HCC Ranks in Top 20 for Nation's Best Two-Year Colleges for Adult Learners

For the third year in a row, Howard Community College has been named as one of the nation’s best two-year colleges for adult learners, according to rankings released today by Washington Monthly. Howard Community College came in at number 20 on the list, with high scores for ease of transfer, flexibility of programs, and services for adult students. Washington Monthly, based in the nation’s capital, became the first publication in 2016 to recognize two-year and four-year colleges for their service to adult students. Howard Community College is the only Maryland community college to have earned a spot in the top 20 every year since the rankings began.

“Howard Community College values having a diverse student population, where all students receive the education and services they need to achieve success,” said Dr. Kate Hetherington, president of Howard Community College. “Washington Monthly’s rankings recognize the importance of providing a college environment that is supportive of adult learners. To be acknowledged for three successive years for Howard Community College’s commitment to adult learners is a testament to the incredible work of our trustees, faculty, and staff.”

To develop its rankings, Washington Monthly used data from the Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) survey, College Board’s Annual Survey of Colleges, and the College Scorecard. Washington Monthly looked at ease of enrollment and transfer, availability of services, and program flexibility. Other areas of measurement include percentage of students over age 25, earnings 10 years after attending college, graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and tuition and fees.

“Adult students tend to attend college part time, since they have to balance school with earning a living and, often, raising a family,” wrote Gilad Edelman, editor of the Washington Monthly, in Washington Monthly’s 2018 College Rankings issue. “That means they have different needs: flexible course schedules with plenty of weekend and evening offerings; adult-focused support like on-campus daycare; and the ability to easily transfer or apply previous course work.” *

During the fall 2017 semester, Howard Community College served more than 9,723 credit-seeking students, with adult students (ages 25 years and above) amounting to 36 percent of the population. The average age for the college’s credit students is 26 years old. 

At Howard Community College, adult students have the option to earn their associate degree, advance with professional certification, or update their job skills. Academic programs vary from science, cybersecurity, and engineering to teacher education, accounting, business, and allied health. The college also provides a broad array of noncredit courses to help students enter or advance quickly in the workforce. Among the offerings are certified nursing assistant, child care, information technology, project management, and event planning. With a majority of credit and noncredit students enrolled part time, Howard Community College offers courses in a variety of delivery methods—online, hybrid, and in-person, as well as daytime, evening, and weekend. 

Adult students receive support from such on-campus services as academic advising, tutoring, military and veterans’ assistance, and credit for prior learning. Students may also seek career and personal counseling through the college’s Counseling and Career Services Center. Additional assistance is available on such topics as writing resumes, improving interview skills, finding internships, and securing new jobs.

Learn more about the Washington Monthly’s 2018 college rankings.

Find more information on services and support for adult students at Howard Community College.