Get help paying for school
We know that paying for your education can be a challenge. That’s where Highline Community College can help. We offer various funding options to help pay for college, including:
Federal, state financial aid
Your eligibility for federal and state financial aid including grants, certain loans and work study is based on your FAFSA application.- Grants
The funds do not have to be paid back—unless you fail to meet the conditions of the award. - Loans
These funds must be paid back.- For a subsidized loan: The government pays the interest while you are in college, the first six months after you leave school and during a period of deferment.
- For an unsubsidized loan: You’re responsible for interest payments from the time you take out the loan, even while you are in college. You can pay while in college or delay the interest payments.
- Student Employment/Work Study
You can earn a portion of your financial aid through working on or off campus.
Other funding options
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Workforce Retraining
If you are unemployed or face imminent layoff, this program helps pay for your first quarter of college — including tuition, fees and books — so you can take courses in a professional-technical program. -
Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) program
BFET is open to students who receive benefits through the state Department of Social & Health Services’ Basic Food program. Students can receive short-term assistance for tuition, books, fees, bus passes and child care. -
Opportunity Grants program
This program helps low-income adults take classes for specific high-wage, high-demand careers. The grant covers tuition for short-term programs, as well as some fees, books and supplies. -
WorkFirst Services
If you are a parent currently or recently a recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you may be eligible to receive financial help with tuition costs and required textbooks for Adult Basic Education, GED and English-as-a-Second Language, employment skill upgrade and vocational training classes. -
Scholarships
Highline offers scholarship opportunities through various campus programs and the HCC Foundation.- Scholarships do not have to be paid back.
- Scholarship criteria varies for each award and can be based on academic achievement, athletic or artistic talent, financial need, fields of study or community service.
- Scholarship applications are separate from the application for federal or state financial aid.
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Student Tuition Easy Payment Plan
The STEPP program allows you to pay for your education on an interest-free installment payment plan.- Payments are due twice during fall, winter and spring quarters, or once during summer quarter.
- Note: This program is not eligible for books, fines or parking costs.
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Tax credits
The federal government allows you to claim tax credits for out-of-pocket tuition and related educational expenses through the American Opportunity Credit credit. At the end of the tax year, Highline sends an IRS form 1098-T to students who qualify. - Veterans’ benefits
Education benefits are available for qualified veterans. Highline’s Veterans Services can help you complete your paperwork.
