Community Colleges in Central PA

Community colleges are bargains when compared to the cost of a four-year education at a college or university. Tuition at community colleges is significantly lower than state universities. Carefully planning can allow you to take your core classes at a community college, then transfer to a four-year school to complete your undergraduate degree. In tough economic times, new high school graduates should seriously consider attendance at a local community college.

Transferring credits to four-year schools use to be an issue with community colleges. It was one of the reasons many felt that community college would not be a good choice for them. This is no longer the case in most states. The state of Pennsylvania offers a plan called the State System to Higher Education Passport Program. This program assures that courses taken at area community colleges will transfer to State Universities. This means this classes will count towards an undergraduate degree. There are two community colleges in Central Pennsylvania where an excellent education can be had. The colleges in this area are Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and Reading Area Community College (RACC).

Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) www.hacc.edu

Having personally taken a course or two at HACC in the pursuit of my undergraduate degree, attesting to the quality of the education offered there is not an issue. HACC is the oldest and largest community college in Central PA. It was established in 1964. Harrisburg was the original location for the campus and was set along side of the Susquehanna River. HACC provides diploma programs, associated degrees, assistance in transferring to a four-year school as well as continuing education classes. HACC also offers early admission for high school senior, honors programs for gifted students. HACC has locations in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Gettysburg, Lebanon, York and the option of a Virtual Campus.

Tuition at HACC is based upon school district in which the student lives. For the academic year of 2008-2009 the cost of a credit hour was $92.50 for those living within tone of the 22 sponsored districts. For those state residents outside of the sponsored zones the cost is almost double at $171.00 per credit hour. Out of state students will have to shell out $256.00 per credit hour. While at HACC you can receive the following degrees: Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), and Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Areas of study can be found at: http://www.hacc.edu/Academics/index.cfm

Courses offered are in the following areas:

Art
Biology
Business
Communication and Foreign Language
Computer Technology
Education
Engineering
English
Global Studies
Health Careers
Hospitality and Tourism
Human Development
Humanities
Legal Studies
Mathematics
Nursing
Physical Education, Nutrition, Health
Physical Sciences
Psychology
Sociology and Human Services
Technology

Reading Area Community College (RACC) www.racc.edu

RACC is set in the heart of the city of Reading at 10 South Second Street along the banks the Skukyll river. It was founded in 1971 and was originally housed in a hotel. Now the school sprawls across the campus which consists of eight buildings. Similar to HACC, This school offers programs that lead to the following degrees: Associate in Applied Science (AAS), Associate in the Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS). Additionally they offer diploma, certificate programs, the previously mentioned associate degrees as well as continuing education. Assistance with planning for a transfer to a four-year school is also provided.

Courses are offered include in the following five academic divisions in the school.

Business Division
Health Professions
Humanities Division
Science and Mathematics
Social Sciences and Human Services

Cooperative Programs with Lehigh Carbon County Community College are also available:

Pre-Physical Therapy Assistant
Pre-Occupational Therapy Assistant

RACC has made a name for itself with its diploma RN and Practical Nurse certificate program. This small school's graduates are highly sought after upon graduation. The school's medical expertise extends in areas of Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and Respiratory Care (RRT).

Berk County residents pay $74.00 per credit hour. RACC has an excellent reputation. Many students come from outside of Berk's County to attend school at RACC. These students must pay $148 per credit hour.

Financing Your Future:

At both schools financial aid is available to help with the cost of your education.All students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Check with the financial offices at the schools for additional scholarships and grants that may be available.

Sources:
www.hacc.edu
www.racc.edu