| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Public state college in the Florida College System; day, evening and online classes |
| Name | Hillsborough College (HC) since 1 July 2025, formerly Hillsborough Community College; website hcfl.edu |
| Locations | 5 campuses and 3 teaching centers, all in Hillsborough County, Florida; the MacDill center’s on-base classes are for military-affiliated students |
| Credentials | Associate degrees (AS and AA), one bachelor’s (online RN-to-BSN), college credit certificates, technical certificates and diplomas, clock-hour vocational (PSAV) certificates and apprenticeships |
| Typical length | One semester (EMT) to about two years (AS); carpentry, electrician and plumber apprenticeships four years |
| Tuition | $104.39 per credit hour for Florida residents and $379.61 for non-residents, fees included (associate level, listed Oct 2026) |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC, for associate and baccalaureate degrees |
| Federal aid | Yes, including Pell Grants and Federal Work-Study |
| Admission | Open door; health programs and academies have their own applications |
| Students | 46,182 in credit and non-credit classes in 2024–25 (college figure) |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Facts checked | October 2026 |
Tampa’s public college, renamed in 2025
Hillsborough College is the public college for Hillsborough County, part of the Florida College System and governed by a District Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor. It opened in 1968, dropped “Community” from its name on 1 July 2025 and moved its website to hcfl.edu. It awards associate degrees, certificates and diplomas, and its one bachelor’s degree is an online RN-to-BSN for working nurses.
The college lists 221 programs. For someone looking for a trade or technical career, three parts stand out: the health sciences programs concentrated at the Dale Mabry campus; the clock-hour vocational programs and public safety academies at the Ybor City Campus Training Center; and eight employer-sponsored apprenticeships whose classroom instruction is free.
The Rays ballpark deal and the Dale Mabry campus
On 20 January 2026 the college’s trustees voted to open negotiations with the Tampa Bay Rays over redeveloping the Dale Mabry campus as the site of a new ballpark. On 28 August 2026 the Hillsborough County Commission approved, by 5 votes to 2, the development and funding agreement, guaranty and team non-relocation agreement for the ballpark, which includes a new Hillsborough College campus within the development. The ballpark is targeted to open in 2029. According to 2026 press reports, the college plans to keep teaching throughout, moving into a temporary on-campus facility during construction and then into a rebuilt campus area inside the district.
Dale Mabry is where most health sciences programs and all eight apprenticeships meet. Anyone starting a program there in the next few years should ask where classes, labs and clinics will meet each term.
Career programs and where they are taught
“Where” lists only campuses the college names for each program; for others, check the class search. AS means Associate in Science, CCC a college credit certificate, ATC an advanced technical certificate, ATD an applied technology diploma, and PSAV a vocational program measured in clock hours.
| Program | Credential and length | Where | Prepares for / accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | AS, 72 credits, four semesters after prerequisites; LPN Transition Option, 63 credits | Dale Mabry, Plant City, SouthShore | NCLEX-RN; ACEN |
| RN-to-BSN | BS completion degree, 120 credits in total; six 8-week blocks full time | Online | For licensed RNs; ACEN |
| Dental Hygiene | AS, 88 credits, five consecutive semesters | Dale Mabry | National and Florida dental hygiene boards; CODA |
| Dental Assisting | ATD, 50 credits, one year, daytime only; estimated $7,500 | Dale Mabry only | Florida EFDA; DANB CDA; CODA |
| Radiography | AS, 77 credits, five semesters | Dale Mabry | ARRT; Florida license; JRCERT |
| Radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, cardiac catheterization | AS, 75–77 credits (radiation therapy also a 44-credit ATC) | Ask the college | JRCERT; JRCNMT; JRC-CVT |
| CT and MRI | ATC, 14 and 15 credits | Ask the college | For technologists already registered |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | AS, 77 credits; Echocardiography AS also 77 | Dale Mabry (sonography) | ARDMS; CAAHEP (sonography) |
