Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Howard Community College

Columbia, MD

Total Enrollment

15,576

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

74

74 career programs

Full-Time Students

8,804

15,576 part-time

Total FTE

5,273

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
15,576
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 74
High diversity
~210 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 Community College operates as a large trade college with 15,576 students across 74 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 15,576 students, Howard Community College is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 74 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 8,804 (36.1%)
36.1%
Part-Time Students 15,576 (63.9%)
63.9%
Total Students 24,380

Majority part-time students (63.9%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (56.5%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
58.7%
9,148 students
Men
41.3%
6,428 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
Black/African American
28.5%
4,444 students
Black/African American
28.5% (4,444)
White
24.6% (3,833)
Asian
14.4% (2,237)
Hispanic/Latino
13.1% (2,048)
Two or More Races
6.1% (953)
International Students
5.4% (848)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.2% (32)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.1% (13)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 15,576 students

Largest Ethnic Group: Black/African American students make up 29% of the student body (4,444 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

24,380 students

44% Men, 56% Women
8,804 Full-time
Diversity Index: 81% • Minority Students: 57%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

2,277
All full-time students
1,110 men, 1,167 women
Diversity: 82%

FT Undergraduate

2,277
Full-time undergraduate
1,110 men, 1,167 women
Diversity: 82%

FT Degree-Seeking

2,125
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
1,038 men, 1,087 women
Diversity: 81%

FT First-Time

797
Full-time first-time students
397 men, 400 women
Diversity: 82%

FT Continuing

1,328
Full-time continuing students
641 men, 687 women
Diversity: 81%

Part-Time Students

All Students

8,540
All students total
3,560 men, 4,980 women
Diversity: 81%

Transfer

464
Transfer-in students
169 men, 295 women
Diversity: 76%

Continuing

4,811
Continuing students
1,931 men, 2,880 women
Diversity: 79%

Non-Degree

1,761
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
768 men, 993 women
Diversity: 81%

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

5,865
White
6,840
Black/African American
3,328
Hispanic/Latino
3,557
Asian
1,612
International
Diversity Index: 81% Minority Students: 57%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

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

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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.

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 Community College's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 15,576 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (56.5%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 5,273 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Student Diversity: Highly diverse student body with excellent representation across ethnic and racial groups.
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.

Contact Information

Address

10901 Little Patuxent Pkwy

Columbia, MD 21044-3197

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