About Houston Community College
The financial picture tells a straightforward story. Students pay an average net price of $6,738 after aid, making this one of the most affordable college options available. In-state tuition runs just $2,040 per year. Graduates who borrowed money typically owe $13,921 in debt with monthly payments around $148. Those who complete programs earn a median of $39,254 ten years after starting, which creates a reasonable return on the modest investment. However, only 17% of students graduate within six years, partly because many attend part-time while working.
The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year colleges. About 37% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need. The 89% employment rate shows that graduates generally find work, though earnings start modestly at $34,320 one year after leaving.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 34.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 17.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,254
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,005 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,941 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $52,107 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $51,231 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $49,214 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $46,321 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $46,321 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $45,082 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $39,369 |
Campus Life
Since this is a community college system, virtually no students live on campus. The 59% female, 41% male student body commutes from across Houston's sprawling metro area. Many students work part-time or full-time jobs alongside classes, which explains why the student-faculty ratio sits at 20:1 and why weekend campus life is minimal. Students typically head home or to work after classes rather than hanging around campus. The diverse student population (37% Hispanic, 28% Black, 11% White) reflects Houston's multicultural character, and you'll hear multiple languages in hallways between classes.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 44°–62°F
- July Avg
- 76°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.9%
- Women
- 59.1%
- White
- 10.7%
- Black
- 27.6%
- Hispanic
- 37.1%
- Asian
- 9.7%
- In-State Students
- 92.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.5%
Location
- Address
- Houston, Texas 77002
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,254
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,815
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 26.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $148/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,921
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Houston Community College?
Houston Community College operates with an open admission policy, welcoming all students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 37,970 students across multiple campuses throughout the Houston area. As a community college system, HCC focuses on providing accessible education to help students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.
How much does Houston Community College cost after financial aid?
Students at Houston Community College pay an average net price of $6,738 annually. In-state tuition runs just $2,040 per year, making it one of the most affordable educational options in Texas. About 36.54% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve working-class and first-generation college students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Houston Community College?
Houston Community College maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its system. The college operates on a semester calendar and serves a diverse student body that is 59.07% women and 40.93% men. HCC is known for its strong workforce development programs and partnerships with local employers in the energy and healthcare sectors.
What are the graduation rates at Houston Community College?
Houston Community College has a 17% six-year graduation rate and a 16.97% four-year completion rate. These numbers reflect the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. The college serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities like the University of Houston.
Where are Houston Community College's campuses located?
Houston Community College operates multiple campuses throughout the greater Houston metropolitan area, one of the largest urban centers in Texas. The system serves 92.13% in-state students and draws from Houston's incredibly diverse population. The college reflects the city's demographics with 37.08% Hispanic students, 27.58% Black students, and significant representation from Asian and other communities.
What do Houston Community College graduates earn after graduation?
Houston Community College graduates earn a median of $39,254 ten years after enrollment, with an employment rate of 89%. Many graduates enter Houston's robust job market in healthcare, energy, and skilled trades. The relatively low median debt of $13,921 and monthly loan payments of $148 make HCC an attractive option for career changers and students seeking affordable workforce training.
