Expenses and Financial Aid

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees*

(*All costs subject to change)

In-state students

$1200 Per semester tuition for full-time students (12 - 24 hours)
$100   Per credit hour additional fee for students enrolled in 25 or more hours
$100   Per credit hour for part-time students (11 hours or less)
$50     Registration fee (non-refundable)
$110   Late registration fee (non-refundable)
$20     Per credit hour for distance learning classes (plus regular tuition)

Out-of-state students (and out of country)

$2,500 Per semester tuition for full-time students (12 -24 hours)
$200    Per credit hour additional fee for students enrolled in 25 or more hours
$200    Per credit hour for part-time students (11 hours or less)
$50      Registration fee (non-refundable)
$110    Late registration fee (non-refundable)
$20      Per credit hour for distance learning classes (plus regular tuition)
$515    International insurance for foreign students 
$125    Out-of-country service fee per semester for foreign students

Housing (Raymond and Utica Campuses)

$50      Housing room reservation fee (non-refundable). Prepay prior to each semester (See Housing Handbook for housing eligibility requirements) 
$1,000-1,500 Housing fee per semester for residence halls

Meals

$950     Meal Plan (19 meals per week-Raymond and Utica Campuses)
$190     Commuter meal ticket (optional-see below)

Summer Tuition and Fees

$50       Registration Fee
$100     Per semester hour for in-state students
$200     Per semester hour for out-of-state students
$20       Per semester hour for distance learning classes (plus regular tuition)
$295     Per each 4-week term meals
$300     Per each 4-week term housing fee for residence halls

Other charges

$30       Lab fee
$25       Parking decal per semester/term
$75       Financial Lab Course Fee

Credit Card/Online Payment

Hinds Community College will accept Hinds debit card, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa for the payment of student tuition and fees. Students may pay tuition and fees online at My.Hinds. Deferred fee payment is available for Fall and Spring and Summer semester/term. For more information call the business office at the location you plan to attend:

Payment of Registration Expenses Required according to the date set by the college:

The payment of charges for tuition, fees, room, and board is part of the registration process. All fees are due according to the scheduled date set by the college. Thus, Hinds requires each registered student to have completed one of the following steps:

1. Paid fees in full
2. Entered into a payment plan for the current outstanding account balance on My.Hinds. For log-in instructions, visit www.hindscc.edu/online.
3. Have completed all financial aid forms and have financial aid award amount that can pay ALL outstanding fees.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE ONE OF THESE STEPS WILL RESULT IN DELETION OF YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE!!! You will then have to re-register for your classes which may result in inconvenient times, sections, or locations.

Student Deregistration Deadline Occurs during the Second Week of Traditional Classes:

All students who register 9 days or less, prior to the first day of traditional classes or during late registration must also make arrangements for payment of tuition, housing, and meals to complete the registration process. Thus, Hinds requires each registered student to have completed one of the following steps by the end of the second week of classes:

1. Paid fees in full
2. Entered into a payment plan for the current outstanding account balance on My.Hinds.  For log-in instructions, visit www.hindscc.edu/online.  
3. Have completed all financial aid forms and have financial aid award amount that can pay ALL outstanding fees.

FAILURE TO COMPLETE ONE OF THESE STEPS WILL RESULT IN DELETION OF YOUR CLASS SCHEDULE!!! IN ADDITION, YOUR ACCOUNT MAY BE TURNED OVER TO A THIRD PARTY COLLECTION AGENT.

Web Payment at My.Hinds on the College website at www.hindscc.edu:

My. Hinds allows students to use the latest technology to complete business transactions with the College at anytime. Students may check their account balances or pay tuition and various fees by using a credit or debit card. Parents must obtain the student’s login ID and password from their student to access this feature.

Method of Payment:

Payment of fees may be made on-line using Hinds Debit Card, American Express, Discover,Visa or MasterCard on My.Hinds. At each campus you may visit the business office which accepts credit cards, money orders, travelers checks, paper checks (subject to approval by Telecheck), and cash.

Payment Plan:

Hinds offers a tuition and fees payment plan which helps in budgeting college costs but requires financial planning by students and their families. Full-time students and part-time students with more than 3 hours will qualify to enroll in the monthly payment plan which will include the cost for tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Students are required to pay all previous term balances to complete the registration process. Students who elect to participate in the payment plan must go to www.hindscc.edu on the College website to enroll and complete the necessary documents.

