Highland Community College (HCC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Highland Community College
Set amid northwest Illinois prairie, Highland Community College offers a grounded start to college. The college is known for solid teaching in arts and sciences, applied fields, and business, with plenty of hands-on work. Students find a welcoming library, labs and studios, tech-enabled classrooms, and a student center. Support runs deep, from tutoring and advising to counseling, disability resources, and transfer guidance.
Campus life feels close-knit and practical, with clubs, performances, service projects, and intramurals creating easy ways to plug in. Outdoor spaces and fitness areas give room to move. And career prep leans on real assignments, resume help, and links to regional employers. The Freeport community adds internships, part-time jobs, and a friendly Midwestern vibe, plus regular campus-community events that have become a quiet tradition.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Highland Community College (HCC) offers 28 degree programs across 15 major academic fields, graduating approximately 636 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 170 graduates), Health (6 programs, 147 graduates), Transportation (1 programs, 123 graduates), Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 60 graduates) and Human Sciences (1 programs, 30 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 170 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 159 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| General Studies | 11 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
Health (6 programs, 147 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing and Patient Care Assistant | 118 |
|
Residency
|
51.3902 |
| Registered Nursing | 19 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Medical Assistant | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0801 |
| Medical Insurance Coding | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
51.0713 |
| Health Information Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0707 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0904 |
Transportation (1 programs, 123 graduates)
Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truck and Bus Driver and Instructor | 123 |
|
Residency
|
49.0205 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 60 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 60 |
|
Associate's
|
30.0101 |
Human Sciences (1 programs, 30 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 30 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
19.0709 |
Production (1 programs, 25 graduates)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding Technology | 25 |
|
Other Award
|
48.0508 |
Business (3 programs, 25 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 14 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Accounting | 9 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0301 |
| Entrepreneurship Studies | 2 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0701 |
Agriculture (3 programs, 19 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Production Operations | 10 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
01.0301 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
01.0101 |
| Equine Studies | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
01.0507 |
Personal Services (2 programs, 12 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 9 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12.0401 |
| Nail Technology and Manicuring | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
12.0410 |
Mechanics (2 programs, 7 graduates)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Mechanics Technology | 6 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
47.0604 |
| Computer Installation and Repair Technology | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
47.0104 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Highland Community College (HCC)
How much does it cost to attend Highland Community College (HCC)?
The annual tuition at Highland Community College (HCC) is $6,976 for in-state students and $7,120 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $7,696 for in-state students and $7,840 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $5,603 (off-campus) and books and supplies $720.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Highland Community College offer?
Highland Community College (HCC) offers 28 academic programs across 15 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Logistics Management, Supply Chain and Transportation Systems (1 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (1 programs)
- Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Highland Community College?
Highland Community College (HCC) provides financial aid to 18% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,338 and average loans of $5,293.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,180
- State/Local grants: $3,088
- Institutional grants: $2,715
- Federal loans: $5,293
The university supports 154 students with grants and 14 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Highland Community College graduates?
Highland Community College (HCC) graduates earn a median salary of $33,425 after 6 years and $37,928 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $19,695 (25th percentile) to $56,606 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $58,100 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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