About Howard Community College
The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay an average net price of $9,076 after aid. Even middle-income families earning $75,000-$110,000 face costs around $13,205. Graduates earn a median of $49,020 ten years after enrollment, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $10,500. Monthly loan payments average just $111, making the education accessible for working-class families in the expensive Washington metro area.
The college maintains strong ties to local employers, reflected in an impressive 89.9% employment rate for graduates. Nearly all students come from Maryland, with 96% qualifying for in-state tuition rates. The 26% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 24.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 26.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,020
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,144 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,512 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,228 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller, discussion-focused classrooms where professors know students by name. Columbia's master-planned layout offers nearby shopping, restaurants, and parks for breaks between classes. With 58.81% women and a diverse student body that's 32.10% Black, 23.10% White, and 14.88% Hispanic, the Dragons compete in 13 varsity sports through the NCCAA. Weekend activities often involve the nearby Inner Harbor in Baltimore or Smithsonian museums in DC, both about 30 minutes away. Many students work part-time jobs while attending classes, preparing for transfer to four-year universities or entering Maryland's job market with the school's career-focused programs.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–42°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 28.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 23.1%
- Black
- 32.1%
- Hispanic
- 14.9%
- Asian
- 12.4%
- In-State Students
- 96.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.2%
Location
- Address
- Columbia, Maryland 21044-3197
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,020
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,385
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Howard Community College?
Howard Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of Maryland community colleges, welcoming students regardless of their high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 6,779 students with 96.48% coming from in-state. Students can start their college journey here before transferring to four-year universities.
How much does Howard Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,225 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay about $9,076 after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $14,837. Only 28.15% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating many middle-class families attend.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Howard Community College?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. Howard Community College emphasizes accessible education in Columbia, Maryland's planned community. The college has operated since 1966, building strong connections with local employers and transfer universities.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Howard Community College?
The six-year graduation rate is 26.40%, which reflects the diverse pathways community college students take, including part-time enrollment and early transfers. Graduates earn a median of $49,020 ten years after enrollment with an employment rate of 89.9%. Many students transfer before completing their associate degree.
What is the campus diversity like at Howard Community College?
The student body is diverse with 32.10% Black students, 23.10% White students, 14.88% Hispanic students, and 12.42% Asian students. Women comprise 58.81% of enrollment, reflecting broader community college trends. This diversity mirrors Columbia's multicultural planned community in Howard County.
Does Howard Community College offer athletics programs?
Howard Community College fields 13 varsity sports teams competing in the NCCAA with 241 total athletes. The Dragons offer $73,500 in athletic scholarships across all sports. The athletic programs provide opportunities for students to continue competing while pursuing their academic goals at an affordable community college.
