Harrisburg Area Community College: $7,373 Tuition

$7,373Tuition

9,802Students

21%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,007Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Harrisburg Area Community College

HACC serves the Pennsylvania capital region with practical career training and transfer programs. The college enrolls 9,802 students across multiple campuses in the Harrisburg area. About 97% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a strong local community focus. The college emphasizes workforce development and partnerships with regional employers.

Students pay an average net price of $12,117 after financial aid, making it an affordable option for career training. Graduates earn a median of $42,007 ten years after starting college. Those who borrow graduate with $17,500 in debt, leading to monthly payments of $186. The college delivers solid return on investment for students seeking practical skills without heavy debt loads.

Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting HACC's strength in healthcare and human services programs. The Hawks compete in just three varsity sports with 35 total athletes. Only 21% of students complete their programs within six years, but 94% find employment after finishing. The college excels at job placement rather than traditional graduation metrics, serving students who often balance work and family while pursuing education.

Academics & Faculty

HACC operates as Pennsylvania's largest community college, serving nearly 10,000 students across multiple campuses in the Harrisburg region. The college built its reputation on career-focused programs that connect directly to regional job markets, particularly in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive more individual attention than at most large institutions. However, the 20.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. HACC's nursing and allied health programs consistently produce graduates who fill critical shortages in Pennsylvania hospitals and healthcare systems. The college emphasizes hands-on learning through partnerships with local employers who help shape curriculum.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 16.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 20.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,007

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$59,527
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$55,061
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$53,839
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR).	Associate	$50,563
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Associate	$49,423
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$44,102
Legal Support Services.	Certificate	$42,682
Computer Software and Media Applications.	Associate	$42,123
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$40,512
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Associate	$39,729

View all 118 programs →

Campus Life

HACC's main campus sits in Pennsylvania's capital city, where 67% of students are women pursuing career-focused programs. The 20% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's role as a stepping stone for students transferring to four-year universities or entering the workforce quickly. Nearly 98% of students come from Pennsylvania, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere despite the urban setting.

Harrisburg winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring humid heat typical of central Pennsylvania. The campus operates on a commuter model with no residence halls, so students drive in from surrounding communities. With only 35 total athletes across three sports teams, HACC isn't about game day excitement. Instead, students focus on practical programs that lead to steady employment, with 94% finding jobs after graduation. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not student ID numbers. Weekends often involve work or family time rather than campus activities, as many students balance school with jobs and family responsibilities.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1964

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–36°F
July Avg: 64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 43.6"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

HACC draws primarily local Pennsylvania students, with 97% coming from in-state. Women make up two-thirds of the enrollment, reflecting the school's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in central Pennsylvania. The diverse student body includes significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. Most students are career-focused adults and recent high school graduates seeking practical skills training. The college has built a solid reputation as an affordable pathway to stable employment in the Harrisburg region.

Men: 32.8%
Women: 67.2%
White: 58.1%
Black: 11.8%
Hispanic: 15.2%
Asian: 5.7%
In-State Students: 97.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 32.9%

Location

Harrisburg Area Community College serves Pennsylvania's capital city, about 100 miles west of Philadelphia and 200 miles north of Washington, D.C. The school draws 97% of its students from within Pennsylvania. Harrisburg sits in the Susquehanna River valley, combining state government offices with a growing healthcare and technology sector. The city offers internship opportunities at state agencies and local hospitals. The campus operates in a mid-sized metropolitan area of roughly 550,000 people across the greater Harrisburg region. Students have access to urban amenities while paying lower living costs than in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. The area features rolling hills and farmland beyond the city limits. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Harrisburg Area Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17110-2999

Harrisburg Area Community College campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,007
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,140
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $186/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $17,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Harrisburg Area Community College?

As a community college, Harrisburg Area Community College maintains an open admission policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The college serves 9,802 students across multiple campuses in central Pennsylvania. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for students seeking affordable higher education or career training.

How much does Harrisburg Area Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Harrisburg Area Community College is $12,117 per year. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay approximately $10,289 after aid, while those from higher-income families pay up to $16,636. About 33% of students receive federal financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Pennsylvania.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Harrisburg Area Community College?

Harrisburg Area Community College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for a large community college. The college focuses heavily on career-oriented programs and workforce development. This ratio allows for more personalized attention in technical and vocational training programs.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Harrisburg Area Community College?

Graduates achieve a 94.4% employment rate, reflecting strong connections to local employers in the Harrisburg region. The median earnings reach $42,007 ten years after enrollment, with many graduates entering healthcare, manufacturing, and business fields. However, only 20.5% of students complete their programs within six years, typical for community colleges serving many part-time and working students.

Where is Harrisburg Area Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital city, with multiple campus locations serving the region. Women make up 67% of the student body, and 97% of students are Pennsylvania residents. Campus life is limited with only 3 varsity sports and 35 total athletes, as most students commute and focus on academics or work.

Does Harrisburg Area Community College offer good value for career training?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $17,500 and monthly loan payments of $186, making it highly affordable for career preparation. The college has operated since 1964 and maintains strong ties to local industries and employers. Many students use HACC as a stepping stone to four-year universities or direct entry into the workforce.