April is Community College Month

Happy Community College Month! Along with all of Maryland’s 16 community colleges, Howard Community College is excited to celebrate the benefits and impact of community colleges during the month of April. You may already know that community colleges provide affordable, accessible, quality educational opportunities for all. But, did you know…

1. Community college is a top choice for Maryland freshmen and sophomore students. In fact, 70% of Maryland first and second year college students are enrolled at one of Maryland’s 16 community colleges!
2. When community college students spend on their education, it is an investment towards their future. On average, students see a return of $60 in higher future earnings for every dollar spent at HCC.
3. Community college students boost our economy. 88% of alumni from Maryland’s 16 community colleges remain within the state and contribute to their local and state economies. The net impact of HCC’s former students currently employed in the county amounted to $228.7 million in added income in FY18-19.
4. Maryland community colleges contribute more than $8.7 billion towards Maryland’s economy, which is equivalent to the employment of 113,805 people!
5. Community colleges are the single largest workforce trainer in Maryland. Community colleges support the region’s fastest growing industries through innovative workforce development in nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, and hospitality (to name a few).
6. Graduating from one of Maryland’s community colleges has proven to have profound impact on earnings. The average Maryland community college graduate will see an increase in earnings of $9,700 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in the same field.
7. Community colleges remain the most affordable choice in higher education. The cost of higher education has skyrocketed, becoming the 2nd highest consumer debt behind mortgages. Students who start at a Maryland community college can save 60% compared to public four year colleges, 76 % compared to for-profit colleges, and 91% compared to Maryland private colleges’ tuition costs.

Howard Community College will be sharing more facts about community colleges on social media this month, so be sure to follow along and like us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Tik Tok!