General Admissions Criteria
A comprehensive community college system, HCC offers many programs designed to meet the needs of students according to their interests. As an open-admission, two-year undergraduate institution, HCC has an “open door” admissions policy; individuals who have at least one of the following qualifications are welcome to enroll:
- Accredited High School diploma; or
- High School Equivalency certificate; or
- College-level hours earned at other accredited colleges or universities; or
- International students who meet college and state requirements; or
- An eligible high school student.
Admission to HCC does not guarantee admission to a particular course or program. HCC utilizes the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment to assess the level of students’ reading, writing, and math skills. Based upon their assessment results and specific program objectives, students may be required to take developmental and/or prerequisite courses. If the TSI assessment exam is not available, students will be required to enroll in a co-requisite model with a paired college course and a developmental course to satisfy the TSI requirement. In addition, special admission requirements have been established for programs that require students to possess previously learned skills and knowledge. Applicants may obtain some additional admission criteria by visiting www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying.
For further information regarding admissions to certain programs or special admissions, see below.
The applicable Board policies FB(LOCAL) and FB(LEGAL) can be found at: www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f
Continuing Education Programs Admissions
All Continuing Education students must apply online using the HCC website at http://www.hccs.edu/apply. There is no charge to apply using the HCC website.
Some HCC Continuing Education Programs have special conditions for admissions, including the following possibilities: successful completion of prerequisite courses, acceptable scores on prerequisite exams, submission of any required immunizations, criminal background checks, and/or special licenses or certifications.
To review the list of programs and their associated prerequisites, please visit www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/about-us/.
Non-Degree Seeking
A non-degree seeking applicant is admitted on the basis that coursework will be taken for personal enrichment and not for the purpose of seeking a degree or certificate. Non-degree seeking students may not enroll in more than a total of twelve semester credit hours and are not eligible for state or federal financial aid.
Online College Admissions
HCC does not have a separate admission policy for the Online College. All admission policies described above apply to all students regardless of course delivery modality.
Health Science Program Admissions
Admission to HCC does not guarantee admission to a specific program. The HCC Health Sciences Programs have special conditions for admissions, including the following possibilities: successful completion of prerequisite courses, acceptable scores on the Health Information Systems, Inc. (HESI) or other exams, submission of required immunizations, submission of other background information, submission of a personal narrative, and/or personal interview. Health Sciences students as a part of their program often participate in clinical rotations at local health care affiliates in order to gain practical knowledge and skills. Students must meet any requirements set by the clinical affiliate partner in order to participate in a rotation at that site. While HCC does not require that its students be vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of the publication of this Catalog and Student Handbook, many healthcare affiliate partners are requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for any student or employee working in their facility. For details on all Health Sciences admission and program requirements, please visit www.hccs.edu/centers/health-sciences.
Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students Admissions
Veteran and/or Military-Affiliated Students who plan to use VA/GI Bill® and/or State of Texas “Hazlewood Act” educational benefits must follow the steps outlined in the applicable HCC enrollment checklist. Further information is available at Veteran & Military-Affiliated Student Success (VMASS) Resource Centers on campus, on the website at www.hccs.edu/support-services/veteran-affairs, or by phone at 713-718-8522.
Upon completion of the Admissions Application, Military, Veteran and/or Military-Affiliated students should contact an HCC Student Advisor to address questions regarding enrollment and/or gaining access to additional resources or information. Students may go to any advisor at any campus location. For information on how to contact a campus advisor, please see www.hccs.edu/support-services/advising. Academic Advising | Houston Community College: https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/academic-advising/
“GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”
Registration of Sex Offenders
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Section 62.153 requires each person who has been convicted of specific sexual offenses and who intends to attend classes at an institution of higher education to register with the HCC Police Department. Registered Sex Offenders seeking to attend HCC are required to register with the HCC Police Department within ten days of enrolling in class, but not later than the seventh day after the date the person begins to attend school. FL(REGULATION), referenced below, explains in detail the process Registered Sex Offenders should follow, including the process for enrollment in their academic program.
