Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) is one of six community colleges in Central Pennsylvania's Community College District. The other campuses in the district include locations in Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York. The HACC also has a Virtual Campus for online or distance learning. The Virtual campus offers more than 150 online courses in a range of subjects, and also offers student support services for online students. Students can also choose to follow an academic program through a blend of online, on-campus and hybrid courses.
HACC has expanded to include developing technology and trade programs to add to its roster of 16 programs. Through its combined locations and programs, HACC offers nearly 200 associate degrees, certificates and diplomas.
HACC also offers non-credit programs for personal enrichment and lifelong learning. Included in this curriculum are public safety training for volunteers and professionals, as well as workforce development for business, industry, healthcare, and human services.
All the college locations in the HACC offer excellent facilities with modern equipment, and high-quality programs and services.
History
Harrisburg Area Community College was founded in 1964 at the Harrisburg Academy site as the first community college in Pennsylvania. Its first class had 426 students enrolled. In 1965, Hershey Junior College in Pennsylvania closed and that school's faculty and students joined the HACC. In 1966, HACC broke ground at a new campus location in Wildwood Park.
In 1967, the HACC became the first community college in Pennsylvania to be accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. That same year, the college moved to its new campus with the completion of three of its major buildings.
Over the years, HACC added many more buildings to its campus and eventually expanded further with additional campuses. HACC has become one of the largest undergraduate colleges in Pennsylvania.
In 1987, HACC began offering courses through its Distance Learning program. In 1999, the Distance Learning program added online courses. In 2002, the online programs became part of the HACC Virtual Campus.
Academics
HACC offers a variety of academic calendars for flexible scheduling options to meet the needs of all students. The academic calendar for HACC generally follows a semester format, with fall and spring terms, and several shorter summer sessions.
Colleges and Schools
The academic units for Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) are organized into divisions, as follows:
- Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Division
- Communications, Humanities, and the Arts Division
- Health Careers Division
- Mathematics and Science Division
- Social Sciences Division
- Technology Division
Student Life
There are many opportunities for student involvement beyond the classroom, and the HACC offices of Student Life and Student Affairs provide information about student clubs, organizations and campus activities. Activities vary from campus to campus, so students are advised to consult the Student Life office at their specific campus for a list of activities.
Student clubs and organizations offer chances for meeting other students and developing social and leadership skills. There are also groups that focus on specialized interests and common goals, whether they are academic, cultural, social, political or other.
Some of the recent or upcoming activities at HACC include a "Bus Trip to New York City, World AIDS Day, and Stress Relieve Week.
Traditions
The school colors of Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) are maroon and white. The HACC school mascot is the hawk, and the athletic teams are referred to as the "Hawks."
Athletics
A member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (EPCC) and the Pennsylvania Collegiate Athletic Association (PCAA), the HACC "Hawks" athletic teams regularly compete in at least five intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
In addition to it Virtual Campus and the Harrisburg Campus, HACC has four satellite campus locations in the Central Pennsylvania Community College District, including:
- Gettysburg
- Lancaster
- Lebanon
- York
Courses are also offered at additional satellite locations in south-central Pennsylvania, including:
- Midtown 1
- Midtown 2
- Penn Center 3
- Hanover Hospital
- Campus Square
Community Life
The HACC Foundation is a non-profit educational trust that raises private and corporate funds to support the HACC and its students, facilities and programs, including those that benefit the community.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $9,800. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- State Residents: $4,900-$5,900
- Out-of-State: $7,500-$9,000
- Charges per unit:
- In-State: $200-$240 per unit
- Out-of-State: $300-$360 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 79% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 58% | $4,506 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 59% | $5,032 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and alumni, Harrisburg Area Community College – Harrisburg may provide student services like:
- Online classes
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial courses
- Career path counseling
- Work study style employment
- Assisting students to find work
- Day care for children
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Students who attend a community college will be able to choose from a variety of programs that will lead to an associate's degree or transfer to a four year institution. The following list shows graduation and transfer-out rates for this school compared to community colleges in Pennsylvania, which can be useful for determining which community college to attend.
| HACC | Dauphin County | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 10.9% | - | 21.2% |
| Transfer-out Rate | 17.8% | - | 22.2% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Dental Assistant Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1985)
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1991)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1987)
- Find all the other nursing programs in Pennsylvania
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1991)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by Harrisburg Area Community College – Harrisburg by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Viticulture and Oenology (A)
- Landscaping (A, C)
- Agricultural Business
Architecture
- Architecture (A)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (A)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A)
- Commerce (A)
- Bookkeeping (A, C)
- Auctioneering (C)
- Sales Manager (A)
- Administrative Assistant (A)
- Tourism and Travel Services Management (A, C)
- Accounting and Business and Management (A)
- Small Business Management (A)
- Management Information Systems and Services (A)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A)
- Banking and Financial Services (A)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (A)
- Real Estate (A)
- Retailing and Retail Operations
Communication Technology
Communications and Journalism
- Communication and Journalism (A)
- Media Studies
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (A)
- Computer Networking (A)
- Web Design (A, C)
- Data Entry and Microcomputer Applications (C)
- Computer Science (A)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A)
Construction Trades
- Electrician (A, C)
- Carpentry (C)
- Construction Trades (A, C)
- Construction Site Management (C)
- Building Inspector and Home Inspector
- Building and Construction Finishing, Management and Inspection
- Plumber
Education
Engineering
- Engineering (A)
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering (A)
- Structural Engineering (A)
Engineering Technology
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Mechanical Technology Technician (A)
- Engineering Technologies (A, C)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Construction Engineering Technology (A, C)
- Architectural Engineering (A, C)
- Energy Management (A)
- Solar Energy Technology
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Foodservice Administration and Management (A)
- Adult Development and Aging (C)
- Child Care Provider
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (A)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Phlebotomy (C)
- Healthcare Administration (A)
- Radiologic Technology (A)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Health Services Administration (A)
- Cardiovascular Technologist (A)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Medical Assistant (A, C)
- Ultrasound Technician (A)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Medical Lab Technician (A, C)
- Surgical Technologist (A)
- EMT & Paramedic (A, C)
- Dietetics (A)
- Nuclear Medicine (A)
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences (A)
- Health Informatics
- Dietitian Assistant
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, C)
- Court Reporting
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (A)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (A, C)
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Computer Repair Technician (A)
- Industrial Mechanics
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Science (A)
- Environmental Studies (A)
Personal and Culinary Services
- Culinary Arts (A, C)
- Baking And Pastry (C)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (A)
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (A)
- Physical Sciences (A)
Precision Production
- Welding (C)
- Precision Metal Working
- Cabinetmaking and Millwork
Psychology
- Psychology (A)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Human Services (A)
- Social Work (A)
Security and Protective Services
- Law and Justice Administration (A)
- Police Science (A, C)
- Fire Science (A, C)
- Corrections Officer
- Criminalistics and Criminal Science
Social Sciences
- Social Science (A)
- Cartography and GIS (A, C)
- International Relations (A)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Visual and Performing Arts (A)
- Photography (A, C)
- Music Management (A)
- Graphic Design (A, C)
- Design and Visual Communications (A)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (A)
- Art Studies (A)
- Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Harrisburg Area Community College – Harrisburg.
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, PA (36 miles away)
- Reading Area Community College in Reading, PA (50 miles away)
- Carroll Community College in Westminster, MD (53 miles away)
- Harford Community College in Bel Air, MD (60 miles away)
- Hagerstown Community College in Hagerstown, MD (62 miles away)