Understanding HACC Tuition Fees and Financial Aid Options
Navigating the world of college tuition can be daunting, but understanding the costs and available financial aid options is crucial for making higher education accessible. This article provides a comprehensive overview of tuition fees at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), along with information on financial aid, scholarships, and other ways to make college affordable.
The Importance of Financial Aid
Every year, millions of people apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For many students, financial aid is essential to their college experience. You can start planning how to pay for college as early as you want. You can research grants and scholarships, track deadlines, estimate your aid and start saving.
Understanding the Financial Aid Process at HACC
HACC’s financial aid team is available to help answer questions. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the financial aid process. Assistance is available by submitting a Financial Aid Inquiry form.
Applying for Aid
In order to apply for aid, you must complete the FAFSA. Even if you don’t plan on accepting loans, you should still file a FAFSA to be eligible for grants, scholarships, and work-study funds.
Receiving Your Aid
Once you’ve applied for financial aid, HACC will create a financial aid package for you. A financial aid package is the total amount of federal and nonfederal financial aid that HACC offers a student. HACC’s financial aid staff members work with the federal and state governments and combine various forms of aid into a bundled package to help you meet your cost of attendance. Once you have been marked as attending class and your financial aid has been applied to your tuition and fees, any funds left over will be refunded to you.
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Aid Situation Changes
Your financial aid package is based on income reported on federal tax filings from the prior year. For example, the 2025-26 FAFSA will use 2023 tax information. A lot can happen that might change your financial aid eligibility. Your financial aid can be adjusted if your situation changes. Your financial aid eligibility might change if you are not meeting the requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP is how schools determine if students maintain eligibility for their financial aid.
Cost of Attendance (COA) Explained
Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of how much it costs to attend college. It is used to calculate the amount of aid for which you are eligible. The COA is NOT the amount charged by the college. COA is a combination of direct student expenses like tuition, books and student fees and estimated expenses like transportation, food and housing. HACC is required to include those estimated expenses, even though the college doesn't charge you for those items. How much you owe to HACC each semester will depend only on the tuition and fees for any classes you take. You can view those costs after registering for classes on your Schedule/Invoice in myHACC.
HACC Tuition Rates: A Detailed Breakdown
Tuition at HACC varies depending on residency and sponsoring school district status. HACC works hard to ensure our education is affordable and attainable. Tuition for a full-time student at HACC is approximately 27% less than the average full-time tuition at nearby four-year institutions.
Residency and Tuition Rates
HACC has three rates of tuition based on where you live:
- Sponsored in-state residency: You live in one of 22 sponsoring school districts in Pennsylvania. Certain school districts will pay a portion of your tuition. You must submit your certificate of residence to be eligible for sponsored district rates.
- Non-sponsored in-state residency: You live in Pennsylvania and are not sponsored by a school district. Pennsylvania residents qualify for in-state tuition rates.
- Out-of-state residency: You live outside the state of Pennsylvania.
Tuition and Fees Breakdown (Academic Year 2025-26)
Sponsored Pennsylvania In-State Resident
| Credits | Tuition | Institutional Fee | Capital Outlay Fee | Technology Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $189.75 | $37.25 | $0 | $12.75 | $239.75 |
| 3 | $569.25 | $111.75 | $0 | $38.25 | $719.25 |
| 6 | $1,138.50 | $223.50 | $0 | $76.50 | $1,438.50 |
| 9 | $1,707.75 | $335.25 | $0 | $114.75 | $2,157.75 |
| 12 | $2,277.00 | $447.00 | $0 | $153.00 | $2,877.00 |
| 15 | $2,846.25 | $558.75 | $0 | $191.25 | $3,596.25 |
To calculate tuition for credits not listed, multiply $239.75 by the total number of credits.
Read also: Affording ECU
Non-sponsored In-State Resident
| Credits | Tuition | Institutional Fee | Capital Outlay Fee | Technology Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $288.50 | $37.25 | $5.00 | $12.75 | $343.50 |
| 3 | $865.50 | $111.75 | $15.00 | $38.25 | $1,030.50 |
| 6 | $1,731.00 | $223.50 | $30.00 | $76.50 | $2,061.00 |
| 9 | $2,596.50 | $335.25 | $45.00 | $114.75 | $3,091.50 |
| 12 | $3,462.00 | $447.00 | $60.00 | $153.00 | $4,122.00 |
| 15 | $4,327.50 | $558.75 | $75.00 | $191.25 | $5,152.50 |
To calculate tuition for credits not listed, multiply $343.50 by the total number of credits.
Out-of-State Resident
| Credits | Tuition | Institutional Fee | Capital Outlay Fee | Technology Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $398.00 | $37.25 | $10.00 | $12.75 | $458.00 |
| 3 | $1,194.00 | $111.75 | $30.00 | $38.25 | $1,374.00 |
| 6 | $2,388.00 | $223.50 | $60.00 | $76.50 | $2,748.00 |
| 9 | $3,582.00 | $335.25 | $90.00 | $114.75 | $4,122.00 |
| 12 | $4,776.00 | $447.00 | $120.00 | $153.00 | $5,496.00 |
| 15 | $5,970.00 | $558.75 | $150.00 | $191.25 | $6,870.00 |
To calculate tuition for credits not listed, multiply $458.00 by the total number of credits.
Important Considerations Regarding Tuition and Fees
- Tuition and fees are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or Harrisburg Area Community College Board of Trustees action, and changes become effective on the date enacted.
- The above information should be used only as a guideline for estimating costs.
Additional Fees
Certain courses may be subject to additional fees. They vary by course and can be found in course schedule information. These include:
- Independent Study Fee
- Private Music Lessons Fee
- Other miscellaneous fees (laboratory, liability, clinical experience, etc.)
Lastly, a few services incur separate fees such as fees for returned checks or for official transcripts.
Recent Tuition Adjustments
The College’s budget includes an increase in tuition and cost-saving measures to offset a projected deficit. The budget, developed with input from all constituency groups, focuses on serving as many students as possible in a sustainable manner as we continue to address the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
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The budget includes an overall increase in tuition and fees. Sponsored tuition decreased, non-sponsored tuition increased and out-of-state tuition increased. Dual enrollment and College in the High School tuition remained the same.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities
To help students pay for their education, current and future students can apply for a variety of scholarships available through the HACC Foundation, including full-ride scholarships that cover 100% of the cost of earning a HACC credential.
Utilizing the Net Price Calculator
HACC provides a Net Price Calculator for estimated net price information to current and prospective students. The calculator does not represent a final determination, or actual award, of financial assistance, or a final net price; it is an estimate based on cost of attendance and financial aid provided to students in a previous year. The cost of attendance and financial aid availability change year to year. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be eligible for and receive a financial aid award. This includes Federal grant, loan, or work-study assistance.
