Where To Start

If you have not already done so, be sure to file your 2026-2027 FAFSA®. For you to be considered for need-based financial aid and scholarships, HCU must have your FAFSA on file.

Applying for financial aid and/or student loans can seem a little overwhelming. While there are many forms and deadlines, the Office of Financial Aid can help. If you have any questions while applying for aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

The FAFSA® is the application for all formats of federal grant aid and federal student loans. It must be completed online each year, beginning October 1, for the following academic year. Download the myStudentAid app and file the FAFSA® from your phone. The myFAFSA® component is one of the app’s featured functions. You can file the FAFSA®, manage your FSA ID, and view your loan information, if applicable. The uniquely designed web pages on the site will fit screens of any size and shape, including those on desktop, laptop, and mobile devices.

As part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the IRS Direct Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) has been replaced by the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX). In prior years, using the DRT was optional, but now all FAFSA applicants who indicate they have filed a federal tax return will be directed to use the IRS DDX. Those who refuse, or who are not eligible to use the IRS DDX will be required to submit an IRS Tax Return Transcript which may result in a processing delay and possible changes to their financial aid.

Some families will not be able to use the IRS DDX:

• If the parents of a dependent student file separate tax returns;
• If an applicant’s parent has a change in marital status after the end of the tax year on December 31;
• If anyone has filed an amended tax return;
• If the applicant or applicant’s parents have filed a foreign tax return.

If you are unable to use the DDX Tool you must request an IRS Tax Return Transcript to verify your income. You can request a free IRS Tax Return Transcript from the following:

• Online
  Visit www.IRS.gov and click on “Get Transcript Online.” If you haven’t already, you’ll need to create an IRS account and sign-in. Follow the prompts to print your Tax Return Transcript.
• Telephone
  Call (800) 908-9946 and follow the prompts to enter the tax filer’s information. Select “Option 2” to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript and then enter the appropriate tax year. If successfully validated, tax filers can expect their Tax Return Transcript to arrive at the address included in their online request within 5 to 10 business days.
• Paper Form
  Use IRS form 4506T-EZ. It can be downloaded at www.IRS.gov. Complete lines 1 through 4. Use the most current address on file with the IRS. Enter the appropriate tax year. Tax filers must sign and then mail or fax the completed form per instructions. Tax filers can expect to receive their transcript within 5 to 10 business days.

FILING THE FAFSA® PRIORITY DATES

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form online as early as October 1 and no later than March 1.

Mission of the Office of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) will provide unbiased comprehensive financial aid information and support by helping students and their families seek, obtain, and make the best use of financial resources for education while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines, policies, and procedures.

The Office of Financial Aid is committed to the highest level of customer service and effective, efficient delivery of financial assistance from federal, private and institutional sources to all Heritage Christian University students. By providing the opportunity for all current and prospective students to access financial aid resources, the OFA seeks to remove financial obstacles by providing effective, efficient delivery of financial aid resources and assistance to all HCU students in a timely manner and in compliance with all federal regulatory requirements and University standards, and allow students to focus on their primary purpose for enrollment – an HCU degree.