Howard Community College (HCC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Howard Community College
Set in the heart of Columbia's tree-lined neighborhoods, Howard Community College is known for strong transfer preparation and practical, hands-on learning across health sciences, technology, business, and the arts. Classes center on teaching and mentorship, with well-equipped labs, studios, and a light-filled library that doubles as a study hub. You'll find a vibrant arts wing, collaborative makerspaces, and quiet nooks that feel like a second home. It just feels easy to belong.
Student life leans welcoming and active: clubs, cultural events, gallery shows, intramurals, and a fitness center that keeps the energy up. Support runs deep with advising, tutoring, writing help, counseling, and career coaching. And career prep taps the Baltimore and Washington region, connecting students to internships, site visits, and employer meetups. The college's community-focused vibe fits its town: trails, lakes, and a live music scene are right nearby. A professional theater on campus and regular campus-wide showcases give HCC a creative streak that sticks.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Howard Community College (HCC) offers 36 degree programs across 12 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,172 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (2 programs, 635 graduates), Health (9 programs, 262 graduates), Business (7 programs, 130 graduates), Computer & IT (3 programs, 43 graduates) and Education (3 programs, 21 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (2 programs, 635 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 465 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0102 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 170 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Health (9 programs, 262 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 160 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Medical Radiologic Technology | 20 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0907 |
| Cardiovascular Technology | 16 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
51.0901 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 16 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | 15 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0910 |
| Dental Hygiene | 14 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0602 |
| Community Health and Preventive Medicine | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
51.2208 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0806 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 2 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0904 |
Business (7 programs, 130 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 51 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0101 |
| Management Information Systems | 49 |
|
Associate's
|
52.1201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 20 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Accounting | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.0301 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 3 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0401 |
| Management Science | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1301 |
| Business Administration and Management | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
Computer & IT (3 programs, 43 graduates)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | 36 |
|
Associate's
|
11.0101 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0901 |
| Cloud Computing | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
11.0902 |
Education (3 programs, 21 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Education | 11 |
|
Associate's
|
13.0101 |
| Elementary Education | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1202 |
| Early Childhood Education | 4 |
|
Associate's
|
13.1210 |
Eng. Technologies (4 programs, 19 graduates)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drafting and Design Technology | 9 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
15.1301 |
| Biomedical Technology | 4 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15.0401 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology | 3 |
|
Associate's
|
15.0303 |
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology | 3 |
|
Other Award
|
15.0613 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 18 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant and Culinary Management | 18 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
12.0504 |
Engineering (3 programs, 15 graduates)
Engineering Sciences and Applied Technology Solutions
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Engineering | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
14.0101 |
| Computer Engineering | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
14.0901 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
14.1001 |
Human Sciences (1 programs, 12 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Management | 12 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19.0708 |
Construction (1 programs, 10 graduates)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Finishing and Inspection | 10 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
46.0499 |
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 Howard Community College (HCC)
How much does it cost to attend Howard Community College (HCC)?
The annual tuition at Howard Community College (HCC) is $7,920 for in-state students and $10,107 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $10,728 for in-state students and $12,915 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $20,151 (off-campus) and books and supplies $2,808.
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 Howard Community College offer?
Howard Community College (HCC) offers 36 academic programs across 12 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (9 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (7 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (3 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (3 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 Howard Community College?
Howard Community College (HCC) provides financial aid to 8% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $4,749 and average loans of $5,202.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,928
- State/Local grants: $1,986
- Institutional grants: $1,664
- Federal loans: $5,097
The university supports 373 students with grants and 48 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 Howard Community College graduates?
Howard Community College (HCC) graduates earn a median salary of $39,195 after 6 years and $49,020 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $25,196 (25th percentile) to $77,530 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $80,100 (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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