Financial Aid

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grants

The purpose of the financial aid program at Haywood Community College is to provide financial assistance to students as they pursue their educational goals. The program is committed to the philosophy that no eligible student should be denied access to higher education because of a lack of financial resources. In achieving this purpose, the financial aid office is committed to the slogan “Financial Aid Made Easy”. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointments are necessary. To support this purpose, the financial aid office commits to the following:

Complying with federal and state law, as well as, institutional policies and procedures.
Promoting and maintaining integrity, accuracy, and timeliness in delivery of services.
Providing adequate information for students and parents to make informed decisions regarding the financing of their education.
Promoting and providing equal access to eligible students interested in pursuing an education at Haywood Community College.

Most financial aid at Haywood Community College is awarded on the basis of need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A very limited amount of aid is awarded based on academic achievement. Students must complete the same application process (FAFSA) to be considered for any financial aid at Haywood Community College. Some of the requirements to receive aid from federal financial aid programs are as follows:

Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States with a valid social security number.
Have a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate.
Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree or diploma. Students who are enrolled as special credit students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. Some certificate programs are eligible for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.
Not be in default on any federal student loans.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.studentaid.gov.
FAFSA is processed by ED. ED determines Student Aid Index (SAI) using Federal Methodology. SAI determines student eligibility. Haywood Community College receives product of FAFSA called the FAFSA submission summary.
Student must apply for admission to Haywood Community College and must be accepted into an eligible program of study.
Students with eligibility for grants (federal and/or state) who are selected for the process called Verification or who are missing information necessary to complete processing their application are sent an email listing the information required to complete their file. Students may also check their status online by logging into their self service account.
When the student’s "file" is complete, i.e., all supporting information received, verification completed, and the student is fully accepted into a qualified degree-seeking program, the student is sent an e-mail notification including a link to their Offer Letter in self service.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program is a federal program that provides funding for undergraduate students. Eligibility is based on financial need. Submission of the FAFSA is required for consideration.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program is a federal program that provides money to a limited number of undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $200 to $800 per academic year at Haywood Community College and are awarded based upon exceptional financial need criteria and the order in which Student Aid Reports are received that meet these criteria.

NextNC Scholarship

The NextNC Scholarship is restricted to North Carolina residents who are eligible for in-state tuition and are enrolled at a North Carolina Community College or public university in the state. To be considered for the grant, the student must be in academic good standing, enrolled in at least six credit hours, and meet other eligibility requirements. Students are required to submit the FAFSA to be considered for the scholarship.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of individuals, businesses, and civic organizations, scholarships are available to Haywood Community College students. These scholarships are established with gifts from donors to the Foundation and are either endowed or annually funded. Criteria for awarding the scholarships are specified by the donor in conjunction with the College. Endowed scholarships are generated through the investment of permanently-held principals so that only the income from the principal is used for scholarship awards according to the Haywood Community Foundation Investment Policy. This enables the scholarship to exist in perpetuity. Non-endowed scholarships are those for which all funds are dispersed as scholarships rather than as long-term investments.

Most institutional scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have FAFSA submission summary on file to be considered for all scholarships awarded by Haywood Community College. In addition, students must complete a separate scholarship application online by visiting www.haywood.awardspring.com during publicized dates. ALL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! Scholarships are awarded for fall, spring, and summer semesters. For additional information, contact the scholarship coordinator at hcc-scholarships@haywood.edu.

The following listing represents scholarships that are available at the time this document was printed. Scholarship availability is subject to change without notice.

2026-27 Scholarships by Program of Study

Any Program of Study:

