What is Custom Class?
Custom Class allows you to take a credit course as a noncredit student without the worry of placement tests, prerequisites, exams, and grades for your personal enrichment. Custom Class students sit in the same class as those taking the class for credit; however, they are enrolled as noncredit students. Custom Class students receive the same instruction as credit students, but no final grade or college credit is earned. You must be 16 or over to take a Custom Class. Excludes: art museum field trips, culinary, health care, MUSP applied music, and world language courses.
What is the cost of a Custom Class?
Custom Class students who live in Howard County pay the in-county credit tuition and any fees listed for the course. Out-of-county students pay an additional $10 fee per course, and out-of-state students pay an additional $20 fee per course. Students who are eligible for tuition waiver pay a $50 registration fee per course, any fees listed for the course, and the $10 out-of-county or $20 out-of-state fee per course if applicable. Custom Class students do not pay the consolidated fee required for credit classes.
Custom Class students also pay a $23 per-credit-hour fee to cover the cost of all required materials (excludes Zero Textbook Cost sections). Students can opt out of the HCC Course Material Program. To learn more, visit HCC Course Material Program.
What is the refund policy for Custom Class?
During 15-week terms (fall and spring), students are eligible for a graduated tuition refund: 100 percent of tuition and course fees by the end of the first week; 50 percent of tuition and fees only by the end of the second week. There are no refunds after the second week of classes. During summer, winter or other variable time sessions, students are eligible for graduated refunds during the first few days of a section.
What textbooks do Custom Class students use?
Custom Class students use the textbooks and materials required for the credit class. Textbooks and materials are available for purchase at the HCC bookstore.
Does a Custom Class student receive a final grade?
No. The Custom Class student is a noncredit student and does not receive a final grade or college credit. A letter of attendance is available for students who meet the requirement of attending at least 80 percent of course meetings. Email personalenrichment@howardcc.edu to request a letter of attendance.
Does the Custom Class student complete assignments or take tests?
It is entirely up to you. You can decide whether or not to take tests or complete assignments. If you choose to take the tests or do the assignments, the instructor will grade your projects/tests but not assign an overall final grade for the course.
Can a Custom Class student switch to a credit student once the course has started?
No. Once you register for Custom Class, you cannot change your course status to credit or audit.