Once the agreement is completed the student will be charged immediately a $25 set up fee (per semester non-refundable service fee) along with the down-payment amount.  Payments thereafter are processed on the 5th of the month and continue until balance is paid in full.  Failure to make timely payments according to your agreement will result in the student’s restriction from future class registration, possibly having the account assigned to a collection agency, and non-release of transcripts.

Clearance of Obligations:

All financial or other obligations to the College must be cleared prior to the end of each semester or term. An outstanding balance for a prior semester or term must be paid before the student will be allowed to register for subsequent semesters or terms. Transcripts will not be issued if financial obligations have not been satisfied. Failure to meet financial obligations to the College could subject the student to additional late payment charges, as well as collection costs.

Other Expenses that may be incurred:

In addition to registration expenses, expenses may be incurred by students during the semester. The following are examples of charges that may be payable when incurred.

Withholding of Funds:

If there is an outstanding account balance, and the College has in its possession any funds payable to the student, the College reserves the right to withhold funds necessary to pay the outstanding balance and cover any collection costs incurred. Once accounts are paid, any remaining balance will be refunded to the student.

Student Loans:

Student loans are disbursed in two (2) portions each semester or term. All student loans are disbursed electronically.

Student Refunds:

Each registered Hinds student will receive a Hinds Debit Card. After all charges are paid, the balance of a student’s refund is credited to their Hinds Debit Card in quarterly payments during each semester.  The Hinds Debit Card will be mailed to the student, using the address on file with the College, approximately 3 or 4 weeks into the semester. To receive any refunds from the College, a student must activate his or her Hinds Debit Card. During card activation, the student will choose how to receive his or her refund money. Students have the following options:

1. Once the College releases the funds, they can be directly deposited to the student’s Hinds Debit Card Account (1 day or less)
   The OneAccount from Higher One is a fully functioning FDIC insured FREE CHECKING account that allows students quick and easy access to their refunds. The OneAccount has no minimum balance, no monthly fees, and free Internet banking features. With the OneAccount, students can use their Hinds Debit Card to make purchases anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted. Students will receive an e-mail when their refund has been directly deposited to their OneAccount. Students may view detail activity of their OneAccount by accessing their OneAccount statement online at www.HindsDebitCard.com.
2. Once the College releases the funds, they can be directly deposited (ACH) to a third party bank account of the student’s choice (2 - 3 business days)
   If students choose to have their refund electronically deposited to an already existing bank account, the transfer may take 2-3 business days from the day the College releases the funds. Students will receive an e-mail once their refund has been processed. In order to have a refund deposited to their bank account, students must activate their Hinds Debit Card making the ACH to a third party bank choice at www.HindsDebitCard.com.

Regardless of how students choose to receive their refunds, they must use their Hinds Debit Card to make their refund delivery choice online at www.HindsDebitCard.com.

Withdrawals and Refunds:

Complete withdrawal:

Prior to Classes Starting

Students officially withdrawing prior to the start of a term will not be held liable for fees (other than nonrefundable fees). Students who have paid tuition can use My.Hinds to remove themselves from all classes.  For log-in instructions, visit www.hindscc.edu/online.

After Classes Have Started

Students must complete an official withdrawal form in the appropriate counseling office. In addition, the student must be current on their payment plan or pay any fees owed within 14 days of billing. Withdrawal from classes may result in the loss of financial aid previously applied. Students receiving Federal Title IV funds (Pell Grants, FSEOG, and William D. Ford Loans) that withdraw from school will earn only a percentage of their award based on the last day of attendance through 60% of the semester. If the amount disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, the student may owe money back to Hinds. The liability for fees will not be excused for withdrawals effective after the start of the semester.

Refunds:

Students having made prior payment will be refunded the amount paid less their liability (the amount owed) after the withdrawal. Students suspended for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for refunds or reductions in liability. Refunds will be applied to any outstanding obligations and to any scholarship, grant, or loan received for the semester.  The refund policy is as follows:

Tuition and Fees:

• 100% refund if complete withdrawal is initiated during the first week of Traditional/MSVCC courses.*

• 50% refund if complete withdrawal is initiated during the second week of Traditional/MSVCC courses.*

*If a student is taking a combination of Traditional and MSVCC classes, the full refund is given during the first week of Traditional classes, with a 50% refund given during the second week of Traditional classes. 

