Financial Aid Programs

Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based Title IV program that provides grants of up to $7,395 per year (subject to Congressional appropriations), based on student eligibility and enrollment status. The lifetime limit for Pell Grant funding is the equivalent of six years (600%) of full-time enrollment.
Eligible students may receive up to 150% of their scheduled award within a single academic year under the Year-Round Pell provision. Students should contact a Financial Aid Administrator to confirm their eligibility.

Under HEA Section 401(c), which took effect in the 2024–25 award year, students who are 32 years old or younger as of January 1 of the award year may qualify for the maximum Pell Grant if their parent or guardian died in the line of duty either:

• while serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001, or

• while serving as a public safety officer,
  are eligible to receive the maximum Pell Grant, regardless of their Student Aid Index (SAI).

The FSEOG is a federal grant program for students with exceptional financial need. Awards at HCC typically range from $100 to $1,200 per year for full-time students, depending on available funding and student eligibility.
Priority is given to students who:

• Have the lowest SAI, and

• Submit the FAFSA by March 1, HCC’s priority filing date.

The Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund CCCPDF Grant provides comprehensive financial support—including tuition, fees, books, and supplies—for eligible students pursuing the AAS in Early Childhood Development or the AAT in Early Childhood Education/Special Education at HCC.
Eligibility requirements include:

• Completion of the FAFSA

• At least one year of experience in licensed childcare

• A Level 2 Credential from MSDE

• Employment for at least 10 hours/week in a licensed childcare setting

Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and reapply annually. Recipients must commit to working in Maryland childcare for two years after graduation. Otherwise, the award will convert to a loan.

For more information, contact Joan Johnson at jjohnson6@howardcc.edu.

The HCC Grant is funded by the college and helps enrolled students offset their cost of attendance. Award amounts are based on enrollment status and residency, ranging from $150 to $3,000 per semester.
Awards are based on full-time enrollment and prorated at the semester’s census date. Summer funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Scholarships

Maryland State Scholarship Program
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, offers several need-based scholarships to Maryland residents. Common awards received by HCC students include the Educational Assistance Grant, Guaranteed Access Grant, Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships, and the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship.

To be considered for a Maryland State Scholarship, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the MHEC One App by March 1 each year. Some state scholarships may require full-time enrollment (12 or more credits) and may have additional application steps. For details, visit the MHEC website or call 800-974-0203.

Transfer students who previously received a Maryland State scholarship must update their school information in the Maryland College Aid Processing System (MDCAPS) to include HCC.

HCC Grants and Scholarships
Funded by Howard Community College’s operating budget, this need-based program provides financial support to new and returning students. Awards typically range from $500 to $2,500 per academic year, depending on enrollment level, financial need, available funding, and other financial aid received. Priority is given to students who complete the FAFSA and have a finalized financial aid file by March 1.

HCC Educational Foundation, Inc. Scholarships
The HCC Educational Foundation offers a variety of scholarships funded by donations from private businesses, civic organizations, and individuals. Scholarships are available to new and returning students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and/or financial need. Award amounts range from $100 to $5,000 per year and may not exceed the total cost of tuition, fees, and books when combined with other grant or scholarship aid. Availability and award amounts are subject to change. Priority is generally given to those who apply by May 1.

For more information and to apply, visit howardcc.scholarshipuniverse.com or contact Financial Aid Services.

Student Employment Programs

Federal Work-Study Funds
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a Title IV financial aid initiative that offers part-time employment opportunities to students who demonstrate financial need. Eligible students may work up to 25 hours per week during the regular semester, depending on financial need, class schedule, and availability of federal funds. In compliance with federal regulations, at least 7% of HCC’s annual FWS allocation supports community service positions.

Priority consideration is given to students who submit the FAFSA and have a completed financial aid application by March 1. For more information, contact Financial Aid Services.

HCC Institutional Work-Study Funds
The HCC Institutional Work-Study program is funded by the college and offers both on-campus and off-campus part-time employment opportunities. This program is open to all students, regardless of financial need. Students may work up to 25 hours per week during the semester, based on their class schedule and the availability of institutional funds.

Priority is given to students who complete the Student Employment Participation Interest Agreement found within Self Service. For more information, please contact Financial Aid Services.

Loans

Federal Direct Loans are part of the Title IV federal financial aid program and are subject to all federal eligibility requirements. To qualify, students must be actively enrolled in at least six financial aid-eligible credits at Howard Community College (HCC).

While the FAFSA is the only required application to apply for a Federal Direct Loan, HCC does not automatically include loans in a student’s financial aid offer. Students who wish to borrow must complete and submit a Loan Request Form and specify the amount they wish to borrow.

Grade Level Classification:

• Grade 1: 1–29 completed credits

• Grade 2: 30 or more completed credits

Annual Loan Limits:

• Grade 1 borrowers: Up to $3,500 (base loan amount)

• Grade 2 borrowers: Up to $4,500 (base loan amount)

• Additional Unsubsidized Loan Eligibility:

  • Dependent students: Up to $2,000

  • Independent students: Up to $6,000

Important Notes:

• Annual and aggregate loan limits apply.

• Interest rates are fixed and determined based on the loan disbursement date (subject to change by Congress).

• Students in certain short-term certificate programs may not be eligible for the full loan amount due to program length. Please contact Financial Aid Services for more information.

• First-time loan borrowers at HCC are required to complete federal loan entrance counseling.

• Transfer students must cancel any remaining loan disbursements at their previous institution before requesting a loan at HCC.

For more information or to submit a loan request, please visit the Financial Aid section of the HCC website.

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is a Title IV federal aid program that allows parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow funds to help cover their child’s educational expenses. To qualify, the student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more financial aid-eligible credits) and meet general federal student aid requirements, including maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Eligible parent borrowers must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

• Not be in default or owe a refund on any federal student aid

• Pass a credit check (adverse credit history may result in denial)

Parent PLUS Loans are not need-based, and parents may borrow up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. The loan has a fixed interest rate, which is set annually by Congress.

To apply or learn more about current interest rates, visit studentaid.gov.

Dependent students whose parents have been denied a PLUS loan may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loan funds.

All originated Federal Direct Loans and Federal Direct PLUS Loans will be submitted to the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system.