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Paying for College

Hawkeye strives to provide the highest quality education at the lowest cost possible.

Financing Your Education Your Bill / Making A Payment Outstanding Balance Financial Aid >>

2023–2024 Cost per Credit Hour
Resident Non-Resident
Determine your residency status
Tuition $211 $221
Student Activity Fee $6.50 $6.50
Total Tuition and Fees per Credit Hour $217.50 $227.50

2022–2023 Cost per Credit Hour
Resident Non-Resident
Determine your residency status
Tuition $204 $221
Student Activity Fee $6 $6
Total Tuition and Fees per Credit Hour $210 $227

Planning College Costs

Launch the Net Price Calculator

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Estimated Cost of Attending

The estimated cost of attending is based on average educational expenses of a full-time student living on their own during a nine-month academic year while attending classes at Hawkeye. If you are enrolled less than half-time—five or fewer credits—your cost of attendance for financial aid cannot include housing, personal, or miscellaneous expenses.

A student's financial need is based on the total Cost of Attendance at Hawkeye. In addition to defining financial need, the Cost of Attendance sets the limit on the total financial aid a student may receive. The cost components that can be included are prescribed by law.

2022–2023

2022-2023 Total Cost: $19,738. Tuition and Fees: $6,090. Off-Campus Room and Board: $8,942. Personal Expenses/Transportation: $3,570. Books/Supplies: $1,136.

2023–2024

2023-2024 Total Cost: $19,956. Tuition and Fees: $6,308. Off-Campus Room and Board: $8,942. Personal Expenses/Transportation: $3,570. Books/Supplies: $1,136.

Factoring in Program Supplies and Fees

Some programs, especially career and technical programs, may have additional costs such as course fees, uniforms, tools, supplies, or equipment expenses. Contact your academic department for estimated additional program costs.

If you feel that your cost of attendance should be adjusted for financial aid purposes because you are enrolled in a program that requires tools or equipment, contact the Financial Aid office.

Financing Your Education

When planning how you will pay for your college education,
consider the following options:

Option 1:

Free Money!

Grants and Scholarships

Unlike student loans, grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid! Complete a FAFSA form each academic year to apply for federal and state grants, as well as state scholarships.

Take a couple of minutes to fill out the Hawkeye Scholarship Application. By completing one application, you will apply for dozens of scholarships!

Also check out ScholarshipUniverse for even more scholarship opportunities and to get matched to scholarships for which you qualify!

Employee Tuition Assistance Programs

Does your employer offer a tuition assistance program? Ask your boss or Human Resources office to see if this is one of your employee benefits. Find out what they will pay for, the requirements and expectations, and how payment is made. If available, this is a benefit you won't want to miss out on!

Military Education Benefits

If you, your spouse, or a parent has served in the military, you may be eligible for military education benefits. Contact the veterans services coordinator for more information.

Option 2:

Pay As You Go

Family

Do you have family members who will help you pay for college? If so, have a conversation with them to discuss how much they are planning to pay. What are their expectations if you accept their gift?

Savings

Have you saved any money to help pay for your education? Just paying accruing interest on loans and/or using your savings to buy books will make a significant impact on how much you will have to borrow and in turn pay back.

Work

Working throughout the semester or picking up extra hours during breaks will not only help you pay the bills, but if you budget wisely, can help you finish school with less debt. Work Study positions are available on campus, or check out the Hawkeye Job Board for more employment opportunities.

Option 3:

Borrow Money

Federal Direct Student Loans

Federal Direct Loans offer students a low interest, fixed-rate option to pay for college. You must submit a FAFSA each academic year to apply for Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct student loans.

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans

Parents may qualify for Parent PLUS Loans to help pay for their student's college education. Parents must complete a separate application to apply for the Parent PLUS loan.

Private Student Loans

Private Student Loans are also an option, but should only be used as a last resort. These loans are taken out through banks or other lenders and often have higher interest rates and lending fees. Private student loans can only be used when all other financial aid options have been exhausted.

Paying Your Bill

Viewing Your Bill

Your bill for tuition, fees, and books may be viewed in My Hawkeye > Self-Service Menu > Students > Self Service > Student Finance > Make a Payment.

Your bill will not show any awarded financial aid. See Applying for Financial Aid and Your Award, Step 5: Review your Financial Aid Award.

Making Payment Arrangements

If you plan to pay for your education on your own or if your financial aid will not cover the full balance of your student account, you need to make payment arrangements with the Business Office by the first day of the term.

Payment Options

There are several ways you can pay your bill at Hawkeye:

  • Online by credit card, debit card, or ACH electronic bank transfer at My Hawkeye > Self-Service Menu > Students > Self Service > Student Finance > Make a Payment.

  • Over the phone by credit card or debit card. Hawkeye accepts Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.

  • Mail a check to the Business Office at P.O. Box 8015, Waterloo, IA 50704-8015.

  • In person at the Business Office, Hawkeye Center 122. A drop box is available for after hours payments.

  • Automatic Monthly Payment Plan: Payment plans let you spread tuition out throughout the school year, so you won’t have to worry about a big lump-sum due date at the beginning of each semester. Learn more about setting up an automatic monthly payment plan.

You are responsible for the tuition and fees for classes for which you have registered. You will not be withdrawn from school for nonpayment of tuition and/or non-attendance; you are still responsible to pay your tuition and fees charges..

Drop/Withdraw From a Course Tuition Refund Policy

Outstanding Balances

If you have an outstanding balance of any amount on your student account, such as:

  • Tuition, computer fees, and student activities fees
  • Program supplies and fees
  • Library fines
  • Parking fines
  • Photo cage fines
  • Athletic fee

Hawkeye reserves the right to withhold:

  • Registration for future credit and non-credit classes
  • Transcripts
  • Diplomas and certificates

Contact the Business Office to discuss your outstanding balance.

Once a year, Hawkeye submits outstanding balances of $50 or more to the DAS Offset Program. This program may garnish your state tax refund to pay your outstanding balance. The DAS Offset Program is operated by the State of Iowa and Iowa Department of Administrative Service.

Hawkeye Community College also contracts with 3rd party collection agencies for collection of debts.

Financial Aid

Hawkeye Center 118
319-296-4020
800-670-4769 ext.4020
319-209-9239 (text only)
319-296-4495 (fax)
Email Financial Aid

Regular Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm

Business Office

Hawkeye Center 122
319-296-4417
Email the Business Office

Regular Hours

Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:30pm

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