Financial Aid

Resources for Parents

As a parent, one of the most important things you can do to help your student succeed is provide encouragement and helpful advice as your child begins their college journey. Most often, students have many questions about how to proactively manage the financial aspects of a college education. Below is some information to help you familiarize yourself with the process of determining an estimated cost of attendance for your child and expected financial aid. Whether you are assisting your student with financial aid from the sidelines or spearheading the effort, it’s important to be familiar with the financial aid process and available aid opportunities.

Financial Aid 101

Knowing where to start is the first step to any journey.

Merit Awards
Every residential undergraduate student is eligible for a merit award based upon their academic performance in high school. When your student is admitted he/she should receive a merit award offer included in their admission letter. If you do not see a merit award listed on your child’s letter of admissions, reach out to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to see what merit awards he/she is eligible for.

Applying for Financial Aid 
Applying for financial aid is free. To begin the financial aid process, your student must be admitted to HCU. Once your student is admitted he/she must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your student may request assistance from you in order to complete this document. It will be helpful to have your most recent tax documents on hand, as well as identification information your student will need such as his/her social security number and that of his/her parent(s). To submit your FAFSA application to HCU, your student must include our school code – 003576 – on the application.

    • Your student must submit a FAFSA every year in order to receive renewal of financial aid. If you have multiple students enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution,  you will need to submit a separate FAFSA application for each student.

Parent PLUS Federal Direct Loans
You may be able to support your child financially by electing to apply for a parent PLUS loan. You can learn more about the loans available and loan requirements online.

Estimating Cost of Attendance
Cost of attendance includes an estimated average of expenses for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room, board, etc. for an academic year (fall and spring semester).  You can use our Net Price Calculator to calculate your own estimated cost of attendance and an estimate of financial aid which you may be eligible to receive. Note that your actual expenses may be different due to lifestyle choices and level of enrollment, and your financial aid eligibility may vary.

Other Helpful Information

Payment Plan Deadlines
Refund Percentages
Types of Financial Aid
Financial Aid by Student Type