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Houston Community College

Houston, TX·Public·37,970 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want a major research university experience. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here. a public school with 37,970 students.

N/A
Accept
37,970
Students
$6,738
Net Price
17%
Grad Rate
$39,300
Earnings
10 yr
$8,752
Debt

About This School

Houston Community College is a public institution located in Houston, Texas with approximately 37,970 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $6,738 per year. The graduation rate is 17%, and the typical graduate earns $39,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Houston City College (HCC), also known as the Houston City College System (HCCS), is a public community college system that operates community colleges in Houston, Missouri City, Greater Katy, and Stafford in U.S. state of Texas. Founded in 1971 as Houston Community College, it is notable for actively recruiting internationally and for the large number of international students enrolled, over 5,700 in 2015. Its open enrollment policies, which do not require proficiency in English, are backed by a full-time 18-month English proficiency program and remedial courses.

At just $6,738 per year after aid, this is one of the most affordable pathways into higher education in the Houston area, making it a solid option for students who need to keep costs low while working or managing other responsibilities. That said, the 17% graduation rate is a serious red flag — most students who enroll do not finish — so you'll want to go in with a clear plan, a specific program in mind, and ideally a connection to an advisor early on. The median earnings of $39,300 a decade out are modest, but the low debt at graduation ($8,752) means you won't be buried in loans if you do complete your credential.

Founded
1971
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing20%
Health Professions13%
Biological Sciences9%
Computer Science6%
Education2%
Visual & Performing Arts2%
Psychology2%
Engineering1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$2,040
Out-of-State Tuition
$5,460
Avg Net Price
$6,738
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants37%
Median debt at graduation$8,752

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
17%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
N/A
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$8,752
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$8,752
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$31,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White11%
Black28%
Hispanic/Latino37%
Asian10%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (37,970 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Houston Community College

3100 Main Street

Houston, TX 77002

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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