Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Columbia, Maryland
Howard Community College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$15,645Annual Cost
$49,020Grad Salary
28.2%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$10,225
Need-Based Aid
28.2% receive Pell
Howard Community College serves Maryland's Columbia region. Established in 1966, HCC features the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center.
The college excels in cybersecurity and theater programs. HCC's 'AIM' supports African-American male students.
Howard Community College Acceptance Rate
Howard Community College (HCC) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at HCC
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Howard Community College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Howard Community College (HCC) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into HCC Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Howard Community College is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for HCC
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
HCC provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Establish Howard County residency early if nursing is the goal
HCC's nursing admission isn't first-come - it's a points-ranked lottery seated in residency tiers: Howard County residents are offered seats first, then out-of-county, then out-of-state. You must show proof of residency for a minimum of 90 days before the application deadline to get county priority, so this is a decision to make a year out, not a month out.
Hit the exact GPA thresholds in the science block, not just "good grades"
The Accelerated and Traditional Nursing AA programs require a science GPA of 3.25+ (calculated only from the specific prerequisite science courses), a 3.0+ GPA across all 11 prerequisites, and a 2.0+ overall HCC GPA. Since seats are awarded by point totals - with science GPA as the first tiebreaker - pushing your science GPA from 3.3 to 3.7 is a real, quantifiable advantage, not just a nice-to-have.
Treat the HESI A2 exam as a gatekeeping test you prep for, not a formality
Applicants need a composite HESI score of 70+ to be considered (valid for two years), due by September 15 alongside completed prerequisites. Because the program also caps readmission to nursing at one attempt if a student doesn't progress on schedule, going in underprepared on the HESI costs more than a bad test day - it costs your one shot at a clean run through the program.
If you want Honors, opt in at first application and build the supplemental file early
HCC's Rouse and Schoenbrodt Scholars programs require marking "yes" on the standard application, then submitting a separate packet - student essay, two teacher/counselor recommendations, resume - by twice-yearly deadlines. Current HCC students with under 19 credits and a 3.2+ GPA get invited directly via the Schoenbrodt track, so if you're already enrolled, don't wait passively for an invitation that has a response window.
Expert Insight:
Because HCC's general admission is open-access with no GPA or test score thresholds, students and families often assume every program inside HCC works the same way. Nursing emphatically does not - it's a residency-tiered, points-ranked, capacity-limited selection process with hard GPA floors and only one readmission chance, and treating it like the open-access front door is the single most common reason qualified students lose a seat.
HCC Profile
Full Name
Howard Community College (HCC)
City
Columbia
State
Maryland
ZIP Code
21044-3197
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a HCC Degree Worth It?
Getting into HCC can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. HCC offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at HCC is $91,200 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.4%.
How much does a degree from HCC Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Howard Community College is $15,645. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Howard Community College is $10,225.
28.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 7.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to HCC and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Howard Community College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist HCC as your choice in the form.
How much does a HCC Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $49,020. An average HCC graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at HCC
Associate Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Howard Community College →
Frequently Asked Questions About HCC Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $49,020 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $15,645 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
28.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.