Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Howard College

Big Spring, TX

Total Enrollment

7,864

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

42

42 career programs

Full-Time Students

3,660

7,864 part-time

Total FTE

2,072

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
7,864
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 42
High diversity
~187 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Howard College operates as a large trade college with 7,864 students across 42 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 7,864 students, Howard College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 42 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,660 (31.8%)
31.8%
Part-Time Students 7,864 (68.2%)
68.2%
Total Students 11,524

Majority part-time students (68.2%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (46.5%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.1%
4,648 students
Men
40.9%
3,216 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Hispanic/Latino
49.5%
3,896 students
Hispanic/Latino
49.5% (3,896)
White
42.6% (3,349)
Black/African American
2.9% (231)
Two or More Races
2.2% (173)
Asian
1.3% (102)
International Students
0.6% (48)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.6% (44)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (7)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 7,864 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Hispanic/Latino students make up 50% of the student body (3,896 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

11,524 students

38% Men, 62% Women
3,660 Full-time
Diversity Index: 58% • Minority Students: 54%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

950
All full-time students
293 men, 657 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Undergraduate

950
Full-time undergraduate
293 men, 657 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Degree-Seeking

880
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
269 men, 611 women
Diversity: 59%

FT First-Time

279
Full-time first-time students
95 men, 184 women
Diversity: 61%

FT Continuing

601
Full-time continuing students
174 men, 427 women
Diversity: 58%

Part-Time Students

All Students

4,136
All students total
1,676 men, 2,460 women
Diversity: 57%

Transfer

127
Transfer-in students
41 men, 86 women
Diversity: 63%

Continuing

1,053
Continuing students
275 men, 778 women
Diversity: 57%

Non-Degree

2,548
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,224 men, 1,324 women
Diversity: 56%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

4,787
White
345
Black/African American
5,732
Hispanic/Latino
126
Asian
144
International
Diversity Index: 58% Minority Students: 54%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Howard College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Howard College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 7,864 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Flexible scheduling with many part-time students balancing work and education.
• Academic Intensity: 2,072 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

4322645000

Address

1001 Birdwell Lane

Big Spring, TX 79720

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials