What Is It Known For?
For over 50 years, Hillsborough Community College has served Tampa Bay residents through educational programs and community services. More than 46,000 students pass through its doors annually across five campuses with three separate academic centers expanding access throughout the district.
The college functions as the primary pathway for Hillsborough County high school graduates entering higher education. Through associate in arts programs, HC sends more students to the University of South Florida than any other state college.
Business and industry partnerships have also created responsive workforce training through degree and certificate programs that address local employment needs.
Degrees & Certifications
At Hillsborough Community College, you have over 200 academic options to choose from. These range from a bachelor of science in nursing, associate in science and associate in art degrees, advanced technical diplomas, college credit certificates, continuing education and postsecondary adult vocational certificates, and lifelong learning courses.
Study areas include:
- Accounting & Business
- Law, Public Safety & Security
- Health & Medical
- Hospitality & Culinary
- Architecture & Building Trades
- Visual Arts & Design, and more.
Class Schedules
At Hillsborough Community College, five campus locations give you geographic options, while day, evening, and online formats provide scheduling flexibility.
Learning combines classroom lectures with hands-on laboratory work. Patient clinical experiences and externships integrate into healthcare programs, letting you practice skills in actual medical settings. Various courses also offer internship opportunities which connects academic study to workplace environments.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accredits Hillsborough Community College to grant associate and baccalaureate degrees, plus certificates and diplomas at approved levels.
The college’s website also details accreditations for specific programs beyond institutional recognition.
Acceptance Rate
100% acceptance rate. An open-door policy guides admissions at Hillsborough Community College. Therefore, if you meet basic minimum requirements, you qualify for enrollment at HCC.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Residency status determines your tuition rate at Hillsborough Community College:
- Florida Residents (In-State): $80.45 to $91.79
- Postsecondary Adult Vocational Non-Credit Programs
- In-State: $78.98/credit hour
- Out-of-State: $314.68/credit hour
- Baccalaureate Programs
- In-State: $126.08/credit hour
- Out-of-State: $476.77/credit hour
The school’s tuition and fees webpage provides more information on associated fees while its net price calculatorgives you more personalized cost estimates.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Communication
- Entrepreneurship
- Hospitality Administration Management
- Human Resource
- Marketing
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security Specialist
- Law Enforcement
- Paralegal
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design
Healthcare
- Computed Tomography
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Exercise Science
- Medical Information: Medical Coder CCC
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Medical Office Administration
- Nursing
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician
- Paramedic
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Radiography
- Respiratory Care
- Veterinary Technology
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Collision Technology Technician
- Automotive Service Technology
- Building Construction
- Carpentry
- CNC Machinist
- Commercial Electrician
- Diesel Systems Technician
- Fire Science Technology
- HVACR Technician
- Mechatronics
- Pipefitter
- Plumber
- Welding Technology
Technology
- Computer Information Systems
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Science Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Database Technology
- Game Design and Development
- Information Technology
- Network Security Cyber-Security
Campus Locations
Tampa 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
Tampa 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33614
Plant City 1206 N. Park Rd., Plant City, FL 33563
Ruskin 551 24th St. NE., Ruskin, FL 33570
Tampa 4115 N. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33614
Tampa 4115 N. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33614
Tampa 4010 N. Lois Ave., Tampa, FL 33614
Tampa Bay 3901 Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa Bay, FL 33614
MacDill Air Force Base 8102 Condor St., MacDill Air Force Base, FL 33621
Riverview 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578
Tampa 5610 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
Tampa 1602 N. 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Brandon Campus is widely viewed as a highly affordable and academically sound option for beginning college or vocational training. However, this is significantly overshadowed by massive and chronic failures in student support services, particularly Financial Aid and Advising, leading to an experience that many describe as disorganized and frustrating.
Overall Score: 3.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
High Value and Affordability: The college is praised as a “great school” for saving money, offering a much better value than full universities for the same accreditation and providing efficient learning experiences.
Quality Professors: While some quality issues exist, many reviewers found that most professors are “really good,” knowledgeable, and helpful, and encourage students to use resources like Rate My Professors to find the best classes.
Good Academic Resources: The campus offers valuable resources, such as tutoring labs (especially the Math Lab), that students found beneficial for their first two years of college.
Positive Campus Environment (Physical): The campus is described as a “beautiful campus” that is small and easy to navigate. The large, empty parking lots are even noted as a good place for new drivers to practice.
Selectively Helpful Staff: A few specific staff members in advising and financial aid were highlighted for providing excellent and helpful service, suggesting that quality support is available, though inconsistent.
Common Criticisms
Extreme Administrative Disorganization: The most frequent and severe criticism is that the college is “extremely unorganized,” with a clear “lack of communication.” This results in confusion, long waits, and staff being “very dismissive” and giving students the “run around.”
Dysfunctional Student Services (Advising/Financial Aid): Financial Aid and Advising are the top complaints. Students report being given different information from different advisors or staff, having their major changed without discussion, and having their GI Bill/VA benefits mismanaged, leading to unexpected debt collection notices.
Unacceptable Wait Times: Customer service is described as the “worst I’ve ever experienced,” with students reporting wait times of two hours just to be seen, only to be redirected and made to wait longer.
Accessibility Issues: Students note that reaching advisers is extremely difficult, often requiring a walk-in appointment, which makes it nearly impossible for those who work full-time or have rigid schedules.
Physical Campus Maintenance: A few reviews mention neglected maintenance issues, including uncleaned bug remains and large wasp nests that were refused removal, as well as parking lots “riddled with bumps and potholes.”
Momentum
The momentum for HCC Brandon is negatively impacted by operational issues. While the core value proposition (affordable, quality classes) remains strong, the overwhelming student experience is defined by administrative struggle. The frequent and severe complaints about Financial Aid and Advising staff suggest the school has chronic, systemic issues that deter enrollment and cause unnecessary hardship for students trying to progress.