The Houston Community College System is an open-admission, public institution of higher education offering opportunities for academic advancement, workforce training, career development, and lifelong learning that prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and work in a global and technological society.
School Highlights
Houston Community College serves 68,706 students (25% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 20:1 is lower than the state community college average of 23:1.
Minority enrollment is 88% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the state average of 74%.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 68,706 students
In-state tuition: $3,358
Out-state tuition: $3,754
Student:teacher ratio: 20:1
Minority enrollment: 88%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
The student population of Houston Community College has grown by 22% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 20:1 has increased from 14:1 over five years.
The Houston Community College diversity score of 0.77 is more than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
68,706 students
1,396 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
23:1
# Full-Time Students
16,948 students
890 students
# Part-Time Students
51,758 students
4,022 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
687 students
403 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
16,948 students
890 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
40 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
51,758 students
4,022 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
47 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
252 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
n/a
% Asian
11%
6%
% Hispanic
36%
46%
% Black
27%
14%
% White
12%
26%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
2%
3%
% Non Resident races
8%
2%
% Unknown races
4%
3%
Diversity Score
0.77
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.1735%
0.5469%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3357%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,500
$34,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,358 is more than the state average of $3,316. The in-state tuition has declined by 22% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $3,754 is less than the state average of $5,750. The out-state tuition has declined by 31% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,358
$3,316
Out-State Tuition Fees
$3,754
$5,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
67%
84%
Median Debt for Graduates
$14,250
$10,765
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,750
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
81%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
Houston Community College is one of the largest community colleges
in the United States, serving over 55,000 students each semester.
Five area colleges and one specialty college, as well as an
extensive distance education program within the system serve the
618 square mile area including Houston and the surrounding regions.
The Houston Community College System (HCC) was created under the
governance of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) as the
result of a public referendum on May 18, 1971. In August of that
year, more than 5,700 students enrolled in workforce education
courses held at the Houston Technical Institute. In the following
semester, academic transfer classes were added and taught at six
HISD locations. The college offers Academic degrees, Workforce
degrees & certificates and Continuing Education programs. The
Houston Community College System is accredited by the Commission on
Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to
award the associate degree.
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Quick Stats (2025)
Enrollment: 68,706 students
In-state tuition: $3,358
Out-state tuition: $3,754
Student:teacher ratio: 20:1
Minority enrollment: 88%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