 Housing Fees:

• 75% refund before the sixth calendar day after Traditional classes begin
• 50% refund before the eleventh calendar day after Traditional classes begin

Meal Plans:

• Students withdrawing from residence halls during the semester may be refunded all full weeks remaining on the meal ticket period upon properly checking out of the residence halls.

Students who are Placed in Active Military Status:

Any student who has enrolled at Hinds Community College under the governance of the Board of Trustees, who is a member of the Mississippi National Guard, or one or more units of the Mississippi State Guard, or who is a member of any of the reserve components of the armed forces of the United States, and who has been placed in active duty status by orders of the President of the United States, or who has been drafted into any component of the armed forces of the United States, may be allowed to withdraw as a student of the college, with a full tuition refund, out of state fees (if applicable), student fees and any special fees, with room and board fees prorated with the approval of the president. 

Any student who withdraws from the college under this policy will not receive any grades. The student record will show evidence of the withdrawal with documentation on file. 

Any student who has completed at least 3/4 of the semester and is in good standing with the college, and who needs only to take the final examination to complete the semester, has the option to leave the college pursuant to this policy, without his class standing affected, and without refund of any of the above fees or tuition.  However, within ninety (90) days after release from active duty, the student must make arrangements to take the final examination.  The score on the final exam plus the unfinished semester’s work will constitute the student’s final grade. 

In-State and Out-of-State Status:

See section on Residency Requirements in this catalog.  In-state or out-of-state status concerns or questions should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records.

Change in Regulations or Expenses:

All financial regulations, fees, or charges are subject to change as conditions warrant.

Financial Aid

General Requirements

Financial assistance is provided to students who have met admission requirements of the college and is to be used for educational purposes. For the student to be eligible to continue receiving Federal financial aid, he/she must file a yearly Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In order to receive financial aid from any Federal Financial Aid Program, Mississippi Aid Program, or Hinds Community College, the student must be in good standing and must make satisfactory progress in his/her course of study according to Hinds Community College Policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress. A student on Financial Aid suspension or student loan default or who owes Federal overpayment is not eligible for Federal or State financial aid.

Funds for financial aid come from Federal Government Programs, Hinds Community College, the State of Mississippi, individuals, and local civic organizations. The amount of money available for each award year depends upon the amount of money made available for the institution from these sources.

Federal Financial Aid Only Available to High School Graduates and GED^® Graduates

Due to the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012, students who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED^®) and/or did not complete secondary school in a homeschool setting are no longer eligible for Title IV funds by passing an “ability to benefit” test.  A Certificate of Completion or Occupational Diploma are not equivalent to a standard high school diploma. 

Those students who were enrolled in an eligible program of study prior to July 1, 2012 may continue to be considered Title IV eligible under the previously existing ability to benefit guidance.  Students that are still in high school and take concurrent enrollment classes are not eligible for financial aid. 

How to Apply

To be considered for any type of financial aid listed below, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov The Office of Financial Aid will electronically receive the results of the FAFSA approximately three to five days after the student files, provided Hinds’ Title IV school code, 002407, is submitted on the FAFSA. The student will be notified by mail if any additional documents are required. Financial Aid will be awarded to each student based on the individual’s need. Each student is considered for all types of aid and awarded accordingly. Early filing of the FAFSA will insure sufficient time to study the needs of each student. In order to receive priority consideration, the results from the FAFSA should be received by the Financial Aid Office prior to April 1. Additional applications will continue to be accepted after this date; however this is a priority deadline for programs which may have limited funding.

Return of Title IV Funds

Special rules apply when students withdraw after receiving Title IV financial aid for the term from any of the following programs:

• Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (SUB & UNSUB)
• Federal PLUS Loan (borrowed on the student’s behalf)

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 define Withdrawal as failure to complete the period of attendance on which federal aid eligibility was based and Unofficial Withdrawals as those students who simply stop attending class. Therefore, this policy affects not only those individuals who complete the formal withdrawal notification process, but also those students who simply stop attending classes. In either case, when a recipient of Title IV funds ceases attendance during a term, the college must calculate how much was earned by the student.