| Medical Laboratory Science | AS, 76 credits; ATC, 44 credits | Dale Mabry | NAACLS |
| Respiratory Care | AS, 76 credits; Transition Option, 43 credits | Dale Mabry | NBRC exams; CoARC |
| Surgical Technology | AS, 64 credits | Dale Mabry | CST exam; ARC/STSA |
| Opticianry | AS, 72 credits | Dale Mabry or internet-based track | Optician licensing exams; COA |
| EMT and Paramedic | CCC, 12 credits (one semester) and 42 credits (three semesters) | EMT: Dale Mabry, Plant City, SouthShore; Paramedic: Dale Mabry, SouthShore | NREMT |
| Veterinary Technology | AS, 73 credits, five terms | Plant City | VTNE; AVMA CVTEA |
| Eight apprenticeships | Four years for carpentry, electrician and plumber; 576 classroom hours (roofer 432); no tuition for classroom instruction | Dale Mabry (plumber also Plant City) | Employer-sponsored |
| Automotive Service Technology | PSAV, 1,800 clock hours, about 16 months; about $9,233 in-state | Ybor City Campus Training Center | ASE tests; Nissan academy option |
| Collision repair, diesel, heavy equipment | PSAV (clock hours) | Ybor City Campus Training Center | – |
| Welding Technology | PSAV, 1,050 clock hours, three semesters; Advanced, 750 hours | Ybor City Campus Training Center | AWS certification |
| Mechatronics and Engineering Technology | CCC, 30 credits over two years; AS, 60 credits | Brandon | – |
| Law Enforcement Officer | PSAV, 770 clock hours, about 26 weeks full time | Criminal Justice Institute, Ybor City; Training Center | Florida CJSTC standards |
| Correctional Officer | PSAV, 420 clock hours | Ybor City Campus Training Center | FDLE state exam; for sheriff’s office cadets |
| Fire Science Technology | AS, 60 credits | Ybor City, Training Center, online | Five Florida fire certification tracks |
| Culinary Management | AS, 60 credits; Culinary Arts CCC, 35 credits | Ybor City | ACF-accredited (AS) |
| Paralegal Studies | AS, 64 credits; ATC | Online or on campus | National paralegal exams; ABA approval not claimed |
The college also teaches accounting, business, entrepreneurship, human resources, logistics and supply chain, medical office and coding, programming, cybersecurity, networking, artificial intelligence, web design and development, game design, broadcasting, early childhood education, counseling and human services, and aquaculture; see the full list on the college’s programs page. Some program names need care. The Pharmacy, Psychology, Exercise Science, Communication and Marketing programs are AA transfer pathways with no career credential, and there is no pharmacy technician program. The CT and MRI certificates are for technologists who are already registered. The Homeland Security Specialist certificate is a 9-credit add-on of three courses, not a career program on its own.
What the main programs cover
Nursing AS
Students first complete prerequisite courses, then apply through the separate Health Sciences application for four semesters of nursing study at Dale Mabry, Plant City or SouthShore; the degree ends with eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. Licensed practical nurses take a shorter 63-credit transition option. Graduates can then enter the college’s online RN-to-BSN once they hold, or are about to hold, an RN license; it runs in 8-week blocks, six of them for a full-time student, and must be finished within five years.
The eight apprenticeships
Carpentry, Commercial Electrician, Fire Sprinkler Fitter, HVACR Technician, Pipefitter, Plumber, Roofer and Sheet Metal Fabricator are employer-sponsored apprenticeships. Apprentices work full time for a sponsoring contractor and attend related classroom instruction in the evening or at weekends: 576 clock hours for most trades and 432 for roofing. For the plumber apprenticeship, the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter is the sponsor and applicants must be at least 18 with a diploma or GED, a driver’s license and reliable transport. Tools, books and materials are the apprentice’s own cost.
Welding Technology
The base program is 1,050 clock hours in five courses over three semesters at the Ybor City Campus Training Center, preparing students for AWS certification. Welding Technology – Advanced adds 750 hours in two modules for experienced welders or graduates of a Florida-certified welding program; entry requires a written test and a hands-on weld test. The advanced modules cover pipe welding with SMAW and GTAW processes, and graduates receive a Florida Department of Education certificate and can earn AWS certifications.
