About Howard College
Howard College serves rural West Texas with practical workforce training and transfer pathways. The community college enrolls 1,588 students in a small town setting where students can focus on academics without big-city distractions. Hispanic students make up 52% of the student body, reflecting the region's demographics. The Hawks compete in six NJCAA sports with 110 total athletes sharing $896,220 in athletic scholarships.
Students pay an average net price of $7,681 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $38,382 ten years after starting, which provides decent returns for the modest $9,500 in typical debt. Monthly loan payments average just $101. The 90.8% employment rate shows most graduates find work, though the 35.7% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer or leave before completing programs.
Women outnumber men nearly three to one, with 71.5% of students being female. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year schools. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 94% being in-state residents. Campus housing accommodates 252 students, creating a close-knit residential experience for those who want it.
Students pay an average net price of $7,681 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in Texas. Graduates earn a median of $38,382 ten years after starting, which provides decent returns for the modest $9,500 in typical debt. Monthly loan payments average just $101. The 90.8% employment rate shows most graduates find work, though the 35.7% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer or leave before completing programs.
Women outnumber men nearly three to one, with 71.5% of students being female. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year schools. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 94% being in-state residents. Campus housing accommodates 252 students, creating a close-knit residential experience for those who want it.
Academics & Faculty
Howard College serves West Texas with practical career training and transfer programs designed for working adults and traditional students. The college enrolls 1,588 students with a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, meaning larger class sizes than many community colleges. Howard is particularly known for its nursing program, which feeds into regional healthcare systems, and its cosmetology school that draws students statewide. The 35.7% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Howard also offers strong programs in welding, automotive technology, and agricultural sciences that align with local industry needs. The college maintains transfer agreements with Texas universities for students pursuing four-year degrees.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 25:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,382
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $63,997 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,648 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $41,565 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $38,289 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $27,048 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,452 |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services. | Certificate | $13,702 |
Campus Life
Howard College sits in Big Spring, a small town roughly 40 miles from Midland in West Texas oil country. With housing capacity for just 252 students and total enrollment of 1,588, about 16% of students live on campus. The remaining students commute from across the rural region, contributing to the 25:1 student-faculty ratio that reflects the school's local community college mission.
Women make up 71.54% of the student body, and 52.02% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of this border region. The Hawks compete in six NJCAA sports with 110 total athletes sharing $896,220 in athletic scholarships. Weekend life revolves around local traditions and the outdoors, with students often heading to nearby state parks or Lake Colorado City. West Texas heat means you'll need serious sunscreen most of the year, though winter evenings can get surprisingly cold. The 94.09% in-state attendance creates a tight-knit community feel where most students know each other, and many work part-time jobs in the local oil and agriculture industries.
Women make up 71.54% of the student body, and 52.02% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of this border region. The Hawks compete in six NJCAA sports with 110 total athletes sharing $896,220 in athletic scholarships. Weekend life revolves around local traditions and the outdoors, with students often heading to nearby state parks or Lake Colorado City. West Texas heat means you'll need serious sunscreen most of the year, though winter evenings can get surprisingly cold. The 94.09% in-state attendance creates a tight-knit community feel where most students know each other, and many work part-time jobs in the local oil and agriculture industries.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 252 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–57°F
- July Avg
- 71°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 72.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,554.1"
Student Demographics
Howard College draws heavily from West Texas communities, with nearly all students coming from in-state. The student body is 52% Hispanic and 38% white, reflecting the demographics of rural Texas. Women make up more than two-thirds of enrollment, suggesting strong nursing and allied health programs that attract female students. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The small-town setting and local focus create a tight-knit community where students often know each other and their instructors personally.
- Men
- 28.5%
- Women
- 71.5%
- White
- 38.1%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 52.0%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 94.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.3%
Location
Big Spring sits in west Texas, roughly 300 miles from both Dallas and San Antonio. This oil town of about 28,000 people serves as the county seat in a sparsely populated region of rolling plains and desert landscape. The area built its economy around petroleum and agriculture, giving it a distinctly working-class character. With 94% of Howard College's students coming from in-state, most are locals seeking affordable career training close to home. The remote setting means limited entertainment options beyond the college campus. Students get small-town familiarity but few urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare Howard College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Big Spring, Texas 79720
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,382
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,333
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Howard College?
Howard College is a community college with open enrollment, meaning students don't face competitive admissions. The school serves 1,588 students primarily from Texas, with 94% coming from in-state.
How much does Howard College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,681 annually. In-state tuition runs just $2,766, making it one of the most affordable options in Texas for students starting their college journey.
What are the academics like at Howard College?
Classes average 25 students per faculty member, typical for community colleges focused on accessible education. The school operates on a semester calendar and emphasizes career preparation alongside transfer pathways.
What job outcomes can graduates expect from Howard College?
Graduates earn a median of $38,382 ten years after starting college. The employment rate hits 90.8%, reflecting the school's focus on practical skills and workforce development in West Texas.
Where is Howard College located and what's campus life like?
The campus sits in Big Spring, Texas, a remote town setting with housing for 252 students. Women make up 71% of the student body, reflecting trends in community college enrollment nationwide.
Does Howard College have strong athletic programs?
The Hawks compete in NJCAA athletics with 6 varsity sports and 110 total athletes. The school invests $896,220 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating commitment to sports as a pathway for student success.
