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Colleges / MD / Columbia
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Howard Community College

Public Columbia, MD · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 87% data reported · Agent Insights
25%
Graduation Rate
$49,020
Earnings (10yr)
$11,133
Net Price
6,649
Enrollment

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Overview

Howard Community College is a great fit for students looking for a supportive environment to explore diverse fields like Humanities, Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, and Education. With around 6,649 students enrolled, the college fosters a sense of community while offering a range of programs that cater to various interests and career paths. What stands out is the college's focus on affordability, making it accessible to many who might be balancing work and study.

After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $49,020 within ten years. This figure is a solid indicator of the value of a degree from Howard Community College. While the graduation rate is around 25%, which reflects some of the challenges students face, those who complete their programs often find their earnings can support a stable life. The affordability of the college, highlighted by a net price of $11,133 after aid, allows many students to pursue their goals without an overwhelming financial burden.

When it comes to the practical aspects of college life, the average debt load for graduates is $10,500, which is relatively manageable. Students who thrive here often appreciate the balance between academic rigor and personal support, allowing them to succeed in their studies while preparing for the workforce. With a Pell Grant rate of 27%, the college serves a diverse student body, indicating a commitment to helping those from lower-income backgrounds achieve their educational aspirations.

Rankings

How Howard Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation25%Earnings 10yr$49KNet Price$11KRetention69%Median Debt$11KPell Grant Rate27%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$10K$0-30K$10K$30-48K$12K$48-75K$16K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%779.4%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1652.4%MOBILITY128.79%

Cost & Financial Aid

$4,080
In-State Tuition
$9,624
Out-of-State
$11,133
Avg Net Price
$10,500
Median Debt
27%
Pell Grant Rate
7%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$9,714
Family Income $0–$30K
$9,924
Family Income $30K–$48K
$12,198
Family Income $48K–$75K
$15,881
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$39,195
6 Years After Entry
$43,783
8 Years
$49,020
10 Years
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
55%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$39,195 6yr $43,783 8yr $49,020 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

128.79%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1652.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
779.4%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$99,100
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.71
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.01
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.9%
Volunteering Rate
0.98
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Retention Rate 69%
Full-Time Faculty 27%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,959
Diversity Index 0.81
First-Gen Students 39%

Top Programs

Humanities 54%
Health Professions 22%
Business & Marketing 11%
Computer Science & IT 4%
Education 2%
Culinary & Personal Services 2%
Engineering 1%
Construction Trades 1%