Howard Community College

Howard Community College, nestled in the vibrant heart of Columbia, Maryland, truly lives its motto: "Meeting students where they dream." Since its founding in 1966, HCC has been a cornerstone of educational opportunity, providing a public community college experience designed to empower individuals to achieve their academic and career aspirations. With a current student body of over 8,000, HCC is a dynamic hub for learning and growth.

From humble beginnings with just 10 full-time faculty and over 600 students in 1970, HCC quickly established itself as Maryland's 14th community college. Built on a historic site, the college broke ground in 1969 and welcomed its first students into nine foundational credit programs, setting the stage for decades of expansion and academic innovation. Its evolution reflects a continuous commitment to broadening access to quality education within the community.

HCC's dedication to excellence was nationally recognized in 2019 when it received the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in education, a testament to its commitment to high standards. This focus on quality extends to a dynamic student experience, highlighted by a notable visit from then-First Lady Michelle Obama in 2015, who championed continuing education on campus. With modern facilities like the Academic Commons and Howard Hall, HCC continues to foster a supportive and engaging environment for its diverse student population.