Automotive Service Technology
This 1,800-hour program runs about 16 months in nine courses: service assisting, brakes, engine repair, electrical and electronic systems, HVAC, engine performance, suspension and steering, transmissions and transaxles, and manual drivetrains and axles. Students take ASE tests before graduating, although graduation does not depend on passing them. The Nissan Technician Training Academy option, available at one of three Florida locations, leads to Nissan/INFINITI Specialist Technician status after six ASE certifications. Credits can later count toward the Industrial Management Technology AS.
Law Enforcement Officer academy
The 770-hour academy is run by the HC Criminal Justice Institute and trains recruits to Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission standards, with hands-on training at the Ybor City Campus Training Center. The full-time schedule is roughly 26 weeks, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. plus some evenings. Access is limited and screening is extensive, so the college advises applying months ahead and getting the program handbook from the Criminal Justice Institute first.
Veterinary Technology
The AS runs two years in five consecutive terms at the Plant City campus and prepares students for the Veterinary Technician National Examination. Before applying, students need at least 10 hours as an employee, volunteer or observer in a veterinary facility within the past five years, and the application window runs from 1 January to 17 May. The program is accredited by the AVMA’s Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, and Plant City is the only campus that teaches it.
Cost and paying for it
The college’s tuition page prints no academic year, so the rates below are as listed in October 2026. They are totals per credit hour, including the access, capital improvement, student activity, financial aid and technology fees; tuition alone is $80.45 per credit hour for associate-level courses and $91.79 for baccalaureate courses.
| Program level | Florida resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| College credit (AA, AS, certificates), per credit hour | $104.39 | $379.61 |
| Baccalaureate (RN-to-BSN), per credit hour | $126.08 | $476.77 |
| Vocational (PSAV), per vocational credit of 30 clock hours | $78.98 | $314.68 |
Published program prices are few. The college’s automotive fee table adds up to about $9,233 in-state or $23,375 out-of-state for Automotive Service Technology, covering tuition, lab fees, materials, tools, a tool box, books and ASE testing (our sum, October 2026). Dental Assisting is estimated at $7,500. For the RN-to-BSN, the 30 nursing credits are estimated at $8,472 in-state or $26,605 out-of-state with books and fees. The eight apprenticeships charge no tuition or fees for classroom instruction, although apprentices buy their own tools, books and materials. Niche, using federal data, gives an average net price of $3,333 a year (October 2026).
Students apply for financial aid through the FAFSA. The college lists Pell Grants (including year-round Pell), Federal Direct PLUS loans, Federal Work-Study through its Career Resource Centers and private loans, plus Florida’s Bright Futures, the Florida Student Assistance Grant and the Florida First Responders Scholarship Program. TRIO Student Support Services offers scholarships, and a tuition installment plan spreads payments. The aid page names no scholarships with dollar amounts.
Active-duty service members and their spouses and dependents stationed in Florida pay in-state rates at Florida public colleges. The State of Florida approves the college for veterans’ training, and the MacDill center runs a Prior Learning Assessment program that converts military experience into college credit, plus online courses for deployed students.
Admission and schedules
Admission is open door: applicants who meet the basic requirements are admitted. Many career programs are limited access, with their own applications and deadlines:
- All health sciences programs use a separate Health Sciences application.
- Dental Assisting: fall deadline 15 June. Dental Hygiene: a mandatory online information session before applying.
- Surgical Technology: 15 February (fall) and 15 September (spring). Paramedic: 15 September, 15 January and 15 May.
- Veterinary Technology: applications 1 January to 17 May, with 10 hours of veterinary experience.
- Law Enforcement Officer and Correctional Officer: a program handbook, extensive screening and an application months ahead.
- Welding Technology – Advanced: a written and hands-on entry assessment.
