About Holyoke Community College
Holyoke Community College serves 3,164 students in the Pioneer Valley with affordable career training and transfer programs. The college has built a strong reputation for helping working-class families access higher education since 1946. Nearly two-thirds of students are women (65.64%), reflecting the school's popularity for healthcare and human services programs. The rural-fringe setting provides a close-knit campus environment where students get personal attention with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.
Students pay an average net price of $6,860 after aid, making this one of the most affordable options in western Massachusetts. Low-income families pay just $5,173 annually. Graduates earn a median of $37,277 ten years after starting, which provides solid returns given the modest $8,250 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average just $87, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates.
The student body reflects the diverse Pioneer Valley community, with Hispanic students making up 33.28% of enrollment and white students comprising 49.97%. Nearly all students (98.16%) come from Massachusetts, creating a strong local connection. The Cougars field 10 varsity sports with 101 total athletes competing in the NCCAA. With an 87.8% employment rate after graduation, HCC delivers practical results for students seeking career advancement.
Students pay an average net price of $6,860 after aid, making this one of the most affordable options in western Massachusetts. Low-income families pay just $5,173 annually. Graduates earn a median of $37,277 ten years after starting, which provides solid returns given the modest $8,250 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average just $87, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates.
The student body reflects the diverse Pioneer Valley community, with Hispanic students making up 33.28% of enrollment and white students comprising 49.97%. Nearly all students (98.16%) come from Massachusetts, creating a strong local connection. The Cougars field 10 varsity sports with 101 total athletes competing in the NCCAA. With an 87.8% employment rate after graduation, HCC delivers practical results for students seeking career advancement.
Academics & Faculty
Holyoke Community College serves the Pioneer Valley as a stepping stone for students pursuing both career training and four-year transfer goals. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that's crucial for community college success. However, the 31.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working students face balancing education with jobs and family responsibilities. The college offers strong programs in nursing, criminal justice, and culinary arts that connect directly to regional employers. Students can also complete general education requirements at a fraction of university costs before transferring. Nearly two-thirds of students are women, many returning to education after raising families or changing careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,277
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,855 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,941 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $42,309 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,281 |
| Social Work. | Associate | $27,204 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,058 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $24,035 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Associate | $21,894 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $16,921 |
Campus Life
Nearly two-thirds of students at Holyoke Community College are women, creating a supportive environment for career changers and first-generation college students. The campus sits in the Pioneer Valley, about 90 miles west of Boston and 20 miles north of Springfield. Students bundle up for New England winters but enjoy beautiful fall foliage that draws tourists to the Connecticut River valley.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in small classes focused on practical skills. With 98% of students coming from Massachusetts, most commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, reflecting the college's role as an affordable stepping stone. The 87% employment rate shows graduates find work quickly in healthcare, business, and technical fields. Weekend life revolves around family and work commitments rather than campus parties. Many students transfer to four-year schools like UMass Amherst, while others enter the workforce with certificates in high-demand fields like nursing and automotive technology.
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in small classes focused on practical skills. With 98% of students coming from Massachusetts, most commute from nearby towns rather than living on campus. Students often work part-time jobs while taking classes, reflecting the college's role as an affordable stepping stone. The 87% employment rate shows graduates find work quickly in healthcare, business, and technical fields. Weekend life revolves around family and work commitments rather than campus parties. Many students transfer to four-year schools like UMass Amherst, while others enter the workforce with certificates in high-demand fields like nursing and automotive technology.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–34°F
- July Avg
- 60°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.5"
Student Demographics
Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting strong enrollment in the school's nursing, early childhood education, and human services programs. Nearly all students come from Massachusetts, showing Holyoke's deep roots in the Pioneer Valley community. About 4 in 10 receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the college's mission to serve working-class families seeking affordable pathways to careers or four-year transfers. The diverse student body is one-third Hispanic, mirroring the changing demographics of western Massachusetts and the school's commitment to educational access.
- Men
- 34.4%
- Women
- 65.6%
- White
- 50.0%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 33.3%
- Asian
- 2.8%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.5%
Location
Holyoke sits in western Massachusetts along the Connecticut River, about 90 miles west of Boston and 20 miles north of Springfield. The Pioneer Valley blends small-city charm with rural landscapes and rolling hills. Nearly 98% of students come from within Massachusetts. The area centers on manufacturing heritage, particularly paper mills that once dominated the local economy. Students find affordable living costs and access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Holyoke Range. The region hosts several colleges, creating an educational corridor through the valley. Mount Holyoke and Smith College operate nearby, along with the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Holyoke Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Holyoke, Massachusetts 01040
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,277
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,990
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 48.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $87/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Holyoke Community College?
Holyoke Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges. The school serves 3,164 students and welcomes nearly all applicants who have completed high school or earned a GED.
How much does Holyoke Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,860 after financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,173, making HCC one of the most affordable college options in Massachusetts.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Holyoke Community College?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. HCC focuses on career training and transfer programs that prepare students for both immediate employment and four-year universities.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Holyoke Community College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $37,277 ten years after attending, with an impressive 87.8% employment rate. The college specializes in practical career training that connects students directly to jobs in the Pioneer Valley region.
Where is Holyoke Community College located and what is the campus like?
The campus sits in a rural-fringe setting in Holyoke, Massachusetts, serving the Pioneer Valley area. With 98.16% in-state students and a diverse population that is 33.28% Hispanic, HCC reflects the local community it serves.
Does Holyoke Community College offer athletic programs?
The Cougars compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 101 total student-athletes. The college provides no athletic scholarships, focusing instead on keeping education affordable for all students.
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