These rules are federally mandated and the amount of aid a student has earned for the enrollment period is based on the length of time the student remained enrolled for that period. Therefore, the percentage of the enrollment period completed is also the percentage of aid the student has earned. If a student withdraws on or before the 60% point of the enrollment period, the percentage of aid earned is equal to the percentage of time completed and excess funds must be returned to Title IV within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point of the enrollment period has earned 100% of the grant aid for that period. Hinds Community College will return all unearned amount of Title IV Funds to the Department of Education. A student must be enrolled in at least 6 hours in order to receive a loan disbursement. The amount of returned funds will be charged back to the student’s college account in the business office. Funds will be returned to the applicable Title IV aid programs in the following order:

1. Federal Unsubsidized Loan
2. Federal Subsidized Loan
3. PLUS Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
6. Other Title IV Aid

All withdrawals (official and unofficial) are determined by the institution by a weekly report that identifies all Title IV recipients that have received a grade of F or W. The return to Title IV calculation will be completed using the first day we became aware the student has ceased attendance. After this calculation has been completed, the student might be entitled to a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be sent to the student within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew. This type of disbursement is received after the student has withdrawn from school but has earned a greater percentage of aid than has been advanced to them.

Federal Programs

 State Programs

* Must remain in a minimum of 12 semester hours to retain aid from State Programs.

Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress

Hinds Community College is required by federal regulations to establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to determine a student’s eligibility for the following Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs:

• Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
• William D. Ford Direct Loan Program (SUB & UNSUB)
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Parent Plus Loan (PLUS)
• Federal College Work-Study (FWS)

Hinds Community College has determined that all students will fall under the same Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.  To receive and maintain financial assistance, a student must make satisfactory progress toward the competition of an eligible academic, technical, or career program of study. The following policies are in compliance with federal guidelines for Satisfactory Academic Progress:

To Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, a student must meet the following conditions:

1. A student must pass 2/3 of cumulative semester hours attempted. This includes withdrawn and repeated class hours.  
2. A student must also maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) based on semesters attempted as outlined in the chart below:

Veterans Benefits

The Office of Veterans Benefits is available to assist all eligible veterans and dependents in making application for benefits. Academic, technical, and career courses are open (unless otherwise specified in program description) to students in either of the above categories. Every effort is made to facilitate admission into the student’s choice of programs.

Applications for the Montgomery G.I. Bill may be initiated online at gibill.va.gov.  For additional information call 601.857.3226 or 1-800-HINDS CC.

Admission

Students who plan to receive veterans benefits must satisfy the college’s admission requirements as outlined in the Admission Requirements section of this catalog before enrollment certifications can be sent to the Veterans Affairs Regional Processing Center in Muskogee, OK.  In addition, all transcripts from schools previously attended must be furnished in order to comply with the Regulations of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Registration

Students receiving veterans benefits must at all times have a definite program of study and be enrolled in courses leading to completion of the designated program at Hinds Community College. Only these courses can be represented on an enrollment certification and calculated towards the student’s Rate of Pursuit.

All veterans benefits recipients are required to see a college counselor to plan their course of study prior to the beginning of each enrollment period.

Each student must file an Application for Veterans’ Benefits at Hinds Community College for EACH enrollment period. Applications for Veteran’s Benefits at Hinds Community College can be obtained at the Veterans’ Benefit Office on the Raymond Campus, at any Academic counselor’s office or on the Hinds Community College Veterans’ Benefits website.

In any case where a student is taking courses outside of his/her published program, it is the responsibility of the student to present the required documentation to have that course accredited to their Rate of Pursuit. Any of these documents will be considered acceptable documentation:

A copy of the approved course substitution form
An Official Letter signed by the Department Head for the specific program, approving the course towards student’s declared Program of Study
An Official Letter signed by an Academic Counselor approving the course towards a student’s declared Program of Study

Credit for Service Training

Students who served in the Armed Forces are encouraged to have an Official Military transcript sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. Educational work done by veterans while in active service is evaluated and credit given when possible. The recommendation of the American Council on Education in its handbook, Guide To The Evaluation Of Educational Experiences In the Armed Services, is used as a guide for the evaluation of all military credit.

Probation and Suspension

Students receiving veteran’s benefits are expected to maintain the same standards of satisfactory progress as all other students receiving financial aid. See Policy on Satisfactory Scholastic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits in this section of the catalog.

