Harrisburg Area Community College – Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, better known as HACC, is a two-year community college with a main campus in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and four satellite campuses in the central Pennsylvania area. Founded in 1964, it has the distinction of being both the oldest and largest community college in the state, serving thousands of community members in various stages of their education.
| Overall Score (about) | 47.7 |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $8,651 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 17 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 52% / 43% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 18,081 |
The school offers career and transfer degrees. The career degree is designed for students who wish to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, while the transfer degree is for students who are pursing a bachelor’s degree and will be moving on to a four-year college or university. Both degrees require completion of the Core Requirements to establish a solid background in diverse courses to improve critical thinking, writing, oral communication, mathematics, and literacy skills in technology and information.
There are over 80 different disciplines, including Agribusiness Operations, Drama/Theater Arts, Graphic Design, Photography, Accounting/Business Management, Hotel/Motel Management, Small Business Administration, Travel/Tourism Management, Computer/Systems Security, Web/Multimedia Design, Building Construction Inspection, Early Childhood Education, Civil Engineering/Technology, Dental Hygiene, Medical Assistance, Respiratory Therapy, Automotive Technology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Human Services, Social Work, International Relations, and many more.
Courses awarding certificates are for the occupational-minded student who needs to advance in a career or possibly learn the skills to start a new one. These require two or more terms to obtain certification in a chosen field.
More than 50 areas are available for certificates, among them Landscaping, Real Estate, Sales and Distribution, Recording Arts Technology, Data Entry Applications, Carpentry, Construction Site Management, Adult Development/Aging, Child Care Service, Dental Assistance, Surgical Technology, Court Reporting, Computer Installation/Repair, Baking/Pastry, Welding Technology, Corrections, Fire Science/Firefighting, and Security Services Management.
Diplomas are awarded to those who need to master a particular job skill for their current career. These also take two or more terms for completion.
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The school has an open admissions policy, but there are some requirements that need to be met. Potential students needs to have a high school diploma or GED, must be at least 18 year old and able to benefit from a college education, or if under 18 be approved for entry via the early admittance program for secondary school students. There are special requirements for some programs, such as allied health programs or chef apprenticeship. For example, ACT test results must be submitted when applying to the allied health programs.
Students can apply online, or request a sit down meeting with a staff member from the Admissions Office to go over the application.
Financial aid is available for students who need assistance paying for school. Students should begin the process by filling out a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be done online. The school also has a list of scholarships available to not only full time students, but part timers as well. It is highly recommended that any student applying for aid start with the scholarship section and even look for outside scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition, since this form of aid doesn’t need to be paid back.
More than two dozen clubs and organizations are available to students. These include the Architecture and Construction Club, Engineering and Technology Club, Theta Chi (Police Science), African American Student Association, Ceramics Club, Dramatic Arts Club, Japanese Animation Culture Club, International Awareness Club, Live Action Role Players, Sex Appeal Jazz Ensemble, and three honor societies, Kappa Beta Delta, Mu Alpha Theta, and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, all three of which are by invitation only.
HACC has men’s teams in basketball, golf, soccer, and tennis. The women compete in basketball, golf, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. The Hawks compete in the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference of the Pennsylvania Athletic Association.
The college also has an extensive intramurals program, with both men’s and women’s leagues in five sports: basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
The main campus is located in the Midtown section of Harrisburg, the capitol of Pennsylvania. The school also has campuses in Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York, which was founded in 2007.
With the Appalachian Mountains to the north and the Susquehanna River to the west, Harrisburg makes an idyllic setting for a college. A great way for students to relax and get away from their studies is to take advantage of the Capitol Area Greenbelt, a green pathway linking Harrisburg with surrounding neighborhoods. The Beltway is popular with hikers, bikers, joggers, birders, and cross-country skiers.
Also in the Midtown, the Broad Street Market is popular with citizens of Harrisburg and the surrounding area. Grocers and vendors sell produce, baked goods, and pampered meals at this market near the central campus.
Another noted attraction is the State Museum of Pennsylvania, which displays artifacts and exhibits encompassing Pennsylvania’s rich history and culture. Nearby is the National Civil War Museum, which focuses on the human side of the conflict as well as the events on the battlefield. In addition to the war years of 1861-1865, the collection highlights the years leading up to the conflict as well as the first decade of Reconstruction.
Minor league baseball has a home in Harrisburg in the form of the Senators, an AA affiliate of the Washington Senators. Baseball fans who visit Metro Bank Park can see future major leaguers in action.
Accreditation is provided by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
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