Arnold Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Arthur & Eulah Stamey Trust
Betty Jo Nichols Memorial Scholarship
Bob Bahnsen and Nancy Mazzarella Second Chance Scholarship Endowment
Butterscotch Scholarship Endowment
Carver Family Scholarship
Charles Kenneth Bolden Scholarship
Dan W. Moore Endowed Scholarship
David and Denise Matthys Scholarship
David and Judy Russell Scholarship
Dr. Barbara and Greg Parker Endowment
Eunice Fisher Brown Endowed Scholarship
Gerald’s Fund
Grace Cooper and J.M. West, Jr. Scholarship
HCC Scholarship Endowment Fund
HCC Tools & Tech
Haywood Scholarship Trust Fund (D. Hammett)
Haywood Strong
Howell Foundation Scholarship
John & Virginia McNair Endowed Scholarship
Joseph Nanney Endowed Scholarship
Ken Wilson Memorial Scholarship
Linda Jane Wansker Hull Memorial Scholarship
Lynwood & Mary Medford McElroy Scholarship
Milas and Patricia Ferguson Family Scholarship Endowment
Peggy Sue Bryson Buchanan Scholarship
Pop and Marj Kelly Endowed Scholarship
Pop and Marj Kelly Merit Scholarship
Raymond and Jackie Caldwell Scholarship Endowment
Rickards Family Endowed Scholarship
Robert and Viola Forga Endowed Scholarship
Robert Cecil Roberts Endowed Scholarship
Rolf and Libby Kaufman Scholarship
Sam L. & Carolyn P. Wiggins Scholarship Endowment
The First Citizens Bank Scholarship Endowment
The Judy Karshbaum Scholarship
The Steffen Family Endowment
Vesta Hrnciar Scholarship
Virgil P. Stewart Scholarship (Haywood Rotary Club)
W. Curtis and Ruby B. Russ Endowed Scholarship
W. W. Garrett Endowed Scholarship
Waynesville Rotary Club Scholarship
Womansong New Start Scholarship

Early Childhood Programs:

Alan & Jane Campbell Scholarship
Charles, Janice and David Henson Endowed Scholarship
Ferguson Charitable Fund
Sara Queen Brown Endowed Scholarship

Health-Related and Human Services Programs:

Adele Dunn Scholarship Endowment (Health-Related Programs)
Barbara F. Ensley Medical Scholarship (Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration and Nursing)
Bennie R. Sharpton, MD Nursing Scholarship (Nursing)
Bill and Gigi Hall Scholarship Endowment
Cheré Frisbee Memorial Scholarship (Nursing)
Eleanor Rothermel Endowed Scholarship (Nursing)
Elizabeth Rathbun Nursing Scholarship (Nursing)
Eugenia Scroggs Clark Memorial Scholarship (Nursing)
HCC PIVOT (Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration)
Haywood Health Foundation Scholarship (second year Nursing)
Haywood Regional Medical Center Volunteers Scholarship (Medical Assisting, Nursing)
John Joseph and Emmie Phillips Nerney Endowed Scholarship (Medical Assisting, Nursing)
Jordan Landt Webb Nursing Scholarship
Mary Pupkar Hansen Endowed Scholarship (Nursing)
Mission Health Community Scholars Scholarship (Nursing)
Pat & Bill Prevost Nursing Scholarship
Robert Forga Nursing Scholarship
Robert Stuart Boatwright, M.D. Nursing Scholarship (Nursing)
Ruby H. Haney Endowed Scholarship (Nursing)
Silver Bluff Nursing Hero Scholarship

Natural Resources Programs:

Alan & Jane Campbell Scholarship (Forest Management)
Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club Scholarship (Forest Management)
Aylor Webb Memorial Endowed Scholarship (Forest Management)
Columbia Forest Products Scholarship
Daniella Smith Endowed Scholarship
Dick Wood Memorial Scholarship
French Broad River Garden Club Scholarship
George Erwin Patton Endowed Scholarship
Irving P. and Nancy F. Grace Memorial Endowment
Mary Britt Endowed Scholarship
Pink and Ellene Francis Memorial Scholarship
Rice, Seibert, Brodhage Annual Scholarship
Robert E. Browning, Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Robert L. Patrick Endowment
Terry Rogers Scholarship
Wildlife Internship Endowed Scholarship (Dave Dudek)

Professional Crafts Programs:

Dogwood Crafters Scholarship
Gail Weaver Cable Memorial Scholarship (Fiber)
Gary Burge Jewelry Scholarship
Hilda Scroggs Vance Endowed Scholarship
Jane O’Keefe Fiber Arts Scholarship
John T. Beaty Professional Crafts-Wood Endowed Scholarship
Mary Britt Endowed Scholarship
North Carolina Woodworker Scholarship
Teena Tuenge Memorial Scholarship in Fiber Arts
WNC Fiber/Handweavers Guild Scholarship

Arts and General Education Programs:

Carlton Eddy Weatherby Memorial Fund
Charles, Janice and David Henson Endowed Scholarship
Elizabeth Staiger Memorial Endowment
Mary Elizabeth Staiger Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Tai Lee Endowment (Engineering)
William C. Harrell Endowed Scholarship

Applied Technology Programs:

Bolton Construction & Service Scholarship (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC)
Bryan Edwards Endowed Scholarship (Electrical)
Coleman H. York Memorial Scholarship (Building Trades)
Diesel Power Truck Center Scholarship (Auto Systems)
HCC PIVOT
NC Association of Electrical Contractors Scholarship (Electrical)
Tai Lee Endowment
Terry Rogers Scholarship (Advanced Technologies)

