About Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College's mission is to transform lives by providing access to an exceptional education, where students are inspired to contribute to society locally and globally. They strive to provide an affordable, high quality education with values centered on sustainability, service, integrity, inclusion, innovation, and student success.
HCC offers a variety of online degree programs for those who cannot attend traditional in-person courses. Classes are taught by expert faculty and provide the same quality education as on-campus classes.
HCC distance learning features:
- Tutoring
- Support center
- Counseling services
- Academic advising
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Accreditation & Licensing
Hillsborough Community College is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Type:
4-year, primarily associate's, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Bachelor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableGraduate Enrollment:
Not applicableFully Online Graduate Students:
Not applicableMedian Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$9,762Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
53%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$5,391Credit for Military Training:
YesHillsborough Community College works best as a planned first step to a bachelor’s path. The completion timeline is most manageable when core courses are mapped early and taken in sequence, so credits apply cleanly at transfer. That structure keeps momentum steady and helps avoid extra terms.
Cost is a major advantage here. HCC is often framed as the place for prerequisite work because “why pay twice as much” before transfer, and the community-college price can be “cut drastically” per semester. Even for students paying out of pocket when FAFSA does not fully cover courses, the lower starting price can keep the overall degree path more affordable.
At Hillsborough Community College, it is usually easy to reach an academic advisor. Staff are kind, and professors follow up with clear, helpful guidance.
Support can vary by office. Advising on classes and graduation steps may differ at times. Building a clear plan early helps keep students on track.
Overall, support is a strong part of the student experience. Students know where to go for help, and many feel the college goes beyond what they expected.
Online classes at Hillsborough Community College work well for busy schedules. The pace is manageable with work and family life. Assignments and class materials are easy to find and use online.
Classes can be set up differently from one instructor to another. Clear weekly plans and steady communication help students stay on track. Many students build routines that match their time and goals.
At Hillsborough Community College, classes feel practical and manageable when expectations are clear. Many students describe professors as supportive and encouraging. Smaller class sizes also help, giving students more direct time with instructors.
Teaching is a clear strength at HCC. In many courses, the work is straightforward and easy to follow. A common setup uses multiple-choice exams, with past exams and lecture notes posted in Canvas. That weekly structure helps students stay prepared and on track.
Outside the classroom, support can feel less steady. Advising and department response may vary at times. Even so, the day-to-day learning experience is often the strongest part of the school.
HCC is a budget-smart place to start college. It works well as a transfer launch point. Many students use it to lower total degree cost. Classes are usually manageable with clear expectations.
Professors are a bright spot here. Teaching feels approachable and personal in smaller classes. Online classes also fit busy schedules. Pace and access to coursework are workable for many adults.
The weak spot is planning support. Advising and aid-office responses can be slow. Graduation guidance can conflict across offices. That can delay completion if plans are not tracked closely.
HCC is a budget-smart place to start college. It works well as a transfer launch point. Many students use it to lower total degree cost. Classes are usually manageable with clear expectations.
Professors are a bright spot here. Teaching feels approachable and personal in smaller classes. Online classes also fit busy schedules. Pace and access to coursework are workable for many adults.
The weak spot is planning support. Advising and aid-office responses can be slow. Graduation guidance can conflict across offices. That can delay completion if plans are not tracked closely.
Online Programs offered by Hillsborough Community College
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Business
Computer Science & IT
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Education
Psychology & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsborough Community College
Is Hillsborough Community College accredited?
Yes. Hillsborough Community College is institutionally accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
How many online programs does Hillsborough Community College offer?
Hillsborough Community College offers 14 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Hillsborough Community College offer?
Hillsborough Community College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Hillsborough Community College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Hillsborough Community College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Hillsborough Community College falls into GetEducated’s $ tuition tier, which points to a lower tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough Community College military friendly?
Hillsborough Community College does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough Community College accept life experience credit?
Hillsborough Community College accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are Hillsborough Community College programs fully online or mixed?
Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough Community College offer?
Hillsborough Community College has online program options in areas such as Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Business, Computer Science & IT, and Education; 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 Hillsborough Community College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is ACT/SAT, Placement Test, Proof of English Language Proficiency (International Students). Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Hillsborough Community College?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough Community College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Hillsborough Community College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Hillsborough Community College programs?
Working adults should confirm program format, total cost, timeline, and application requirements before choosing a path.
What should students compare before choosing a Hillsborough 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
Hillsborough Community College is featured in 8 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
Hillsborough Community College is located in Florida
Florida at a Glance:

Top Majors in Florida:
Top Incentives in Florida:
- Bright Futures Scholarship: Up to 100% tuition coverage
Top Career Pathways in Florida:
- Entry Level: Healthcare Coordinator ($60,000)
- Mid Level: Practice Manager ($85,000)
- Senior Level: Healthcare Executive ($150,000+)
- Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
- Certifications: ACHE, CMPE









