About Harrisburg Area Community College
In 1964, Harrisburg Area Community College became the first community college in Pennsylvania. The first class was welcomed in September of the same year. Its mission is to “provide educational and cultural opportunities to the community we serve.” HACC has become one of the largest undergraduate colleges in Pennsylvania.
HACC offers a variety of associate degrees that transfer to four-year programs, as well as career degree programs. Certificate and diploma programs are also available. Many of these programs are available online. HACC online degrees have been available through innovative partnerships since 2004. Today, online learning is both flexible and affordable.
Accreditation & Licensing
Harrisburg Area Community College is accredited by:
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Type:
2-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Associate's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 19,482 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 51% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
21%Transfer Rate:
23%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$42,007Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$17,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
38%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,186Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Harrisburg Area Community College
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Healthcare
Psychology & Human Services
Filters
HACC works best as a practical first step with a realistic pace to finish. The school supports part-time progress and full-time online enrollment, so credits can keep moving for people balancing work and other responsibilities. It is an inexpensive way to start off college, and that lower-cost entry point pairs well with transfer planning.
Completion can depend on clean account processing during registration windows. One documented hold shifted from $85.88 to $1599.00 with an August 6 deadline, showing how billing timing can affect term-to-term momentum. Overall, HACC fits budget-conscious students who want a steady start and a clear path forward.
At HACC, many professors reply quickly and follow through when students need help. Students describe instructors as helpful, prepared, and focused on student progress.
Course pages stay up to date, and class materials are posted for both in-person and online classes. This steady setup makes deadlines easier to track and materials easy to find.
Advising communication can vary at times, but many students still describe HACC as a positive place to learn. For day-to-day support, instructors are often the most reliable first stop.
HACC offers online and hybrid options. Full-time online study is part of the mix. One learner returned in Spring 2025, full time online. Course pages are kept updated across online and in-person classes.
This format helps with schedule pressure and commuting. The pace can work for busy adults. Class quality can vary by instructor. Early course structure matters here. Clear weekly routines make online classes run better.
HACC offers many classes that keep students engaged. When teaching is strong, lessons feel clear and interesting. Many professors come prepared, help students, and care about their progress.
Class experience can vary from course to course. Some classes move fast and ask for more writing, while others feel easier. Even with that range, students can find solid instruction and steady support across many programs.
HACC is a practical first-step college. It is affordable and useful. It works well for transfer movement. Online and hybrid access are real strengths.
Full-time online study is part of the path. Professors are a major upside. Many are prepared and helpful. Class quality still varies by course.
Rigor also shifts. Some classes feel easy. Others bring heavy writing loads. The biggest weak spot is process reliability.
Advising and billing can be uneven. A hold changed from $85.88 to $1599.00 near deadline. That can delay progress. Overall, HACC is a solid access-and-progression option.
HACC is a practical first-step college. It is affordable and useful. It works well for transfer movement. Online and hybrid access are real strengths.
Full-time online study is part of the path. Professors are a major upside. Many are prepared and helpful. Class quality still varies by course.
Rigor also shifts. Some classes feel easy. Others bring heavy writing loads. The biggest weak spot is process reliability.
Advising and billing can be uneven. A hold changed from $85.88 to $1599.00 near deadline. That can delay progress. Overall, HACC is a solid access-and-progression option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Harrisburg Area Community College
Is Harrisburg Area Community College accredited?
Yes. Harrisburg Area Community College is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Harrisburg Area Community College offer?
Harrisburg Area Community College offers 21 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Harrisburg Area Community College offer?
Harrisburg Area Community College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Harrisburg Area Community College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Harrisburg Area Community College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Harrisburg Area Community College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Harrisburg Area Community College?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Harrisburg Area Community College first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
Is Harrisburg Area Community College military friendly?
Harrisburg Area Community College shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Harrisburg Area Community College through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Harrisburg Area Community College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score and Official College Transcript(s). Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Harrisburg Area Community College accept life experience credit?
Harrisburg Area Community College does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Harrisburg Area Community College programs fully online or mixed?
Harrisburg Area Community College programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Harrisburg Area Community College offer?
Harrisburg Area Community College has online program options in areas such as Business, Healthcare, Computer Science & IT, and Art & Liberal Arts; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Are any admission tests required for Harrisburg Area Community College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Harrisburg Area Community College?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Harrisburg Area Community College programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Harrisburg Area Community College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Harrisburg Area Community College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Harrisburg Area Community College programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Harrisburg Area Community College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
Featured Ranking Reports
Harrisburg Area Community College is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.
Geographic and Educational Overview
Harrisburg Area Community College is located in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania at a Glance:
Top Majors in Pennsylvania:
Top Incentives in Pennsylvania:
- PA State Grant Program: Up to $4,525 annually
Top Career Pathways in Pennsylvania:
- Entry Level: Clinic Manager ($65,000)
- Mid Level: Healthcare Administrator ($95,000)
- Senior Level: Hospital Director ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE