Paying for College - Hawkeye Community 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 >>

2016–2017 Cost per Credit Hour	Resident	Non-Resident Determine your residency status
Tuition	$161	$186
Student Activity Fee	$3.50	$3.50
Computer Fee	$4	$4
Total Tuition and Fees per Credit Hour	$168.50	$193.50

2017–2018 Cost per Credit Hour	Resident	Non-Resident Determine your residency status
Tuition	$170	$195
Student Activity & Computer Fee	$7.75	$7.75
Total Tuition and Fees per Credit Hour	$177.75	$202.75

Planning College Costs

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Estimated Cost of Attending

Total Cost: $17,477. Tuition and Fees: $4,847. Off-Campus Room and Board: $8,082. Personal Expenses/Transportation: $3,294. Books/Supplies: $1,254.

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.

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.

Financing Your Education

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

Pay As You Go

Family

Do you have family that will help you pay for college? If so, have a conversation with them to discuss how much they are planning to pay for. Do they plan to continue to help you or is this a one time deal? What are their expectations if you accept their gift?

Savings

Have you set aside and saved any money to help pay for your education? Even 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.

Free Money!

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to help you pay for college and—unlike student loans—do not need to be repaid! Do yourself a favor and apply for as many scholarships as you can starting with Hawkeye Scholarships. Think of how many hours you'd have to work to earn $500. Then think of how many more hours you'd have to work if you have to pay interest on that $500. Putting in the time now will help you keep your hard earned money. You'll thank yourself both now and in the future!

Grants

Grants are another form of aid that does not need to be repaid, however, most are awarded on need. Many grants are awarded based on information you provide on your FAFSA so be sure to submit a FAFSA each academic year by July 1 to determine your eligibility.

Employee Tuition Assistance Programs

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

Military Education Benefits

If you, your spouse, or parent has served in the military, you may be eligible for military education benefits. Contact the Veterans Services Coordinator for more information.

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 also qualify for Parent PLUS Loans to help pay for their students 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

Understanding Your Bill

You will receive a registration statement (your Hawkeye bill) in the mail showing the amount you owe approximately three weeks before the beginning of the semester or within days after you register if you register right before classes start. The registration statement shows only the tuition and fees from the courses you have enrolled in and any books you have charged to your account from the Bookstore. You can also view your registration statement in My Hawkeye > Self-Service Menu > Web Advisor for Students > Billing & Payment > View Account and Make Payments.

The registration statement will also include your course schedule. The registration statement 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 finance 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 due date on your first invoice.

Payment Options

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

Online at My Hawkeye > Self-Service Menu > WebAdvisor for Students > Billing and Payment > View Account and Make a Payments.
Over the phone by credit card. Hawkeye accepts Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Mail a check to the Business Office.
In person at the Business Office. A drop box is available after hours.
Automatic Monthly Payment Plan through e-Cashier.

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.

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.

Professional Development & Training Opportunities