Exceptions from the Policy on Satisfactory Scholastic Progress for Recipients of Federally Funded Financial Aid and Veterans Benefits are as follows:

“W”s will not be used in calculating the number of semester hours attempted for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive veterans benefits.

Veterans benefits recipients may attempt additional hours beyond the 93 semester hours allowed in the policy without completing a degree, as long as they are maintaining satisfactory scholastic progress.

Veterans benefits recipients may pursue the allotted number of degrees as outlined by the Veterans Affairs.

NOTE: Policies stated for veterans comply with regulations 14253, 14277, 14278, Department of Veterans Affairs.

Changing Enrollment Status

Students receiving veterans benefits must notify the Office of Veteran’s Benefits whenever there is a change in their enrollment (IE dropped, withdrawn, canceled, added courses). Students who fail to comply with this regulation will be liable for repayment of any resulting over payments. (See policy below concerning over-payments.)

Tuition and Fee Payments under Post 9/11 GI Bill

Students receiving benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill will have the appropriated tuition and fee payment sent to Hinds Community College by the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs.  The Office of Veterans’ Benefits will submit the tuition and fees being charged no earlier the last day to drop/add a course for each semester.  Students will not be penalized or deregistered for delayed payment by the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs.

Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs Overpayment Policies

Student Actions That Result in Over-payments

1. Withdrawing from a course or school.
2. Receiving a grade which does not count toward your graduation requirements.
3. Failure to have an incomplete grade changed to a grade which counts toward your graduation requirements.

VA Actions Once an Overpayment is Created

1. Add interest charges and collection fees to your debt.
2. Withhold future benefits and apply them to your debt.
3. Turn your debt over to a private collection agency.
4. File suit in federal court to collect your debt.
5. Withhold approval of your VA home loan guarantee.
6. Collect the debt from your federal income tax refund.

Explanation of Mitigating Circumstances

The law requires that the VA must collect all benefits paid to a beneficiary for a course for which the grade assigned is not used in computing the requirements for graduation including a course from which the beneficiary withdraws, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

This means if you drop a course, unless you can show the VA that there are mitigating circumstances, you must return all the money paid to you for pursuit of that course from the start of the term, not merely from the date you dropped the course.

Examples of acceptable mitigating circumstances are prolonged illness, severe illness or death in your immediate family and unscheduled changes in your employment or work schedule.

Examples of unacceptable mitigating circumstances include withdrawal to avoid a failing grade, dislike of instructor and too many courses attempted.

NOTE: Student is required to submit evidence to support reasons before he/she can be accepted by the VA.
 

Hinds Community College Scholarships

Hinds Community College Scholarship Policies

The following policies have been established for administering Hinds Community College and Foundation scholarships.  Specific scholarships may have additional requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Have a high school diploma (regular or occupational diploma*) or GED^®
2. Submit all admission documents to Hinds Community College
3. Be currently admitted to Hinds Community College
4. Must not have an unsatisfactory academic progress status

*Occupational Diploma recipients must meet all admission requirements to the college as outlined in college catalog. 

Requirements for students to receive Hinds Community College and Foundation Scholarships:

1. Satisfy the requirements for the specific Hinds Community College scholarship.
2. Enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours by the end of the drop/add period for the 16 week term.  Please note: Scholarship funds for that semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have their presence recorded in 15 or more credit hours.

Requirements for students to retain Hinds Community College and Foundation Scholarships:

1. Students must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which they are receiving the scholarship.
2. Students must maintain the required cumulative grade point average required by the individual department. 
3. Any student who does not complete at least 12 or more credit hours with the required cumulative grade point average will forfeit his/her scholarship for future semesters unless an appeal is filed with and approved by the appropriate person. (See list below). In these instances, students will not be required to pay back any tuition portion of their scholarship and no refunds will be issued to these students.
4. Scholarships can be awarded for no more than four semesters unless prior approval is granted.  However, the amount, as well as the number of semesters a scholarship may be awarded may vary and is determined by each department.
5. Students receiving scholarships must attend Hinds CC in consecutive Fall/Spring semesters.  (Exceptions to this requirement: students participating in the Cooperative Job Program must get special permission from the District Scholarship Committee to continue their scholarship when they are working alternate semesters.)

