Houston Community Colleges

Houston community colleges are a great choice for students who want to earn a certificate or an associate's degree. These colleges provide a low-cost way to get started in college, and often have many transferable credits that will allow students to earn their bachelor's degree at a 4-year college or university. Houston Community Colleges

Admissions policies vary among HCCS colleges, but most are open to anyone who can demonstrate high school-level academic achievement and pass English proficiency tests. Students may also be required to take placement exams and other assessments mandated by the state of Texas.

There are a total of 14 campuses in the HCCS network, and they all share one common mission: to serve the local community. Each campus offers a variety of general education and career-focused programs, as well as professional and technical courses in health sciences, business, engineering, and the arts.

The Houston community college system was founded in 1971 by the Houston Independent School District as a result of a public referendum. Originally, it was inspired by the success of its first community colleges, Houston Junior College (for whites) and Houston College (for blacks), which evolved into the University of Houston and Texas Southern University, respectively.

Its campuses are primarily in the central part of downtown Houston, an area known for its plethora of restaurants, bars, shops, attractions, pockets of green space, and hotels. It's one of the most popular places to visit in Houston, as well as the state of Texas.

Compared to the rest of the country, the Houston community college system is a relatively affordable option for those interested in earning a certificate or an associate's degree. Its tuition is a fraction of the cost of most universities in the United States and it has many transferable credits that can be used to complete a bachelor's degree at any major university.

Classes are held at various times throughout the day, which means that students can attend classes on their own schedules. However, it's important to understand that not all classes are offered in every time slot and that it's vital to plan ahead and make sure you know which courses you need to take so that you can be successful.

Students are also encouraged to apply for work-study and scholarships to help pay for college. They'll receive guidance and support from advisors who can help them figure out what type of financial aid is available to them, as well as how to apply for it.

The HCC system has many online learning options, too. This makes it easier for students to continue their studies even if they're busy with other aspects of their lives, and it's often less expensive than attending classes on campus.

There are also a number of internship opportunities at HCCS, so students can get hands-on experience in their fields of interest before transferring to a four-year institution. Some of these internships are arranged through the school's career centers, while others are co-op options that let students spend some time working in a company for credit toward their degrees.