Classes run in the day, evening and online across fall, spring and summer terms. Dental Assisting is daytime only, apprenticeship classes meet in the evening or at weekends around full-time work, the RN-to-BSN uses 8-week blocks, and the MacDill center runs 8- and 12-week accelerated terms. Fire Science Technology and Opticianry can be studied online.
Accreditation and results
The college is accredited by SACSCOC to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement certifies it as a regional law enforcement training center. Programmatic accreditors include ACEN (nursing, including the RN-to-BSN), CODA (dental hygiene and dental assisting), JRCERT (radiography and radiation therapy), JRCNMT (nuclear medicine), JRC-CVT (cardiac catheterization), CAAHEP (sonography), NAACLS (medical laboratory science), CoARC (respiratory care), ARC/STSA (surgical technology), the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, the AVMA CVTEA (veterinary technology), the American Culinary Federation (Culinary Management) and the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (Counseling and Human Services). The Florida Department of Health’s Bureau of EMS approves the EMS degree.
Published results are thin. Niche, using federal data, reports a 34% graduation rate for first-time, full-time students within 150% of normal time. RegisteredNursing.org reports that 219 of 255 first-time NCLEX-RN takers from the college’s associate degree in nursing passed in 2024 (85.88%). The program pages link to accreditation pages rather than printing licensing pass rates, and the veterinary technology program gives its VTNE pass rate only on request, so ask each program for its latest results. The college says its apprenticeship programs have a 100% placement rate, but gives no year, cohort or definition.
Before you enroll
- Ask where your program will meet. The Dale Mabry campus, home to most health programs and all apprenticeships, is the site of a planned Rays ballpark, targeted for 2029, whose development and funding agreement the county approved on 28 August 2026, and programs are expected to move temporarily during construction.
- Apprenticeships need an employer. Classroom instruction is free, but you must work full time for a sponsoring contractor and pay for your own tools and books.
- Two academies are narrower than they sound. The Correctional Officer academy is designed for Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office corrections cadets, and the Law Enforcement Officer academy has limited places with extensive screening.
- The MacDill center is not open to everyone. Its on-base classes are only for students who can get onto the base, such as service members, dependents, Defense Department civilians and veterans with a Veteran Health Card.
- Living outside Florida costs much more. Non-residents pay $379.61 per credit hour against $104.39 for Florida residents, and $314.68 against $78.98 per vocational credit.
- Check the paralegal program’s standing. The college does not claim American Bar Association approval for Paralegal Studies.
Campuses and teaching centers
All eight teaching locations are in Hillsborough County (college locations page). This list leaves out the district administration center and Institute for Corporate and Continuing Education at 4115 N. Lois Ave., the Hawks Landing student housing, the HC Tennis Center and the Collaboration Studio on N. 15th St., none of which is a campus.
| Location | Address | Main career programs |
|---|---|---|
| Dale Mabry Campus | 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33614 | Nursing and most health sciences, all eight apprenticeships; site of the planned Rays ballpark |
| Ybor City Campus | 2112 N. 15th St., Tampa, FL 33605 | Criminal Justice Institute, culinary and hospitality, fire science, arts |
| Ybor City Campus Training Center | 5610 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33619 | Automotive, collision, diesel, heavy equipment, welding; fire, police and corrections academies |
| Brandon Campus | 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr., Tampa, FL 33619 | Mechatronics, engineering technology, aquaculture, biotechnology, FinTech, supply chain |
| Plant City Campus | 1206 N. Park Rd., Plant City, FL 33563 | Veterinary technology, nursing, EMT, plumber apprenticeship, agriculture |
| SouthShore Campus | 551 24th St. NE., Ruskin, FL 33570 | Nursing, EMT, paramedic |
| HC at the Regent | 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578 | Classes run as a satellite of Brandon |
| MacDill Center | 8102 Condor St., MacDill Air Force Base, FL 33621 | Accelerated evening classes on base for military-affiliated students; online courses |
Housing and career help
Hillsborough College has student housing: Hawks Landing, at 4010 N. Lois Ave. near the Dale Mabry campus. Each campus has a Career Resource Center, which also runs Federal Work-Study jobs, and an Academic Success Center, plus testing, counseling and disability services. Culinary students can take named internships in Italy and Alaska and a SPICE internship with Michelin-starred restaurants and Tampa Bay hotels. The college names Amazon Career Choice as a partner at its SouthShore and Plant City campuses.
