What is Houston Community College Known For?
Houston Community College is known for its wide range of academic programs and vocational training options that cater to a diverse student body. HCC offers degrees and certificates in over 100 fields of study, including arts, sciences, technology, business, and health careers. It is recognized for its strong emphasis on workforce training and adult education, as well as providing credit courses and continuing education.
Who Owns Houston Community College?
Houston Community College (HCC) is a public community college system owned and operated by the government of Harris County, Texas. As a public institution, it is governed by an elected Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing the college’s operations and ensuring it meets its educational and public service commitments.
Is it Legit?
Houston Community College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree.
Is Houston Community College Worth It?
Houston Community College is an excellent option for affordable, flexible, and quality education students. It offers a lower tuition than four-year institutions, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, HCC provides a broad range of programs directly aligned with local and global job market demands, enhancing graduates’ employability. The college also supports students with comprehensive services such as career counseling, job placement, and internships, adding significant value to the educational experience.
Houston Community College vs. Community College
Houston Community College (HCC) sets itself apart from traditional community colleges: it offers an extensive array of over 100 programs, far surpassing the typical offerings at many community colleges, which enables students to pursue not only degrees but also specialized certificates and diplomas. HCC’s strong industry partnerships ensure that its curricula are aligned with the specific needs of the Houston job market, particularly in sectors like energy, healthcare, and technology.
Moreover, HCC’s commitment to global and local engagement is evident in its robust international programs and community outreach initiatives, which attract a significant number of international students and enhance local workforce development. The college boasts cutting-edge facilities, including high-tech labs and professional-grade studios, which provide an enriched learning environment. Additionally, HCC offers comprehensive support services like career counseling and internship placements, greatly assisting students in their educational and career pursuits.
Flexibility in scheduling options for evening, weekend, and online classes further underscores HCC’s dedication to accommodating a diverse student body, making it a notably accessible and practical choice for higher education in the region.
Acceptance Rate
The school has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
The cost of attending Houston Community College varies depending on residency status and the number of credit hours taken. District residents pay approximately $1,632 for 12 credit hours per semester for the academic year, while non-residents pay around $3,360.
Houston Community College offers financial aid through federal loans and grants, ensuring an affordable educational experience for students.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Houston Community College’s hours vary somewhat depending on the campus. Typically, they range from 8 AM to 10 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 AM to 9 PM on Wednesdays, 8 AM to 10 PM on Thursdays, and 8 AM to 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Programs & Courses
Automotive
- Automotive Technology
Business
- Accounting
- Finance
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Marketing
Communications and Media
- Communications
Computer and Information Technology
- Computer Programming
- Computer Systems Technician
Construction and Architecture
- Construction
- Machinist
- Welding
Cosmetology and Barbering
- Cosmetology
Criminal Justice and Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management
- Culinary Arts
Graphic, Design, and Arts
- Film
Healthcare Administration and Services
- Medical Billing and Coding
Healthcare and Nursing
- Dental Assistant
- Nursing
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy
- Radiology
HVAC and Building Services
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Refrigeration
Wellness
- Physical Therapy
Campus Locations
HCC Acres Homes Campus 630 W Little York, Houston, TX 77091
HCC Alief Bissonnet Campus 13803 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77083
HCC Alief Hayes Campus 2811 Hayes Rd, Houston, TX 77082
HCC Automotive Technology Training Center 4638 Airline, Houston, TX 77022
HCC Brays Oaks Campus 8855 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031
HCC Central Campus 1300 Holman, Houston, TX 77004
HCC Coleman College 1900 Pressler St, Houston, TX 77030
HCC District (Administration) 3100 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
HCC Eastside Campus 6815 Rustic St, Houston, TX 77087
HCC Felix Fraga Academic Campus 301 N Drennan St, Houston, TX 77003
HCC Gulfton Center 5407 Gulfton Rd, Houston, TX 77081
HCC Katy Campus 1550 Foxlake Dr, Houston, TX 77084
HCC Missouri City Campus 1600 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489
HCC North Forest Campus 6010 Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77016
HCC Northeast Campus 555 Community College Dr, Houston, TX 77013
HCC Northline Campus 8001 Fulton, Houston, TX 77022
HCC South Campus 1990 Aiport Blvd, Houston, TX 77051
HCC Spring Branch Campus 1010 W Sam Houston Pkwy, North Houston, TX 77043
HCC Stafford Campus 10041 Cash Rd, Stafford, TX 77477
HCC West Loop Campus 5601 West Loop, South Houston, TX 77081
Financial Aid Services
Individuals needing financial assistance have several options. Houston Community College scholarships are available for those who qualify, as well as grants and loans. Work-study programs also help offset academic costs, and the college offers disaster relief grants. Also, HCC has a resolution center for student’s experiencing difficulty securing financial assistance.
Student Services
Ranging from academic to social, HCC has various clubs to get students involved and provide networking opportunities. One such club is United Student Council. This group empowers students to improve the conditions of the community, not just the campus. Here, they work on becoming future district leaders.
Veteran and Military Services
Combining military experience and education, HCC’s Veterans Academy helps expedite certificate completion. The college diligently works with the Department of Veterans Affairs to maintain a favorable environment for military members. VetSuccess at HCC provides extensive support for veterans, including academic and personal issues, and extends to eligible family members.
Alumni Services
HCC offers job placement services for alumni at several locations. Here graduates can get help with resume writing, interview preparation, and job fair information. Alumni also enjoy discount programs through Amazon and participating healthcare providers. As a nod to former students, the school’s website features Student Success Stories to recognize achievements of former students.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, the Houston Community College – North Forest Campus has a very positive reputation, with an excellent overall rating. Reviewers frequently praise the campus staff and the convenience of the location. A significant portion of the reviews also comes from people who used the campus for voting, and they also had positive experiences.
Overall Score: 3.8/5 Stars
Common Praises
Friendly and Helpful Staff: A recurring theme in reviews is the helpfulness of the staff. Students and visitors alike describe the staff as “friendly,” “easy going,” and “very informative.”
Convenient Location and Campus: The campus is described as a “nice local” branch that is “clean” and easy to navigate. The proximity to a public library across the street is also highlighted as a positive.
Positive Learning Environment: Students praise the campus’s computer labs and the quality of the Automotive Center. The overall atmosphere is seen as conducive to learning, and staff is noted for being accommodating.
Common Criticisms
Lack of Public Transit: While the campus is located in a residential area, one reviewer notes that public transit options may be limited, which could pose a challenge for some students.
Small Library: One review from four years ago mentions that the campus library is small, but notes that a larger public library is located directly across the street.
Momentum
The reviews for Houston Community College – North Forest Campus are overwhelmingly positive, and this positive trend has been consistent over the past few years. The most recent reviews, from a few months ago, continue to praise the campus.
Overall, the reviews, combined with external information, indicate that the North Forest Campus is an affordable, accessible, and supportive institution that offers a range of academic and workforce programs, particularly in automotive technology. The campus is a welcoming environment that also serves as a community hub for activities like voting.