Appeal Process:

A student may appeal the forfeiture of a scholarship based on the following:

1. Grade point average earned
2. Hours enrolled in and completed
3. Number of semesters awarded

A letter of appeal must be submitted in writing to the appropriate person (see list below) within 30 days of the end of the semester and should include any and all information that the student deems necessary.  If denied, the student may ask for the appeal to be reviewed by the District Scholarship Committee (appointed by the President of the College).

Awarding of Hinds Community College and Foundation Scholarships:

1. Scholarship awards will be applied to the student’s account, providing all admission requirements have been met and student does not have an unsatisfactory academic progress status.
2. The appropriate award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible student’s account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award. If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be transmitted to the student’s account according to the published disbursement schedule.
3. Refunds of unused awards will be disbursed according to the schedule published by the Financial Aid Office.  Students should review their My.Hinds self-service account periodically to view their charges and awards.

General Information:

1. The amount, as well as the number of semesters a scholarship may be awarded may vary and is determined by each department.
2. Scholarship awards will not exceed the allowable cost of attendance determined by the College. The Financial Aid Office has the authority to reduce the amount of a scholarship, if necessary, to follow federal awarding guidelines.
3. Failure to meet all policies will result in forfeiture of the scholarship. There is no probationary semester.
4. Students suspended/expelled from the College because of a disciplinary action will forfeit their scholarship and eligibility for future scholarships.
5. Students will be assessed additional fees for enrolling in more than 19 hours in a semester.  Scholarship calculations that are based on tuition will not cover the additional fees.
6. No institutional scholarship funds may be awarded for scholarships in the Summer. (Exception to this requirement – the award given to GED completers for their first class.) Any exception must be approved by the President of the College.

Scholarship Departments and individuals responsible for each specific Scholarship and for the appeals:

*ACT Scholarships—Enrollment Services Director
Art – Art Department Chairperson
Athletics and Cheerleading—Athletic Director
Band—Band Director
Career/Technical—Career Technical Dean
Choir—Choir Director
**Foundation—District Scholarship Committee Chairperson
GED^® Scholarships – Community Relations Vice President
Hi-Steppers—Hi-Stepper Director
Honors—Honors Institute Dean
Music/Music Industry—Music Department Chair

*See additional information in the ACT Scholarships section.

**See additional information in the Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships section.
 

For information on scholarships not listed above, students should contact the Financial Aid Office at 601-857-3223.

Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships

The Hinds Community College Foundation makes over 500 scholarship awards each year. Foundation Scholarships are awarded for Fall and Spring semesters only. Scholarship awards are based on classroom excellence, involvement in extracurricular activities, financial need, desire for achievement, and letters of recommendation. Criteria vary per scholarship. 

Unless otherwise indicated, scholarships are awarded to full-time students who enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours by the end of the drop/add period for the 16 week term. Minimum grade point average varies but no scholarship is awarded with less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

Students wishing to be considered for scholarships on the basis of financial need should have the results of their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) sent to Hinds CC prior to the March 1 deadline.  

Students should not apply for a particular Foundation Scholarship. Completed Foundation scholarship applications that are submitted by the deadline will be considered for any Foundation scholarships that are applicable to that particular student.  Deadline to apply and submit requirements is March 1.  Awards are generally made in April or May. Scholarship recipients are selected by the District Scholarship Committee, which is appointed annually by the President of the College.  Students selected for a Foundation Scholarship will receive a scholarship award packet which includes an award letter, acceptance form and the specific scholarship criteria. 

In order to be considered for a Foundation Scholarship, the following items must be submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services on the Raymond Campus no later than March 1:

1. HCC Application for Foundation Scholarships which includes a summary of why you feel you should be considered for this scholarship, list of achievements and statement of financial need, if applicable.  Apply online at www.hindscc.edu/financial aid and click on Scholarships.
2. Three letters of recommendation from individuals representing school, church, community, civic work, etc.  It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their recommendations have been submitted to the Office of Enrollment Services by March 1.   A standard recommendation form may be used and can be printed from the Hinds website. Visit www.hindscc.edu/financialaid and click on Scholarships.
3. A copy of high school and/or other appropriate transcripts (transcript may be unofficial but should include current cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above).  Transcripts submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records are not available to the Foundation.
4. ACT scores (or GED^® scores, if applicable).

