processed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• Be degree seeking
• Have a completed admissions file including:

1. Completed KCTCS Admission Application    

2. Verification of high school or GED graduation

3. ACT Test Score (or COMPASS for placement)

4. Official academic transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions

NOT in default of any federal student loans. NOT in repayment of a financial aid grant.  Meet the KCTCS Standards of Academic Progress (SAP).  Students who are not high school or GED graduates may establish eligibility for financial aid under provisions of Ability to Benefit federal guidelines. To establish eligibility the student must take the COMPASS placement exam and score at the level indicated in the chart below.

Federal Pell Grant

       This grant is an award to help you pay for the cost of attending HCTC.  The Pell Grant is not a loan and does not have to be repaid as long as students maintain satisfactory academic progress. You must apply for a Pell Grant before you can be considered for any additional federal financial aid. The amount you are awarded will depend on your Expected Family Contribution, the cost of your education at HCTC and the number of semester hours in which you are currently enrolled.  

Federal College Work Study 

      The College Work Study program provides employment opportunities for those students who qualify. Qualifications for the College Work Study Program are based on the information submitted in a processed FAFSA. Work Study employment is based on a 12.5-hour workweek.  Students working in the program are paid a wage of $5.50 per hour.  When possible, students employed in the work-study program are placed in employment related to their course of study. Employment applications for the College Work Study program are available in the Financial Aid Offices.  

Scholarships

       HCTC is pleased to offer many scholarship opportunities to their students. The processing of scholarships is handled by the HCTC Office of Resource and Community Development. Application to the HCTC Scholarship program requires the completion of the FAFSA (financial aid application) and the HCTC Scholarship Application. For more information call the Office of Resource and Community  Development at (606) 436-5721 or 800-246-7521, extension 73072.  

College Assistance Program

       CAP is a Kentucky resident's grant program of additional financial assistance administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).  Application for the CAP grant program is completed with the submission and processing of the financial aid application (FAFSA).  CAP grant awarding is completed during the spring and summer each year before a new school year starts.  Priority consideration for CAP grant awards is given to students submitting the FAFSA by March 15 each year.  Community and Technical College students are allowed a total of 5 semesters of assistance from the CAP grant program. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours to qualify. Eligibility notices from KHEAA are based on raw data and may change if initial application data is corrected.  

KEES

      The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) is sponsored by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).  Students can earn scholarships based on their Grade Point Average (GPA) for each year of high school and bonus awards based on their highest ACT score achieved before graduating from high school.  Students have five years from the date of high school graduation to use eight semesters of eligibility. Students enrolled in an approved five-year program will have six years to use ten semesters of eligibility.   Students with general questions regarding the KEES program should contact KHEAA by e-mail at kees@kheaa.com .  

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

     This federal grant provides additional assistance to attain an undergraduate education if you have exceptional financial need. Application for the SEOG grant program is completed with the submission and processing of the financial aid application (FAFSA).  SEOG awarding is completed during the spring of each year before the start of school year in August. SEOG awards are not loans and do not have to be repaid.  Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours to qualify.  

 Student Loans

     Students receiving Pell less than tuition may seek additional help by applying for a student loan. HCTC participates in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. Students enrolled in six credit hours or more may seek low-interest student loans. Students making application and receiving student loans must understand the loans are to be repaid. Interest rates for student loans will not exceed 8.25%. Students may apply for student loans in the financial aid office. Applications are reviewed for financial aid status and previous academic progress. Students must have a processed FAFSA (financial aid application), completed loan application, and attend entrance counseling prior to receiving student loan funds. Student loan applications and materials may be obtained from the HCTC financial aid office.  

Outside Agency Assistance

      Financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans from numerous outside agencies is also available for those qualifying. An outside agency information sheet is available in the financial aid office.  

Tuition Waiver Programs 

      HCTC participates in a number of tuition waiver programs offering tuition assistance to qualifying students. The Tuition Waivers generally cover the cost of tuition only.  The following tuition waivers are available to qualifying students:

• Senior Citizens Waiver ( Kentucky residents 65 years of age or older)   
• Adopted Children Waiver   
• KCTCS Employee/Child Waiver  
• Veterans Waiver  

Veterans and Dependent Waivers 

      VA education benefits may be paid for the pursuit of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science degrees, diplomas and certificates. In all cases, benefits are paid only for the minimum program requirements. The amount of money students receive for education benefits differs for each program and is based upon veteran, active-duty, reserve, national guard, or dependent status. For additional information contact one of the Financial Aid offices listed above.  

Repayment of Financial Aid

      Students receiving financial aid (Pell Grants) that do not complete 60 percent of enrolled classes will be required to repay a portion of their financial aid. Typically, students enrolled in 16-week (semester) classes must attend and participate in classes through the tenth week. Students receiving financial aid and receiving all grades of "W's" and/or E's may be required to repay a portion of their financial aid.

Textbook Charges Deferral

      Students with complete and payable financial aid files will be able to charge books in the Bookstore.

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