- Howard Community College creates an environment that inspires learning and the lifelong pursuit of personal and professional goals. The college provides open access and innovative learning systems to respond to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. As a vital partner, HCC is a major force in the intellectual, cultural and economic life of its community.
School Highlights
Howard Community College serves 8,643 students (25% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 25:1 is higher than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 75% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is more than the state average of 63%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 8,643 students
- In-state tuition: $3,280
- Out-state tuition: $3,988
- Student-teacher ratio: 25:1
- Minority enrollment: 75%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Howard Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 349 teachers has declined by 21% over five years.
Howard Community College
(MD) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
349 staff
190 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
9
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Howard Community College has declined by 9% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 25:1 has increased from 22:1 over five years.
The Howard Community College diversity score of 0.81 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
8,643 students
4,668 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
25:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
2,177 students
1,174 students
# Part-Time Students
6,466 students
3,494 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
545 students
305 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
2,177 students
991 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
6,466 students
3,494 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
15%
6%
% Hispanic
12%
14%
% Black
27%
30%
% White
25%
37%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
5%
% Non Resident races
5%
5%
% Unknown races
10%
3%
Diversity Score
0.81
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
23%
29%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$41,800
$36,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,280 is less than the state average of $5,633. The in-state tuition has declined by 49% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $3,988 is less than the state average of $7,892. The out-state tuition has declined by 49% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,280
$5,633
Out-State Tuition Fees
$3,988
$7,892
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
61%
73%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,500
$10,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
99%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
7 sports
Sports
BasketballCross Country
LacrosseSoccer
SoftballTrack and Field
Volleyball
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Duncan The Dragon
- Situated beside a lake on a 120-acre wooded campus, Howard Community College (HCC) offers a wide range of academic pursuits and extracurricular activities for students of all ages and walks of life. About 5,000 students pursue studies at HCC in a variety of academic programs leading to transfer to four-year colleges or immediate employment upon graduation. An additional 12,000 students take courses for personal or professional development. Conveniently located in the heart of Howard County, the HCC campus features a Science and Technology Building, home to lasers, robots, computers, satellite links, and other tools for hightech learning. The Galleria, a spacious twostory windowed atrium adjacent to the building, provides a pleasing space for quiet study, informal gatherings, or special events. The physical education complex features an Olympic-sized pool, large gymnasium and weight room. Nine acres of athletic fields support archery, tennis, hardball, softball, soccer and track. Other facilities include the Library with more than 40,000 volumes of reference materials, the Nursing Building, and the Administration Building which contains offices, learning labs, and studios for painting, music, photography and sculpture. The Alfred J. Smith, Jr., Theatre for the performing arts provides the setting for an outstanding cultural arts program. The Theatre Outback is a "black box" performance space for experimental theatre and student productions. Howard Community College is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and by the Maryland State Department of Education to offer programs of learning and to award the associate in arts degree and certificate of proficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Howard Community College cost?
Howard Community College's tuition is approximately $3,280 for In-State students and $3,988 for Out-State students.
What sports does Howard Community College offer?
Howard Community College offers 7 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Howard Community College's ranking?
Howard Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Maryland for: Least expensive tuition and Diversity in US community colleges.
In what neighborhood is Howard Community College located?
Howard Community College is located in the Town Center neighborhood of Columbia, MD.
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