What to Pay–Tuition, Fees and other Costs

Tuition*

The cost per credit hour varies based on legal residency (see Student Residency for information about legal residency). Students do not pay for more than 15 credit hours of tuition per term even if they are enrolled for more credits. Tuition rates are:

*All tuition and fees are subject to change. For current charges, visit www.howardcc.edu/pay.

The rates that international citizens pay are based upon their ability to establish legal residence/domicile (see International Citizens for more information). Tuition is waived for Maryland residents who are senior citizens 60 years of age or over. A tuition waiver is also available through the social security administration for people with disabilities and certain retirees under very specific conditions who are Maryland residents. In accordance with Maryland state and federal laws, all active duty military personnel and their dependents, Maryland National Guard members, and veterans are eligible to pay in-county tuition if the service member is stationed in, resides in, or is domiciled in Maryland.  Certain additional tuition discounts apply for members of the Maryland National Guard. See Military Service Members, Veterans and Dependents for more information. Legal residents of Maryland (and qualified out-of-state residents under very specific circumstances) enrolled in the college’s Health Personnel Shortage Incentive Grant Programs, and Mid-Maryland Allied Healthcare (MMAHCEC) as degree-seeking students are entitled to in-county rates applicable to graduation in their area of study. Legal residents of Prince George's County are entitled to in-county tuition benefits when enrolled in HCC courses at the Laurel College Center.

Fees*

APPLICATION FEES

Howard Community College does not require an application fee for admission. However, certain admissions programs may require a one-time, non-refundable application fee. Application fees are required for:

Other fees are listed at www.howardcc.edu/pay.

CONSOLIDATED FEE

The consolidated fee helps cover the cost of facilities, student activities, technology, and certain instructional expenses. All students, including senior citizens and others eligible for tuition waivers, pay this fee. This fee is assessed at 19.96% of the in-county tuition per credit up to 15 credits. For example, if a student is enrolled in 16 or more credits for a particular term, their consolidated fee is assessed only for 15 credits at the rate of 19.96% of in-county tuition per credit. If students are enrolled in less than 15 credits for a particular term, their consolidated fee is assessed at 19.96% per credit for the precise number of credits they are taking. The consolidated fee is assessed at the in-county rate for all students regardless of the tuition rate they must pay.

The consolidated fee is allocated as follows:

Tuition and consolidated fee charts can be found at howardcc.edu/pay.

COURSE-RELATED FEES

Many courses have fees. Fees vary based on the course, related activities, and materials involved. Fees are listed along with course descriptions on HCC's online course search.  

Some credit courses may include a First Day material charge as a separate charge associated with the course. First Day is an inclusive access program and partnership between HCC, Barnes & Noble, and publishers to offer electronic textbooks and/or access codes at a lowered cost compared to traditional print material as part of the student's course materials, delivered directly within their Canvas course. As such, First Day materials do not need to be purchased in the bookstore. However, if a student prefers, they may opt out of First Day through their Canvas course page. Before opting out, it is suggested the student speak with their instructor as required course materials are vital to student success.

HCC reserves the right to provide some or all instruction and related academic activities through alternative methods of delivery, including remote delivery. It also reserves the right to change the method of delivery before or during an academic term in the event of a health or safety emergency or other circumstance when it determines that such change is necessary or in the best interests of the campus community. Tuition and mandatory fees will not be reduced or refunded if the College changes the delivery method for any or all of an academic session.

OTHER COLLEGE FEES

The college charges fees to cover costs of specific services as follows:

*All fees are subject to change.

Fines*

The college also assesses certain fines:

*Fines are subject to change.

Other Costs*

Students are strongly urged to consider other expenses related to their education when budgeting for college. Students who utilize the college’s Nelnet Tuition Payment Plan do not pay interest, but do pay a $30 processing charge to Nelnet each term they use this service. Though the costs of books vary based upon courses and whether students purchase new or used books, it is estimated that full-time students will pay approximately $1,900 per year (two major terms) for textbooks and supplies. Students should estimate the cost of transportation to and from the college, day care, food, recreational activities and other costs related to attending college. Costs vary by individual; all students are strongly encouraged to read the rest of this catalog section, and consult the college web site (www.howardcc.edu/pay) to learn about the various resources available to them to help with the direct and indirect costs of attendance.

*Costs are subject to change at any time in any given academic year.