April is Community College Month

Happy Community College Month!

Celebrated annually in April, Howard Community College (HCC) is excited to celebrate the benefits and impact of the nation's 1,026 public, tribal and independent community colleges. You may already know that community colleges provide affordable, accessible, quality educational opportunities for all. But did you know…

1. Across the country, there are 10.2 million students taking credit and noncredit classes at community colleges. 
2. Community colleges are the most affordable choice in higher education.
3. The average annual cost of tuition and fees to attend a public, in-district community college in the U.S. is $3,990 compared to $11,260 for a public, in-state, four-year college. 
4. How did U.S. community college students pay the cost of tuition and fees? Over 35% received federal grants, 12% received federal loans, 22% received state aid, and 8% received institutional aid. 
5. You can take courses in virtually any field you can imagine at your local community college. Both credit and continuing education (noncredit) programs are available. 
6. Locally, continuing education students represented 47% of the 250,905 students registered in Maryland's credit and noncredit community college programming in 2022.
7. Approximately 72%, or 228 of the 318 Workforce Training Certificate programs offered by Maryland community colleges, focus on the skills and knowledge needed to obtain a license, certification, or industry credential. 
8. Community colleges support the region's fastest-growing industries through innovative workforce development in nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, and hospitality (to name a few).
9. Apprenticeship programs have recently gained popularity among Maryland's community college students, "emerging as a valuable avenue for students to gain hands-on skills and practical knowledge."
10. Last year, 15 of Maryland’s 16 community colleges provided training in 82 traditional, registered apprentice programs. There were 5,310 students served by these colleges across both traditional and nontraditional apprenticeship programs.
11. The apprenticeship “earn while you learn” model at HCC enables employers to fill open jobs, improve productivity and profitability, and reduce turnover.
12. Over 90% of apprentices remain with their host employer after completing a registered apprenticeship. HCC has built a comprehensive apprenticeship program, with opportunities available for students with various career interests.

Share your community college experience on social media using the hashtags #HowardCCLove and #CCMonth. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok and LinkedIn to learn more facts about national and local community colleges all month!