Outstanding education that’s also affordable? It's why thousands of your friends and neighbors are choosing HCC.
Admissions & Aid
Your future is just a few clicks away.
HCC is the place to start your journey to a great career or an affordable college degree, so let us help you get started. Follow the links below to discover everything you need to know about our admissions and registration process, plus how to pay for your education. Before or during this process, feel free to browse through our credit and noncredit programs to find the perfect path for you.
Howard Community College (HCC) believes that learning is a lifelong process and knowledge is acquired in many ways. In addition to the traditional classroom setting, mastery of college-level knowledge, competencies, and skills may occur as a result of noncredit training and nontraditional learning experiences. Find out more about HCC’s Credit for Prior Learning policy to get started.
Looking for noncredit classes for professional development, credentials, or personal enrichment? Register for noncredit classes in our Workforce, Career & Community Education Division.
Step 1: Apply
If you are not yet an HCC student, your first step is to apply. The link below will take you to our online application, where the first step is to create an account. Once you create an account, you can start the application.
When you complete the application, we will reach out to you with further information and instructions. If you have questions during this process, you can reach us at 443-518-1200 or admissions@howardcc.edu.
Interested in visiting campus? Go to our Visit Campus page to learn more about touring the campus and learning more in our information sessions.
Step 2: Take Placement Tests
Once you've completed your application, the next step is placement testing. Placement test results will help you select the right classes to start your college education. You may be exempt from placement tests based on your high school GPA, grades in previous classes, and scores from the SAT, ACT, GED or PARCC exams.
To review your placement options, send your transcripts to admissions@howardcc.edu, visit the Test Center webpage and contact advising@howardcc.edu.
Step 3: Get Advised
Meet with an advisor to determine your educational needs and goals, select your academic major and classes, and develop a plan for graduation and transfer. Think of your advisor as a go-to person for academic guidance throughout your time at HCC.
To get started with this process, contact an advisor at advising@howardcc.edu.
Step 4: Register for Classes
Following your admissions & advising steps, you are ready to register for college classes! If you're registering for credit classes, use the following steps:
- Start by searching through available classes with our online course search tool.
- Use Self Service in myHCC to plan, schedule, and register for classes.
Register for Noncredit Classes
Our continuing education and workforce development division offers over 500 classes to help you enhance your career, empower your employees, or explore new personal interests. We make it easy for you to register -- no admission required.
Register for Noncredit Classes
Step 5: Pay for College
We’re committed to helping students with the costs of college. By understanding your payment options and planning ahead, you can take advantage of early registration options to secure the classes and schedule you want.
Learn more about costs, due dates, and payment options
Grants, loans, and scholarships are also available to eligible students. Helping you achieve your goals starts with helping you identify ways to pay for college, and we do everything we can to ensure that a college education is within your reach.
Learn more about financial aid
Step 6: New Student Orientation
New students are strongly encouraged to attend New Student Orientation. Learn how to be successful academically, meet new and experienced students, and learn about the resources that will INSPIRE your success at Howard Community College!
Complete Online Orientation here
Learn more about New Student Orientation here