Business Education Programs:

Charles, Janice and David Henson Endowed Scholarship
Collins Business Scholarship (Business Administration)
Elaine Hudson Memorial Endowment (Business Administration)
HCC PIVOT
Linda C. Caldwell Scholarship
Phi Beta Lambda Endowed Scholarship (Business Administration & Information Technology)
Robert & Frances Evans Scholarship (Information Technology)

Outside Scholarship Programs:

State Employees Credit Union People Helping People Scholarship
Golden LEAF Scholars Program
Wells Fargo Technical Scholarship

Workforce & Industry Training Programs (BLET, EMT, AEMT, CNA, Paramedic, Phlebotomy, Medication Aide, and Fire Certification):

Bolton Construction & Service Scholarship
Brennan Mehaffey BLET Scholarship Fund
Golden LEAF Scholars Program
John Marvin West, Jr. Scholarship
Lt. Michael S. Price Memorial BLET Scholarship
State Employees Credit Union

Loans

Haywood Community College does not participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. If you have any questions about student loans, please see the financial aid office.

Federal Work Study Program

The federal work study program is a need based program offered to Haywood Community College students. This program allows students to be paid while working a part-time job on campus. These funds are limited each year and placement is based on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact the Federal Work Study Coordinator at (828) 627-4506 for information and placement.

Veterans and Financial Aid

Veterans and their dependents are admitted to the College under the same admission requirements as other students. An official High School Transcript or High School Equivalency (HSE) must be on file prior to certification to the VA.

Students applying for Veteran’s benefits must submit transcripts from all higher education institutions attended to the Haywood Community College Enrollment Management Office. Classes will not be certified to the VA until all official transcripts are received and evaluated.

Educational assistance may be available to:

Members of the armed forces who entered active duty on or after July 1, 1985 and contributed to their education under the Montgomery GI Bill^® (Chapter 30).
Members of the armed forces who have served at least 90 days since September 11, 2001 (Chapter 33).
Eligible members of the Selective Reserves and the National Guard who contributed to their education through the Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP) while on active duty.
Eligible members of the Selective Reserve and the National Guard who meet other eligibility requirements (Chapter 1606 or 1607).
Individuals discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability (Chapter 31).
Sons, daughters, and spouse of deceased or totally and permanently disabled veterans whose death or disability happened while in military service (Chapter 35).
Marine Gunnery Sargeant John David Fry Scholarship - provides post 9/11 education benefits to surviving spouses and children of those service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001.

Veteran students are required to bring a copy of their class schedule to the VA Certifying Official prior to the beginning of each semester.

Veteran students are expected to attend classes regularly. They must pursue the curriculum as listed and approved in the College Catalog and maintain satisfactory academic progress (2.0 Cumulative GPA), attendance, and conduct to maintain eligibility for payments. Veteran students who have ceased attendance for 21 days will be reported as withdrawn to the VA. Veteran students will be placed on probation if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.0. If, at the end of that semester, the veteran is still not meeting SAP, their VA benefits will be terminated for unsatisfactory academic progress. The veteran student may continue in classes without receiving benefits. VA educational benefits will be reinstated after the veteran has met the 2.0 cumulative GPA requirement VA educational benefits are not paid for any grades other than A, B, C, D, DP, P, or F. Payments for educational benefits are based on a student’s classification according to his/her credit hours per semester. Veterans are expected to notify the Veterans Certifying Official at Haywood Community College regarding any changes in their enrollment status. The veteran may notify the Veterans Affairs directly regarding changes to enrollment status during the monthly certification phone call.

Aid Received from Sources Other than the Financial Aid Office

In addition to applying for financial aid through Haywood Community College, it is suggested that students investigate outside sources such as programs through the Veterans Administration, Vocational Rehabilitation, North Carolina Commission for the Blind, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the North Carolina Employment Security Commission. For information on local scholarships, it is suggested that students contact their high school guidance counselors.

Students are also encouraged to utilize the Internet when investigating possible financial resources for attending college. Some financial aid websites containing information about grants, loans, work programs and scholarships are listed below:

Students are required to report any aid received from a source other than the College’s financial aid office. Types of aid that should be reported include the previously mentioned sources as well as any scholarships not awarded by Haywood Community College or tuition assistance from an employer. Failure to report such assistance could result in a reduction or cancellation of your financial aid.

Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal and state regulations require students receiving financial aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as defined by the institution to receive financial assistance. At Haywood Community College, federal student aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work Study. State student aid includes the NextNC scholarship. According to federal regulations, the school’s SAP Policy must include (1) a qualitative measure (2) a quantitative measure and (3) a maximum time frame for completion of program. These measures are cumulative and include all periods of enrollment, including transfer hours from other schools, and periods for which the student did not receive funds from Title IV programs.

Haywood Community College’s Institutional Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid: The Financial Aid Office (FAO) evaluates the student’s SAP at the time of financial aid application, and at the end of each semester.

A student is considered to be making SAP when the following three conditions are met:

Student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher (Qualitative Standard).
Student has completed at least 67% of all credit hours attempted at the end of the designated increment of the academic year (Quantitative Standard).
Student has completed his/her program of study within the maximum time frame (Maximum Time Frame).

SAP Status

Students will be notified of their SAP status, based on these three standards, at the end of each semester or when they apply for financial aid.

Status definitions:

Satisfactory - Student has met or exceeded SAP standards or is in their first term at Haywood Community College.
Warning - Student failed to meet one or more of the SAP standards and will be placed on financial aid warning for the following term in which they are enrolled. The student will receive an email from the FAO notifying him/her of his/her SAP status. The student is eligible to receive financial aid for the warning semester.
Termination - If the student failed to meet the SAP standards for a second consecutive term (warning period), his/ her financial aid will be terminated. Termination will remain in effect until 1) the student meets SAP requirements and notifies the FAO of their eligibility or 2) the student submits a SAP appeal and the appeal is granted (see Appeal Policy and Procedures).
Probation-by-Appeal - If a student is granted a SAP appeal, the student is placed on probation-by-appeal status.

The Financial Aid Director will outline the terms of probation in an Academic Success Plan. During the probationary period, the student will receive one semester of financial aid and cannot withdraw from or fail any classes, and must not be reported as a no-show. If, at the end of the probationary semester the student fails to meet SAP standards or the Academic Success Plan requirements, the student’s financial aid will be terminated. Financial aid will not be awarded to a student on termination until academic progress deficiencies have been corrected. Students who do not meet the SAP requirements for financial aid eligibility can enroll at Haywood Community College at the student’s expense in order to improve academic progress.

Maximum Time Frame

Federal regulations require students receiving financial aid to complete their program of study within a maximum time frame, not to exceed 150% of the published length of the program. Once that time frame is exceeded, the student’s financial aid will be terminated. The student can submit a SAP appeal to the Financial Aid Director, if there are extenuating circumstances (see Appeal Policy and Procedures). Maximum time frame is measured in terms of credit hours attempted:

Example: The program requires 75 credit hours to complete.

75 x 1.50 = 112 | 112 is the maximum number of credit hours that may be attempted.

Grades of A, B, C, D, CE, DP, TR (transfer), or P count toward hours attempted and earned. Grades of F, I, W, DR, and CT count toward hours attempted, but not earned hours.

Financial Aid Appeal Policy and Procedures

To appeal financial aid termination, a student must be able to demonstrate unusual/mitigating circumstances. Circumstances are defined as but not limited to: illness of the student or immediate family member, death of an immediate family member, and serious traumatic and/or life-altering events that affected the student’s ability to comply with SAP requirements.

A student must complete the Request for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Form. The student must provide a written statement outlining the reason(s) he/she did not maintain SAP and explain how, if an appeal is approved, he/she will be able to maintain SAP going forward. If a student is submitting an appeal for exceeding the 150% Maximum Time frame, a program evaluation form completed by their advisor must be included.
The appeal paperwork must be returned to the Financial Aid office, accompanied by supporting documentation (e.g., hospital/doctor verification, death certificate, etc.).
The director will review the appeal to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether or not the appeal is justified and will notify the student of the appeal decision in writing within two weeks of receiving the appeal or sooner if the student is registered for the upcoming semester.

Please note, academic issues are considered to be within the student’s control and are not generally considered grounds for appeal.

A student, who wishes to appeal the decision of the Financial Aid Director, must submit a written appeal to the Financial Aid Office within five working days after receiving the appeal decision. Appeals may be made to the Dean of Student Services, and then to the EVP of Instruction & Student Services if deemed necessary by the student.

Other Information Regarding SAP

Early Registration: Students who are on financial aid warning or probation-by-appeal status that choose to register early for classes may not use federal student aid until grades have been posted for the current term. The student will be responsible for payment of tuition, fees, and any other expenses until eligibility is determined.

