About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College was founded in 1993 due to a vote by the Cambria County Commissioners. Later that year the school was approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education and the plans for the school opening began. Originally named, the Cambria County Area Community College, the name was officially changed to its current name, the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, in 2004. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College operates with the mission “to provide students with affordable opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their work, in their day-to-day lives, and in their pursuit of life-long learning in a supportive, student-oriented environment.”
Students can earn certificates and associate’s degrees from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College from the following departments:
- Business
- Communication Media Arts & Sciences
- Education
- Health Professions
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Social Sciences, Humanities & Liberal Arts
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers courses that can be completed online, as well as full degrees.
Accreditation & Licensing
Pennsylvania Highlands 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: 2,854 ; Graduate: Not applicablePercent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 21% ; Graduate: Not applicableGraduation Rate:
38%Transfer Rate:
17%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$38,752Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$11,000Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
23%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,461Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College gives many students a practical path to a credential on a shorter timeline. It can work well for people who want to keep moving and finish sooner. The school’s format can also help students stay on track while work schedules change.
This is especially helpful for students balancing full-time and part-time jobs. Cost is also a key part of the school’s appeal, especially for students with tighter budgets. Overall, Pennsylvania Highlands focuses on helping students keep going, stay enrolled, and finish without leaving work.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers practical support when teams and systems work well together. Financial aid steps are often clear and easy to track. Staff are often responsive during that process, which can ease stress early on.
Daily school tasks are also easier with tools that keep classes, due dates, and grades in one place. Registration is often simple to use, which helps students stay on plan and on time.
Support can vary by class and office, so experiences are not always the same. Even so, the college has key systems in place that can help students move forward with less confusion.
Online classes are a real access point here. Fully remote degrees help busy schedules. One learner worked full time and part time while enrolled. Another took Penn Highlands classes while still in high school.
The school app helps with daily pace. It clearly shows due dates, classes, and grades. Some classes have low instructor involvement. Support can vary by course. This format fits independent learners best.
At Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, classes often feel practical and clear. Many students find the work manageable and the pace reasonable. Some instructors are very helpful and keep students on track.
Teaching can differ from class to class. In some courses, lessons feel more active and useful. In others, grading and class rules may feel less consistent.
Even with that mix, students can still have a strong experience. Tutoring is a real plus, especially during busy weeks. With steady support and good class fit, many students make solid progress.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a practical choice for many working adults. Its biggest strengths are cost and flexible schedules. The school can be a strong fit for low-income students. It also works well for people who want to finish faster.
Fully online options help busy learners stay on track. The class experience can vary by course and instructor. Some professors are supportive, and classes feel manageable. Others are less active and may reply more slowly.
Student support can feel similar across offices. Financial aid communication is often clear, and the school app makes it easy to track due dates, classes, and grades. Overall, Pennsylvania Highlands is accessible and workable for many students. Your experience may depend on the classes and instructors you choose.
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a practical choice for many working adults. Its biggest strengths are cost and flexible schedules. The school can be a strong fit for low-income students. It also works well for people who want to finish faster.
Fully online options help busy learners stay on track. The class experience can vary by course and instructor. Some professors are supportive, and classes feel manageable. Others are less active and may reply more slowly.
Student support can feel similar across offices. Financial aid communication is often clear, and the school app makes it easy to track due dates, classes, and grades. Overall, Pennsylvania Highlands is accessible and workable for many students. Your experience may depend on the classes and instructors you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
Is Pennsylvania Highlands Community College accredited?
Yes. Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is institutionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
How many online programs does Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offer?
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers 3 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offer?
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers associate-level programs.
How should students contact admissions at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Pennsylvania Highlands Community College expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College military friendly?
Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Pennsylvania Highlands Community College accept life experience credit?
Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College programs fully online or mixed?
Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offer?
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College has online program options in areas such as Business and Healthcare; 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 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is ACT/SAT, Placement Test. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Pennsylvania Highlands 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 Pennsylvania Highlands Community College program?
Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Pennsylvania Highlands 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


