The Benefits of Choosing Community College

April is Community College Month! Along with all of Maryland’s 16 community colleges, Howard Community College is proud to highlight community college’s impact and role in providing quality educational opportunities for Marylanders. Check out these facts about Maryland’s community colleges and be sure to follow HCC on social media to learn more about community colleges throughout the month.

Did you know…

1. We’re Affordable. Community Colleges offer the lowest tuition costs in higher education. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, the average annual community college tuition and fees are $3,730 compared to $10,440 which is the average annual tuition and fees at a public four-year institution. See how much it costs to attend Howard Community College.
2. Our Admissions Office won’t make you jump through hoops. Community Colleges often have open admissions policies, which means that there aren’t strict qualifications to get in. Students can enroll at any time, even up to (and after) the first day of class. You could even apply today!
3. We’re flexible. Community Colleges effectively cater to students with full-time jobs, single parents with children, active military service members, students with disabilities, and those with many other life circumstances. We do so through innovative day, evening, weekend, and online opportunities to ensure that all of our students have the flexibility and support they need to succeed.
4. Our small class sizes foster engaging, student-centered experiences. The average student-to-faculty ratio at Maryland’s community colleges is 16:1.
5. Our campuses are lively! Maryland community colleges offer dozens of enriching co-curricular activities, service opportunities, and clubs. Student athletes have many competitive opportunities through the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference (MDJUCO) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
6. We want to support you. Community Colleges offer a wide selection of student support services to ensure students’ success. Typical services include career advising, counseling, academic advising, tutoring, financial aid, and technology services.
7. Dual enrollment gives high school students a chance to earn college and high school credits at the same time. The 15% of Maryland high school students that are dually enrolled in college are saving money on higher education, increasing their college competency skills, all while exploring their interests and earning credits toward their college degree. Learn more about Dual Enrollment opportunities at Howard Community College.
8. We deeply value career readiness. Maryland community colleges offer degree, certificate and skills training programs to support workforce development for the region's fastest growing industries such as nursing, allied health, cybersecurity, and hospitality.
9. Good-bye is the goal. Maryland Community Colleges have dozens of transfer agreements with in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities to ensure that the maximum amount of credits transfer, saving students thousands of dollars in achieving their bachelor’s degree.
10. We love life-long learners. With over 150 non-credit, continuing education courses to choose from, Maryland community colleges are the perfect place for students interested in learning a new skill, learning English as a second language, building their professional proficiency, and those looking for personal enrichment.

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