Howard Community College
About Howard Community College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Howard Community College teaches in Columbia, Maryland, between Baltimore and Washington. Nursing and business are its largest programs, and better than a fifth of its students move on to a four-year college.
Founded
1966
Location
Columbia, Maryland
Students
6,649
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
24%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$4,080
Out-of-state: $9,624
Avg Net Price
$11,133
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$49,020
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
24% complete their degree within three years
Retention
68.8%
Transfer Out
22%
Teaching Quality
13:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
26.6%
$/Student
$11.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 24% graduation rate is below average, but 68.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$4,080
In-State
$9,624
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$2,400
Total Cost of Attendance
$16,774
After Financial Aid
$11,133
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$9,714
Receive Grants
26.8%
Take Loans
7.4%
Tuition is $4,080/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $11,133.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Howard Community College fund their education.
While in School
26.8%
Get Grants
Free money
7.4%
Take Loans
Must repay
$25,403
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$111/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,500, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Howard Community College.
Gender
58.4%
Female
42%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
6,649
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
38.7%
First-Gen
25 yrs
Avg Age
27.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 58% of the student body. 38.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 7.5% international students add diversity to the campus.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
6,649
Students
community
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Howard Community College fields 8 varsity teams with 224 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division II
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Lacrosse
Student Athletes
224
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
65% / 35%
145
Men
79
Women
6
Men's Teams
7
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Howard Community Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,020
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$22K
665 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71K
151 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
$53K
62 grads
4yr Earnings
Management Information Systems and Services
$62K
60 grads
4yr Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
$73K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer and Information Sciences, General
$81K
29 grads
4yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Howard Community College
How much does Howard Community College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Howard Community College?▾
How much do Howard Community College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.