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Highland Community College is a public community college located in Freeport, Illinois. Founded in 1962, the college serves the residents of northwest Illinois by providing quality education and training programs to help students achieve their academic and career goals.


Overview of Highland Community College (HCC)


Highland College provides an extensive array of academic programs, from transfer programs that enable students to complete two years of a bachelor's degree before moving on to four-year universities to career and technical education programs that offer hands-on training for fields such as nursing, welding, computer science, and beyond.

Highland Community College prides itself on offering small classes, personalized instruction, and supportive faculty and staff to its students. In addition to academic advising services, such as tutoring services and career counseling sessions, students also have access to academic advising and other support services that enable them to thrive academically.

In addition to its academic programs, Highland Community College offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the college experience. From student government to honor societies to cultural clubs, there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved and make connections with their peers.

Highland Community College strives to offer high-quality, cost-effective education to the northwest Illinois region. No matter if students want to transfer into four-year universities or immediately gain the skills needed for successful careers; Highland has programs and support services available that can assist them in meeting their educational objectives.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Rural: Distant
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 13 : 1
Graduation Rate 38%
Year Founded 1858

Student Enrollment


Total Students2,339

Undergraduate
2,339
Graduate
0

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,053
1,053
Female 1,286
1,286

Graduate Student

Male 0
0
Female 0
0

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HCC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONSN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

ACCEPTANCEN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

Acceptance RateN/A

Male N/A
Female N/A

Enrollment N/A

Male N/A
Female N/A
Admissions
Application Fee N/A
High School GPA N/A
High School Rank N/A
High School Transcripts N/A
College Prep Courses N/A
Recommendations N/A
SAT/ACT N/A
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) N/A
Application Deadline N/A
Common Application Accepted N/A

HCC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Highland Community College provides affordable tuition rates to both in-district and out-of-district students, with in-district students paying just $4,696 in a recent academic year and out-of-district but in-state students being charged $6,967 in the same year.

Students can also expect additional fees. These may include:

  • Graduation fee: $30 per student
  • Proficiency fee: $25 plus $25 per credit hour

Lab classes and some other classes may incur extra fees that vary by subject. It's important to remember that these costs can fluctuate based on student enrollment status and academic major - for the latest update contact the college directly.

Average net price 2021-2022
Net Price $9,373
Average Total Aid $5,216
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $7,638

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $3,330
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $3,330
  • Books and Supplies - $859
  • Room & Board - $7,638
  • Other - $2,860

Popular Academic Programs at HCC


Highland Community College offers diverse academic programs to meet your learning needs. Students can select from one of over 70 academic programs designed either to transfer into four-year institutions or directly lead to employment.

Degrees offered include:

  • Associate of Arts
  • Associate of Science
  • Associate of Applied Science

The Natural Science and Mathematics Division includes life science, physical science, engineering, and more. It prepares you for careers as scientists, technicians, teachers, engineers, and healthcare providers.

At Highland Community College, your academic journey is supported by a robust framework of degree programs designed to prepare you for a dynamic professional landscape. The foundation of their academic reputation is built on faculty expertise, bringing real-world industry knowledge directly into the classroom. This ensures that you are not just learning the theory but also gaining practical insights that are immediately applicable in your future career.

Comprehensive educational pathways address a range of interests and career aspirations, from science and technology to the arts and humanities, with each program carefully structured to take you from basic to advanced concepts for an interdisciplinary education experience. Furthermore, these pathways are tailored to stay up to date with job market demands to keep your education current with the latest trends and requirements of your chosen field.

Whether you're stepping straight into a career or planning further studies, Highland Community College equips you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to excel. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, facilitated by an excellent faculty, your education here can open doors to numerous possibilities for future success.

Student Population Total


Student Population 2,339

Undergraduate
2,339
Graduate
0
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Majors N/A

Outcome & Salary


As you step into Highland Community College, you’ll find more than just a degree awaiting you. Graduates often attribute their career advancement to the well-rounded education they received, punctuated by the robust alumni network that spans various industries and sectors. This network not only fosters professional relationships but also bolsters career opportunities for new alumni.

Highland Community College alumni who have achieved notable successes throughout their professional lives often attribute it to the foundational skills and knowledge learned at the college. Your future could be illuminated by similar stories of success and advancement, guided by the alumni and faculty from Highland Community College. As you pursue your educational goals, remember that this institution not only aims to educate but also to elevate, preparing you for significant career advancement and success in the competitive global marketplace.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $48,000
College Grads Average Salary $54,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $70,000
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $540,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,240,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $0
10 Year Projected ROI $540,000
20 Year Projected ROI $1,240,000
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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