Please note:  Scholarship applicants must have an application for admission on file in the Office of Admissions and Records. Incomplete application packets will not be considered for awards. 

Requirements for students to receive Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships*:

1. Students must return the signed acceptance form and a thank-you letter for the sponsor(s).  Any scholarship recipient who fails to accept his/her Foundation scholarship, in writing, by the deadline established in his/her award letter will forfeit the scholarship.
2. Students must enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours by the end of the drop/add period for the 16 week term, unless otherwise stipulated by the specific Foundation scholarship criteria.  Please note that Scholarship funds for that semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have their presence recorded in 15 or more credit hours. 

Requirements for students to retain Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships:

1. Foundation Scholarship recipients must attend the Scholarship Recognition Program each year they receive a Foundation Scholarship.  Failure to attend will result in forfeiting the scholarship, unless prior approval is granted by the Chairperson of the District Scholarship Committee.
2. Students must successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which they are receiving the scholarship.
3. Students must maintain the required cumulative grade point average required for their particular scholarship.  However, some scholarships are awarded only by semester.
4. A student receiving a Foundation Scholarship designated for a certain major or location will forfeit that scholarship if he/she changes majors or locations. 

Awarding of Hinds Community College Foundation Scholarships:

1. The award as well as the number of semesters a scholarship will be awarded may vary.
2. Scholarship awards will be applied to the student’s account providing all admission requirements have been met and the student does not have an unsatisfactory academic progress status.
3. The appropriate award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible student’s account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award.  If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be transmitted to the student’s account according to the schedule published by the Financial Aid Office.  Students should review their My.Hinds self-service account periodically to view their charges and awards. 

*Foundation Scholarship recipients must also abide by the Hinds Community College Scholarship policies.  For additional information, please call 601.857.3744.

ACT Scholarships

Hinds Community College is proud to offer the following ACT scholarships to eligible recipients:

Criteria to be eligible to receive an ACT scholarship:

1. Be admitted to the college as an in-state student.
2. Have a high school diploma (regular or *occupational diploma) or GED^®.
3. Submit an official ACT composite score of 21 or above before the first day of class. (No additional application is required to apply for this scholarship.  ACT scholarship recipients are identified as official ACT scores are received by the College.)
4. Be a first-time entering freshman (Hinds must be the first college you attend after receiving your high school diploma or GED®.  Please note: students may not receive both the ACT and the GED^® scholarship.)  Students are still eligible for an ACT scholarship if they:
   • Attend Summer School prior to enrolling at Hinds CC as a full-time student.
   • Participated in dual enrollment/dual credit classes before receiving a high school diploma or GED^®.

*Occupational Diploma recipients must meet all admission requirements to the college as outlined in the college catalog.

*Requirements for students to receive the ACT Scholarship:

1. Enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours by the end of the drop/add period for the 16 week term.  Please note:  Scholarship funds for that semester and following semesters will be forfeited if students do not enroll in and have their presence recorded in 15 or more hours. 

Requirements for students to retain the ACT Scholarship:

1. Successfully complete 12 or more credit hours during the semester in which you are receiving the scholarship.
2. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. 

Awarding of ACT Scholarships:

1. The scholarship award amount is based on the highest ACT composite score on file in the Office of Admissions and Records before the first day of class.
2. Scholarship award amounts cannot be changed by submitting a new score after the first day of classes.
3. ACT Scholarships are awarded for four consecutive Fall/Spring semesters. (ACT scholarships do not cover Summer terms.)
4. Once all criteria (shown above) are met, eligible recipients will be awarded this scholarship automatically.
5. The appropriate award amount will begin transmitting to the eligible student’s account 10 days prior to the first day of classes to pay tuition and fees, unless otherwise stipulated by the department granting the award.  If students have grants and scholarships in amounts greater than the total charges, the remaining amount will be transmitted to the student’s account according to the published disbursement schedule.
6. Returns of unused awards will be disbursed according to the schedule published by the Financial Aid Office.  Students should review their My.Hinds self-service account periodically to view their charges and awards. 

*ACT Scholarship recipients must also abide by the Hinds Community College Scholarship Policies.  

For more information call 601.857.3767 or 1.800.HINDSCC.