Often, students need to borrow money to help with school related expenses. Typically, a student who needs to borrow to complete school is making a good investment in their future. However, many students enter into debt without a clear picture of how it will affect them in the long run. The Hartnell College Financial Aid office is dedicated to student success. To help students successfully navigate the student loan process, we have loan workshops to assist you.
Ways to reduce debt: jobs, scholarships, & budget planning
We encourage students to consider part-time employment as a way to help pay for their expenses. Please visit the Hatnell College Career Development Center to explore job opportunities both on and off campus. We also encourage students to actively search for scholarships. A little bit of effort has the potential to save students hundreds or even thousands of dollars in student loan debt. Visit the Hartnell College Scholarship office in CAB-156C or at www.hartnell.edu/financial_aid/scholarships for more information.
The Student Loan Process at Hartnell College
- Student must apply for financial aid to receive a student loan by completing the Free Application for Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov; Hartnell’s school code is 001209.
- After completing the FAFSA, students will receive a Student Aid Report from the US Department of Education.
- Within a few weeks of receiving the SAR, students will receive an award letter from the Hartnell College Financial Aid office and/or we may request additional information and/or documents to be submitted to complete your financial aid file.
- After the documents requested by the Hartnell College Financial Aid office are completed and returned, the file will be reviewed for grants, work study, and BOGW fee waiver eligibility.
- The student will complete any necessary entrance counseling workshops then hand in their loan application by the semester loan deadline. Students applying for a loan will also need to complete a necessary exit counseling workshop prior to final disbursement.
- A promissory note will be sent to the student by EdFund.
- The complete promissory note should be sent by the student via regular mail to the lender.
- The funds are then requested, mailed to Hartnell. Once the funds are received, the student is called into pick up their loan check from the Cashier’s Office in person.
- The student’s financial stress is eased during the school year allowing them to focus on their studies and complete their educational goal, which in turn offers them more career opportunities. When the student is able work in their chosen field, the debt is worthwhile.
