Hillsborough Community College (HCC, HCC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Hillsborough Community College, commonly known to local residents as HCC, is a two-year community college with campuses in the Tampa Bay area. It is one of 28 community colleges in the state of Florida. Six locations can be found throughout the county. These include:

Dale Mabry campus
Brandon campus
Ybor City campus
Plant City campus
MacDill AFB campus
South Shore campus

In addition, the school’s administration headquarters and the Institute for Corporate for Continuing Education are located on Davis Islands, adjacent to downtown Tampa. HCC also has environmental studies centers at Cockroach Bay and English Creek.

Students who wish to meet educational goals yet cannot travel to one of the physical campuses due to work or family responsibilities can also pursue eLearning courses, which are web-based.

Information Summary

Ranks 120th in Florida and 3279th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	46.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$16,666
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	35 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	60% / 50%
Enrollment Total (all students)	23,183

Academics

HCC offers associate degrees, including the associate in arts (AA), associate in science (AS), and associate in applied science (AAS). All degree programs are designed to prepare students to enter four-year colleges or universities to earn a bachelor’s degree, or to prepare students for entry-level positions in the workforce.

Continuing education classes, career-specific certificates, and distance learning classes are also available. HCC’s distance learning classes give students the opportunity to obtain certifications, college credit, and even earn some complete degrees without physically attending classes on campus. Class instruction and corresponding coursework and exams are completed online.

The numerous areas of study that students can pursue at the school include:

Architecture / Construction
Criminal Justice
Early Childhood Education
Engineering / Manufacturing
Environmental Sciences
Health Sciences
Information Technology
Media Arts
Public Services
Veterinary Technology

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Like most community colleges, HCC is open to all students who have graduated with a diploma from a secondary school or have a GED or its equivalent.

The admissions process is generally as follows:

Complete an application for admission, which is available online from the HCC website, along with the non-refundable application fee.
Submit official high school transcripts and transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended.
Apply for financial aid (if needed).
Take placement tests to ensure proper course placement.
Attend student orientation and meet with an academic advisor.

Admissions requirements may vary for out-of-state and international students, transfer students, and students who were homeschooled.

Local area high school students who wish to enroll in HCC’s dual enrollment program to take community college courses before their high school graduation should meet with their high school guidance counselor to begin the dual enrollment process.

Financial Aid

Students are often eligible for numerous financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, student loans, or work-study programs. Tuition payment plans may also be available in some situations.

All students seeking financial assistance paying for their education are advised to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible each academic year because many types of aid are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

HCC’s financial aid office offers several resources for students seeking financial aid, including a detailed website, forms obtainable online (including FAFSA), and entrance and exiting counseling.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5196th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Florida.

Students

The college serves a wide range of commuting students, including students preparing for four-year institutions, students who are seeking associate degrees, continuing education students, and working professionals hoping to change careers or further their educations.

A variety of student clubs and organizations are offered on each campus, providing students with the opportunity to participate in organized activities outside the classroom, develop friendships, and be involved in college life. In addition, HCC students can participate in student publications, WXYB Hawk Radio, and cultural and special events that are held throughout the year including art shows, dance performances, concerts, and a variety of exhibits.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The HCC Hawks participate in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA). Sports include:

Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Men’s Baseball and Women’s Softball
Women’s Tennis
Women’s Volleyball

Sports scholarships that cover 15 credit hours and a stipend for books and supplies are awarded to student athletes each year based on the student’s academic eligibility as well as coaches’ discretion. Currently, the school offers various scholarships for athletes playing both men’s and women’s sports. If fundraising efforts are successful, stipends for living expenses and food are also awarded to deserving students. Amounts vary based on athlete and his or her unique situation.

School sporting events are broadcast on the school’s radio station.

Additional School Information

HCC opened Hawk’s Landing, its first residence hall for students, in 2008, making it one of few community colleges with on-campus housing.

Accreditation

The college is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Hillsborough Community College