Pennsylvania Highlands Community College: $6,990 Tuition

$6,990Tuition

719Students

41%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,752Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College serves the rural Johnstown area as a practical stepping stone for students seeking workforce training or university transfer. The college enrolls 719 students on a campus that emphasizes hands-on learning and community connections. Nearly all students come from Pennsylvania, with 97.3% being in-state residents who appreciate the college's focus on local employment needs and affordable education.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from low-income households pay an average of $4,482 after aid, while those from higher-income families face costs around $12,532. Graduates typically earn $38,752 ten years after starting college, which provides decent returns on a median debt load of just $11,000. Monthly loan payments average $117, making this one of the more affordable paths to career training in Pennsylvania.

Women make up 61.8% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare and human services programs. The Black Bears compete in six varsity sports through the NCCAA with 32 total athletes. While the 40.9% six-year graduation rate seems modest, an impressive 89.6% employment rate shows most students find work in their chosen fields after completing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College focuses on workforce training and transfer preparation for the Johnstown region. The college serves 719 students with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors in a small-town setting. Students can pursue career-focused programs that prepare them for local industries or complete general education requirements for transfer to four-year universities. The 40.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. With 97.30% of students coming from Pennsylvania, the college serves as a local educational center for residents seeking affordable higher education and job training without leaving their community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 37.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,752

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$42,682
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$34,420
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$30,228
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$28,816
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$25,194
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$24,615
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$22,834
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Certificate	$22,268
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$21,508

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Pennsylvania Highlands sits on 80 acres in the rolling hills outside Johnstown, about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack a heavy coat for the snowy months that stretch from December through March. The college serves 719 students, with 97% coming from Pennsylvania and most commuting from nearby communities rather than living on campus.

Students here balance practical workforce training with the rhythm of a small college. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Women make up 62% of enrollment, creating a collaborative atmosphere in popular programs like nursing and business. The Black Bears compete in six NCCAA sports with just 32 total athletes, giving walk-ons real opportunities to play. Weekends often revolve around part-time jobs and family commitments since most students stay local. The campus buzzes with activity during the week as students pursue certificates and associate degrees designed to launch careers or transfer to four-year schools.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–32°F
July Avg: 60°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 41.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Pennsylvania Highlands draws students from across the region who want practical training without leaving home. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 719-student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in healthcare and human services. The college serves a predominantly white, working-class population in rural Pennsylvania. Most students qualify for need-based aid, with typical graduates carrying just $11,000 in debt. Nearly all students come from Pennsylvania, showing the school's deep roots in the Johnstown community. The Black Bears compete in six sports with only 32 total athletes.

Men: 38.3%
Women: 61.8%
White: 85.7%
Black: 4.9%
Hispanic: 3.6%
Asian: 0.7%
In-State Students: 97.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.9%

Location

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College sits in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles east of Pittsburgh in the Allegheny Mountains region. The area combines small-town charm with outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Johnstown has a rich industrial history, particularly in steel production, and today serves as a regional center for healthcare and education. The 97.30% in-state enrollment reflects the college's role as a local institution serving southwestern Pennsylvania communities. The rural-fringe setting provides a close-knit campus environment while maintaining access to regional employment opportunities. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Pennsylvania Highlands Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15904-2949

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,752
Median Earnings (5 years): $36,901
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $27,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College?

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 719 students primarily from the local area. The college focuses on workforce training and transfer programs for students in the Johnstown region. With 97.30% of students coming from in-state, the school serves as an accessible entry point for local residents seeking higher education.

How much does Pennsylvania Highlands Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is $7,454, making it an affordable option for most families. Students from low-income families pay even less, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $4,482 after aid. Only 18.85% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many can afford the relatively low published tuition of $6,990 for in-state students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College?

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, providing reasonable access to instructors for a community college. The school emphasizes practical workforce training alongside traditional transfer programs. With a semester calendar system, students can complete courses efficiently while maintaining smaller class sizes than many larger institutions.

What are the employment outcomes for Pennsylvania Highlands Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an impressive 89.6% employment rate, reflecting the school's focus on career preparation and workforce development. The median earnings after 10 years reach $38,752, which is competitive for a two-year degree in the region. Students typically graduate with manageable debt of $11,000, leading to monthly loan payments of just $117.

Where is Pennsylvania Highlands Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in a rural-fringe setting that combines small-town atmosphere with access to regional opportunities. With 61.75% female and 38.25% male students, the college serves a diverse population that is 85.67% white. The Black Bears compete in six varsity sports through the NCCAA with 32 total athletes participating.

Does Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offer good graduation rates for a community college?

The college achieves a 40.90% six-year graduation rate, which is solid for a community college serving working adults and first-generation students. Many students transfer before completing their associate degree or attend part-time while working. The school's strength lies in providing accessible education and workforce training to the greater Johnstown area rather than traditional four-year completion metrics.