Bookstore Funds

Federal regulations require institutions to provide Pell eligible students with a method to purchase needed books and supplies by the seventh day of the payment period (semester). HCC makes funds available in the bookstore to all students with a completed financial file and who have been awarded financial aid in excess of tuition and fees two weeks before the semester start date through the semester census date. Bookstore purchases are limited to $1200 per semester or the amount of the excess aid, whichever is lower. Purchases are limited to required or optional books and supplies for registered coursework and bus passes. When a student uses financial aid funds to purchase books and supplies, the charges will appear on the student’s HCC account. Students can check myHCC to determine their excess funds. Students who do not use their excess financial aid funds to purchase books and supplies in the HCC bookstore are considered to have opted out and will receive their excess funds after aid is disbursed.

HCC has limited funds available for students who are unable to purchase their books and supplies due to financial hardships. Students may contact Financial Aid Services to discuss the application process.

Please refer to our website at www.howardcc.edu/financialaid for more information on using financial aid awards to purchase books.