About Harford Community College
The financial picture here makes sense for most Maryland families. Students pay an average net price of $9,953, which drops to $8,727 for families earning under $30,000. That's a manageable investment considering graduates earn a median of $44,608 ten years after starting. Most students graduate with just $9,812 in debt, leading to monthly loan payments of only $104. With an employment rate of 92.2%, students clearly find work after completing their programs.
Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, and 95% of students come from Maryland. The Fighting Owls compete in 13 NJCAA sports with 206 total athletes. While the 38% six-year graduation rate might seem low, that's typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their degree. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students personally.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 35.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,608
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $58,582 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $28,019 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,482 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $9,167 |
Campus Life
Since this is a commuter school with 3,628 students and no dorms, campus life revolves around daytime activities. With 94.80% of students coming from Maryland, many live at home or nearby apartments and drive to campus. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where professors know your name. The Fighting Owls compete in 13 NJCAA sports with 206 total athletes, and games draw decent crowds from the local community. Weekends are quiet on campus, as most students head home or work part-time jobs. The real social scene happens in small study groups, clubs, or at local spots in historic downtown Bel Air, which offers coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1957
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–41°F
- July Avg
- 67°–86°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.3%
- Women
- 59.7%
- White
- 61.1%
- Black
- 18.6%
- Hispanic
- 8.4%
- Asian
- 4.0%
- In-State Students
- 94.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.4%
Location
- Address
- Bel Air, Maryland 21015-1698
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,608
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $53,261
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $104/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,812
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Harford Community College?
Harford Community College follows an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, meaning students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. The college serves 3,628 students with a focus on accessible higher education for the local community. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting its role as a regional educational center.
How much does Harford Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,953 annually after aid, making it an affordable option for higher education. In-state tuition runs $3,974 while out-of-state students pay $8,630. About 22% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of just $9,812.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Harford Community College?
The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for more personalized attention in classes. Founded in 1957, Harford has built a reputation for hands-on learning and career preparation programs. The college operates on a semester calendar system to provide structured academic progression.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Harford Community College?
Graduates achieve a 92.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. Alumni earn a median of $44,608 ten years after graduation, with many entering fields like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. The college's focus on career-oriented programs helps students transition directly into the workforce.
Where is Harford Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Bel Air, Maryland, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town charm with proximity to urban areas. Students can participate in 13 varsity sports as the Fighting Owls, competing in NJCAA athletics. The campus serves 206 student-athletes with $186,400 in athletic scholarships available.
Does Harford Community College have good transfer rates?
The college posts a 38.4% six-year graduation rate, which includes students who transfer to four-year institutions. Many community college students complete their associate degrees before transferring, making this a key pathway to bachelor's programs. The college's diverse student body includes 61% White, 19% Black, and 8% Hispanic students.