Return of Federal Title IV Funds Policy

Financial aid is awarded to students contingent upon completion of the semester. The Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Public Law 105-244 require colleges to calculate the Return of Title IV Funds Policy (R2T4) when a recipient of Title IV aid (new or returning) completely withdraws from the college through the 60% point during a payment period. The institution must calculate the amount(s) of Title IV aid the student earned and return the unearned portion(s) of the Title IV fund(s) to the Title IV program(s). In some calculations, the institution and student will be required to return unearned Title IV funds to the Title IV programs. Federal financial aid at Haywood Community College includes: Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Students receiving federal aid will be required to repay a portion of that aid if they withdraw from all classes prior to the 60% point of the semester. This policy is not the same as the Haywood Community College’s refund policy.

R2T4 Calculations for an official withdraw (one that is initiated by the student completing a withdraw request form) are based on the date that request was submitted to HCC student services. R2T4 calculations for an unofficial withdraw (one where no form was completed by the student ) are based on the 50% point of the semester.* The student will be mailed a letter within 60 days detailing any amounts due to HCC and/or to the United States Department of Education. Students will not be allowed to register in courses until his/her account is cleared.

If a student owes money to the Department of Education, the student must repay the amount or make satisfactory payment arrangements with the Department of Education to remain eligible for federal financial aid. Students are given 45 days from the date of notification to make payment arrangements. After the 45-day period, HCC will report the account to the Department of Education for collection.

In the case where HCC is required to return money to the Department of Education on the student’s behalf, the student will have 30 days to pay their balance to Haywood Community College. If payment is not made within 30 days, HCC will follow the Collection of Accounts Receivable procedure.

*With the exception of select programs which require attendance to be taken by an outside accrediting agency. These calculations will be based on the student’s last day of attendance or participation.

Return of Funds Policy SEAA - Administered State-Funded Grant Programs

State-funded grants are provided to assist students with the cost of attendance on the assumption that the students will attend college for the entire term for which the funds are awarded. When a student withdraws before the end of the term, HCC must determine how much, if any, State grant funds must be returned. The amount HCC must return depends on when the student withdraws.

Institutions are required to calculate the amount of funds it must return, when a student withdraws prior to or on the 35% point of the term, via the CFI Grant System. In completing the calculation, the "last date of attendance" is determined with Title IV regulations for a Return of Title IV Funds. "Term" means the academic period for which the State funds are awarded.

Return calculations for an official withdraw (one that is initiated by the student completing a withdraw request form) are based on the date that request was submitted to HCC Student Services. If this date is prior to the 35% point of the term, the State grant repayment will be based on the percent of the term not completed. If this date occurs after the 35% point of the term, the State grant award is considered 100% earned and no repayment is required.

Example: A student is awarded a $1,000 State grant and completes 20% of the term prior to withdrawal. The State grant repayment is calculated as follows:
1. The unearned percentage equals 80% (100% less 20% completed). The earned percentage equals 20%.
2. Unearned aid equals $800 (80% of $1,000 State grant award).
3. The repayment equals $800
Return calculations for an unofficial withdraw (one were no form was completed by the student), the State grant repayment will be 50% of the grant amount.

Dropping Courses: Your final eligibility for aid will be based on the number of hours for which you are enrolled at the 10% point of the semester. If you register and then drop course(s) prior to that date, your eligibility for aid will be recalculated on your remaining hours as of the 10% point of the semester. Students who receive a financial aid check based on more hours than those remaining as of the 10% point of the semester may be responsible for repaying a portion of any financial aid received. Dropping courses may affect your eligibility for future aid. Students should consult the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to determine if dropping courses will affect your eligibility for aid.

Withdrawing from College

All or part of the student's financial aid may be reduced or canceled.
The student may have a balance due to Haywood Community College because your financial aid award was adjusted.
A hold will be placed on the student's academic record and he/she will not be able to register for classes, etc., until they pay the amount owed to Haywood Community College as a result of their withdrawal.
The Student's credit history may be negatively affected when Haywood Community College reports the overdue account to an external credit agency.
The student may not meet the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements for continued financial aid assistance.
Future financial aid may be jeopardized.

Further Information and Assistance: Students desiring further information about scholarships may contact the scholarship coordinator in the Foundation Office at 828-627-4679. Additional financial aid information regarding grants, and work study may be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office at (828) 627-4756.

Financial aid information is based on current federal, state and institutional guidelines and is subject to change without notice.