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Contents

Consortium Agreements

A consortium agreement is a written contract required by federal regulations that allows a student to receive financial aid based on their combined enrollment at two institutions. While permitted by law, institutions are not required to enter into such agreements.

General Guidelines

  • Consortium agreements enable financial aid eligibility based on total credit hours at both the home (degree-granting) and host (non-degree-granting) institutions.

  • Howard Community College (HCC) will act as either the home or host school, depending on the student's academic status and the nature of the request.

  • Participation in a consortium agreement is subject to institutional approval at both HCC and the partnering school.

HCC as the Home School

If a degree/certificate-seeking HCC student has permission to take coursework at another institution, HCC may serve as the home school for financial aid purposes.

Student Requirements:

  1. Meet with an academic advisor to verify that the external course is required for their HCC area of study.

  2. Upon approval, schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor in Financial Aid Services (FAS) to initiate the consortium agreement process.

  3. Submit the completed consortium agreement request to Financial Aid Services by the census date for the semester in which the agreement is intended.

A consortium agreement may be considered if:

  • The required course is not offered at HCC during the desired term.

  • The required course is full at HCC.

  • The academic advisor determines that taking the course at another institution is in the student’s best academic interest.

Important Notes:

  • Final approval is contingent upon the host school agreeing to the consortium terms and providing proof of enrollment.

  • The student's financial aid offer may be adjusted upon review of the consortium agreement. The Financial Aid Administrator will advise students on any changes.

  • Students must submit an official transcript from the host school to HCC’s Office of Records, Registration, and Veterans Affairs within 30 days after the semester ends.

  • Financial aid for the relevant term may be reduced or canceled if HCC does not receive confirmation that the course(s) were successfully completed.

  • Aid disbursements for future semesters may be delayed until transcripts are received and reviewed.


HCC as the Host School

If a student is degree/certificate-seeking at another institution and wishes to enroll in courses at HCC, HCC may act as the host school.

Student Responsibilities:

  • Initiate the consortium agreement through their home institution, which must send the agreement to HCC for review.

  • Be enrolled in an eligible certificate or degree program at their home institution.

  • Make payment arrangements directly with HCC’s Cashier’s Office for tuition and fees, as financial aid will be processed by the home institution.

Important Reminder:

HCC will cancel all financial aid for students found to be receiving aid simultaneously at both institutions unless a valid, approved consortium agreement is in place. Students must ensure that only their home school processes their financial aid while HCC acts as the host school.

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