Applying for Financial Aid and Your Award

File Your FAFSA Every School Year

You need to file a FAFSA every year you're in school to keep receiving aid.

The fastest way to file is online at StudentAid.gov using your FSA ID. Select the FAFSA that matches the school year you need financial aid for. For example, if you're going to school in Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and/or Summer 2027, choose the 2026-2027 FAFSA.

Hawkeye's FAFSA code is 004595.

When To File Your FAFSA

• You can start completing the FAFSA as early as October 1 for the following school year. It's best to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to ensure you are considered for all available funding, as some financial aid is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The priority deadline for applying for state financial aid in Iowa is July 1. If you miss the priority deadline it's not too late to file, you may be eligible for limited state funding.
• To receive awarded Hawkeye scholarships file your FAFSA by January 15 for fall awards or September 15 for spring awards.

Helpful Resources for Completing your FAFSA

• Federal Student Aid: Filling Out the FAFSA Form
• FAFSA Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
• How To Correct or Update Your FAFSA Form
• Meet with a financial aid representative to complete your FAFSA application.

Scholarships = FREE Money!

Scholarships are like free money! You can apply for both Hawkeye and external scholarships through a personalized online portal, ScholarshipUniverse. Just answer a few questions, and you'll be matched with scholarships you qualify for.

Don't forget to file your FAFSA too—it might help you qualify for even more scholarships and is required to apply for Hawkeye scholarships.

If you receive any scholarships, be sure to report them to the Financial Aid office so they can be included in your aid package.

Work-Study

The Work-Study program helps you earn money for college through part-time jobs, usually on campus. It's a great way to gain real work experience while keeping your focus on school. You'll need to qualify by showing financial need through the FAFSA, and once approved, you can apply for available positions to start earning.

Outside Funding

If you're getting money from outside sources like scholarships or sponsorships, or if the amount of funding you'll get has changed, let the Financial Aid office know right away. Federal law requires us to include these funds in your total financial aid package.

You can opt for paperless communication and receive your summary by email. Otherwise, a mailed copy will arrive within three weeks. You can also check it online at StudentAid.gov by logging in with your FSA ID.

Make sure to review it carefully. If something needs to be changed, make corrections and re-submit. If everything looks good, just keep it for your records.

How Will I Know If Additional Information Is Needed?

We'll send you an email to your Hawkeye email to request forms and documentation from you. You can also check your Financial Aid Self-Service > Required Financial Aid Documents to see what's needed and upload your documents there.

I was selected for verification. What does that mean?

The financial aid verification process is an important step to ensure that the information provided on your FAFSA accurately reflects your financial situation. If selected for verification, you'll be asked to provide additional documentation to confirm your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Learn more about the Verification Process

Timely Action Required

We recommend checking your Hawkeye email every day because some of the forms we need are time-sensitive.

Keep in mind that we can't finish processing your financial aid until all verification requirements are met.

View Your Offer

When your financial aid offer is ready you'll get an email notification to your Hawkeye email.

View your offer in Financial Aid Self-Service, My Awards

I Can't See My Offer

If your offer isn't available, you may need to complete some required documents first. Check your Financial Aid Self-Service, Required Financial Aid Documents to see what's needed and upload your documents there.

If you've already submitted all the documents, keep an eye on your Hawkeye email for your offer notification. It can take about 1-2 weeks for us to review your paperwork.

Can My Offer Change?

Yes, your offer can change. Your financial aid offer is initially made assuming you'll enroll as a full-time student for the entire year (12 credits fall semester and 12 credits spring semester). So if your enrollment status changes—like adding or dropping a class—your offer will be adjusted. Also, special circumstances like changes in your family's finances might affect your offer.

You'll get an email anytime your award is adjusted.

Reasons why your financial aid may be adjusted

College Cost Transparency Initiative

Hawkeye Community College is committed to using the Principles and Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its student financial aid offer.

The College Cost Transparency Initiative is all about making it easier for students and families to understand how much college will actually cost.

This means you'll be able to see things like tuition, fees, and other expenses, as well as how much financial aid you can get presented in a clear, simple way.

The goal is to help you compare different colleges and make smart decisions without all the confusion. It's a way to help you know exactly what you're signing up for when planning for college.

Federal Direct Loans

If you've been awarded Federal Direct Loans, you'll need to either accept or reject the loan(s) and complete the disbursement requirements before the loan money can be sent to your student account.

Private Student Loans

If you took out a private student loan, you'll need to complete the "Good Choices" packet before your loan can be approved and disbursed. This is a required step to make sure your loan is ready for payment.

Apply for Summer Financial Aid

1. Apply for Financial Aid: If you haven't already, make sure to complete this year's FAFSA and steps 1–6 to apply for financial aid.
2. Register for Classes: Your award will be based on the number of credits you've registered for. You'll need to be registered for at least 6 credit hours to qualify for Federal Direct Loans and Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) loans.
3. Watch for Emails: As your eligibility is determined, you'll get notified via your Hawkeye email starting mid-April. Make sure you check regularly!

What Happens Next?

Starting mid-April, the Financial Aid office will start reviewing files for summer awards. Once you're registered, we'll be notified automatically.

If there are any changes to your aid, or once your award letter is ready, you'll get notified via your Hawkeye email.

Keep in mind, it can take about 1-2 weeks for changes in your class registration to reflect on your financial aid.

Important Things to Know:

• Hawkeye scholarships aren't available during the summer semester.
• Summer financial aid awards can change as your eligibility gets updated.
• If you haven't gotten a notification about your award by the time your summer classes start, and you've submitted all your documents, contact the Financial Aid office.
• You need to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards to keep your aid. If you don't, your summer awards could be canceled.
• Your summer financial aid award may be canceled if you graduate from all of your programs by the end of the spring semester and are not enrolled in an eligible program for summer.
• Keep checking Financial Aid Self-Service for updates on your financial aid status.

What Happens If My Schedule Changes?

Changing your schedule could impact your financial aid, even if you've already received your award letter. Always let the Financial Aid office know if you make changes to your classes.

If you withdraw from a class after the summer financial aid lock date, check out how this might impact your financial aid.

Stay on top of things and communicate with the Financial Aid office if you have questions!