What students say
The largest review base is on Niche, 3.77 out of 5 from 2,638 reviews (checked 6 October 2026), where the college’s overall grade is C. Reviewers most often praise approachable, knowledgeable instructors and small classes, schedules that fit around work and family, and low cost for the credential; the Ybor City campus is singled out for its atmosphere. The main complaints are slow or unhelpful advising and financial aid communication, administrative delays and inconsistent advice about graduation requirements, along with few internship opportunities. We saw no sign that the reviews were invited or posted in bursts, but Niche’s summary does not show when most were written. Niche also ranks the college first among its Best Value 2-Year Colleges in America.
Sources
Checked October 2026: Locations and directions · All degrees and certificates · Tuition and fees · Accreditation · Nursing · Plumber apprenticeship · Ybor City Campus Training Center · MacDill center. Also: Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners news release, 28 August 2026; Business Observer, 20 January and 18 February 2026; Niche college and review pages; RegisteredNursing.org Tampa nursing school scorecard.
Programs & Courses
Nursing
- Nursing AS (RN)
- Nursing AS, LPN Transition Option
- Nursing BS (online RN-to-BSN completion)
Health and medical
- Dental Hygiene AS
- Dental Assisting ATD
- Radiography AS
- Radiation Therapy AS and ATC
- Nuclear Medicine Technology AS
- Computed Tomography ATC
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging ATC
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography AS
- Echocardiography AS
- Cardiac Catheterization AS
- Medical Laboratory Science AS and ATC
- Respiratory Care AS and Transition Option
- Surgical Technology AS
- Opticianry AS (campus or internet-based)
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician CCC
- Visual Assessment ATC
- Emergency Medical Technician CCC
- Paramedic CCC
- Emergency Medical Services AS
- Veterinary Technology AS
- Health Navigator AS and Specialist CCC
- Healthcare Support Specialist CCC
- Clinical Research Professional AS and Coordinator CCC
- Biotechnology Laboratory Technology AS and Specialist CCC
Medical office
- Medical Office Administration AS, Billing Option
- Medical Office Administration AS, Management Option
- Medical Information: Medical Coder CCC
- Medical Office Management CCC (Billing; Management)
- Medical Office Specialist CCC
Apprenticeships (no tuition for classroom instruction)
- Carpentry
- Commercial Electrician
- Fire Sprinkler Fitter
- HVACR Technician
- Pipefitter
- Plumber
- Roofer
- Sheet Metal Fabricator
Architecture, building trades and welding
- Architectural Design and Construction Technology AS
- Drafting CCC
- AutoCAD Foundations CCC
- Sustainable Design CCC
- Home Staging Specialist CCC
- Welding Technology PSAV
- Welding Technology – Advanced PSAV
Transportation
- Automotive Service Technology PSAV (Nissan Technician Training Academy option)
- Automotive Collision Technology Technician PSAV
- Diesel Systems Technician PSAV
- Heavy Equipment Service Technician PSAV
- Industrial Management Technology AS
Engineering and manufacturing
- Engineering Technology AS
- Electronics Engineering Technology AS
- Mechatronics CCC
- CNC Machinist CCC
- Electronics Technician CCC
- Engineering Technology Support Specialist CCC
- Lean Manufacturing CCC
- Automation CCC
- Robotics and Simulation CCC
- Laser and Photonics CCC
- Pneumatics, Hydraulics and Motors for Manufacturing CCC
Law, criminal justice and public safety
- Law Enforcement Officer PSAV
- Correctional Officer PSAV
- Auxiliary Law Enforcement Officer PSAV
- Correctional Officer and Correctional Probation Officer cross-over to Law Enforcement PSAV
- Fire Science Technology AS
- Fire Academy
- Fire Officer Supervisor CCC
- Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies AS
- Crime Scene CCC
- Criminal Justice Technology Specialist CCC
- Homeland Security Specialist CCC
- Paralegal Studies AS and ATC
- Real Estate Paralegal CCC
- Bail Bonding/Surety Agent PSAV
- Private Investigator Intern PSAV
Hospitality and culinary
- Culinary Management AS
- Culinary and Dietetic Management AS
- Culinary Arts CCC
- Chef's Apprentice CCC
- Restaurant Management AS
- Food and Beverage Management CCC
- Food and Beverage Operations CCC
- Hospitality and Tourism Management AS
- Event Planning Management CCC
Business
- Accounting Management AS
- Accounting Technology Tax Option AS
- Accounting Technology CCC (Specialist; Operations; Management)
- Business Administration and Management AS
- Business Administration International Business AS
- Business CCC (Management; Operations; Specialist)
- Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship AS
- Entrepreneurship CCC (Innovation; Strategies; Ventures)
- Financial Technology AS
- Office Management AS
- Human Resource Assistant CCC
- Supply Chain Management AS
- Logistics and Transportation Specialist CCC
- IT Project Management AS
- Project Manager Associate CCC
- Technology Project Manager CCC
Computers and IT
- Computer Information Technology AS
- Computer Programming and Analysis AS
- Computer Programmer CCC
- Computer Programming Specialist CCC
- Database Technology AS
- Database Administrator CCC
- Business Intelligence Specialist AS and Professional CCC
- Artificial Intelligence AS and Practitioner CCC
- Cybersecurity AS
- Cybersecurity Operations AS
- Cybersecurity Analyst and Operations Analyst CCC
- Network Security AS
- Network Infrastructure AS
- Network certificates (Advanced Infrastructure; Support Technician; Enterprise and Server Administration; Cisco, Linux and Windows security)
- Network Systems Technology: Digital Forensics AS and Digital Forensics CCC
- Enterprise Cloud Computing AS and Cloud Computing CCC
- Help Desk Support Technician CCC
- Microcomputer Repairer/Installer CCC
Digital media, design and broadcasting
- Internet Services Technology: Web Designer AS
- Internet Services Technology: Web Developer AS
- Digital Media Multimedia Developer AS
- Digital Media Multimedia Game Design AS
- Game Design and Development CCC
- Digital Media Multimedia CCC (Production; Instructional Technology; Video Production; Web Production)
- Graphic Design Production CCC
- Radio and Television Broadcast Programming AS
- Broadcast Production CCC
- Motion Picture Production Management CCC
Education, human services and science
- Early Childhood Education AS (Preschool; Administrator)
- Early Childhood Education CCC (Administrator; Preschool)
- Educator Preparation Institute
- Counseling and Human Services AS
- Aquaculture AS
- Aquaculture Technology CCC
- Environmental Science Technology AS
- Water Quality Technician CCC
University transfer (AA pathways, no career credential)
- Pharmacy AA pathway (pre-pharmacy; there is no pharmacy technician program)
- Psychology, Exercise Science, Communication, Marketing and Computer Science Engineering AA pathways
- Public Health, Medical Sciences, Dental and Veterinary AA pathways
Campus Locations
Tampa, FL (Dale Mabry Campus) 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., Tampa, FL 33614
Tampa, FL (Ybor City Campus) 2112 N. 15th St., Tampa, FL 33605
Tampa, FL (Ybor City Campus Training Center) 5610 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
Tampa (Brandon), FL 10451 Nancy Watkins Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
Plant City, FL 1206 N. Park Rd., Plant City, FL 33563
Tampa (Ruskin), FL (SouthShore Campus) 551 24th St. NE., Ruskin, FL 33570
Tampa (Riverview), FL 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578
Tampa (MacDill Air Force Base), FL 8102 Condor St., MacDill Air Force Base, FL 33621