Loan Information

Federal Financial Aid Changes Effective the 2026-27 Academic Year 

Recent federal legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), introduces significant changes to federal student financial aid programs beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year (effective July 1, 2026).  

Key provisions of the legislation include new limitations and requirements for federal student loans, changes to repayment plans for both current and future borrowers, and revisions to Pell Grant eligibility. We understand that these developments may prompt questions and influence important financial planning decisions for students and their families. 

The Student Financial Aid Office is actively reviewing guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and will share additional details as they become available. We remain committed to supporting students and families throughout this transition and are available to help and answer questions. 

Please visit our Loan Q&A Information Page and StudentAid.gov for more information. 

If you are thinking about a loan to pay for your college education, start here.

Federal Direct Loans

Students may request new loans or adjustments to their Federal Direct Student Loan on Student Forms. Select 'Manage Request' to request the HCC Federal Direct Student Loan form.

The Federal Direct Loan Program provides low-interest loans for students or their parents. Federal regulations require that the student be registered and actively attend (if classes have started) a minimum of six (6) aid-eligible credits.

Note: The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution. HCC is required to submit all borrower loan information to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). NSLDS will be accessed by guaranty agencies, lenders and institutions determined by the U.S. Department of Education to be authorized users of the data system.

Our school has teamed up with Student Connections to help you with your student loans! Student Connections helps students manage their federal student loans. This service is completely FREE for you. 

Contact Student Connections to: 

• Find your loan balance and monthly payment amount
• Discuss available repayment plans
• Explore options to reduce or delay your payments

Visit My.StudentConnections.com or talk to a Borrower Advocate for free at (866) 311-9450 

About Student Connections 

Student Connections is passionate about helping students. They partner with schools to provide support for borrowers throughout the student loan repayment process. With more than 60 years of experience in counseling student loan borrowers, their primary goal is to help you find the repayment plan that best fits your needs. 

While you are in student loan repayment, Student Connections may contact you through emails, text messages and phone calls to:  

• Help you understand your loan obligations and responsibilities. 

• Discuss available options for an affordable repayment plan. 

• Ensure you are aware of repayment options during financial hardships. 

Note: Due to Federal privacy regulations, when Student Connections calls they will ask you to verify up to two pieces of personally identifiable information to ensure they are speaking with the correct person 

Students who have borrowed a federal Direct Loan at HCC or at a previous institution can view their loan information at https://studentaid.gov/. 

This is a loan and will require repayment, and therefore it is important to review the following information carefully before applying:

• How to Request a Loan
• Federal PLUS Loan HCC FAQ's
• Federal Student Aid - Federal Direct Loan Information
• Federal Student Aid - Federal PLUS Loan Information
• Annual Loan Limits
• Studentaid.gov
• National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS) : You must now login to "My Federal Student Aid" to view your NSLDS information.
• Federal Loan Consolidation
• Federal Student Aid Ombudsman
• Alternative/Private Loans