Registered Sex Offenders must register with the HCCPD at the following location only:
Criminal Investigation Division of the HCC Police Department
3821 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas 77004
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (except during HCC closures or holidays)
More information can be found at https://www.hccs.edu/departments/police/crime-statistics–information/sex-offender-information/, in the Student Code of Conduct and applicable Board policies FL(LOCAL); FL(LEGAL); FL(REGULATION) available at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f.
Re-admission
After Suspension/Academic Withdrawal
Students seeking re-admission after being placed on enforced Academic Withdrawal or Suspension at HCC must attend a Student Learning Intervention Program (SLIP) session at the college they attend. Students may be required to enroll in specified courses and/or have their course load limited. Students may contact their campus counselor with questions about this process.
Academic Fresh Start
Under the provisions of the Texas Education Code Section 51.931, Texas residents seeking to apply for admission or re-admission to HCC and/or any specialized program at HCC may elect to have academic course credit more than ten years old prior to the starting date of the semester in which they seek to enroll not be considered as part of the admissions process. An applicant admitted to HCC under this provision may not receive any course credit for courses taken ten or more years prior to enrollment. This means courses excluded under this provision may not be counted toward a degree, GPA calculations, academic standing or to meet pre-requisite requirements. Applicants interested in the Academic Fresh Start Program must meet all HCC admissions requirements and must submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities along with a petition found at Admissions and Enrollment Forms | Houston Community College - HCC: https://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/admissions-and-enrollment-forms/ . The notation will be entered on the student record after the student enrolls and attends the semester invoked in the petition. Admission for High School or Non-Credit Students
Admission for High School or Non-Credit Students
Certain HCC programs require additional or special admissions information. Those programs are described briefly below.
Non-Degree Seeking
A non-degree seeking applicant is admitted on the basis that coursework will be taken for personal enrichment and not for the purpose of seeking a degree or certificate. Non-degree seeking students may not enroll in more than a total of twelve semester credit hours and are not eligible for state or federal financial aid.
Special Program Admissions
As described below, certain HCC programs are available to students meeting special criteria. Students seeking admission to special programs should identify the programs to which they want to apply and follow the directions on the corresponding website.
VAST Academy (Vocational Advancement and Skills Training)
The VAST Academy is a comprehensive transition post-secondary program with support services that leads to meaningful credentials, employment, and independence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at three college campus locations: Central, Northwest/Spring-Branch and Southwest/Stafford. Opportunities include workforce certificates, precollege and freshman success bridge courses, career readiness credentials, and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant, affordable, and supportive environment. VAST Academy offers a two-year Continuing Education ”Occupational Skills” Certificate under HCC’s Division of College Readiness. The program’s successful supportive strategies include person-centered planning, peer mentoring, counseling, advising, transition, career, and employment services.
HCC’s VAST Academy has a formal admissions process. For information on admissions criteria, requirements and steps to apply please visit the website at www.hccs.edu/vast.
Adult Education Program
Adult Education courses are grant-supported through the support of the Texas Workforce Commission and Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC). Adult Education students can choose from the following six programs below:
HSE (High School Equivalency Student): Students seeking a certificate of High School Equivalency (GED, Hi-SET, TASC). A student who wants to prepare to take one of the three Texas-approved high school equivalency exams. These exams include the GED (General Educational Development), the TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion), or the Hi-SET (High School Equivalency Test). Upon successful completion of all parts of one of these three accepted exams, the student will receive the certificate of high school equivalency issued by Texas Education Agency.
ESL (English for Speakers of Other Languages): This is for learners who want to achieve competency in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing English, and whose first language is not English. A learner who wants to achieve competence in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing English. ESL students can continue to study for their High School Equivalency and/or transition to postsecondary education and training or employment.
ESLP (English for Professionals): This program is for Students wanting to speak, read, and write English, and whose first language is not English and has a degree from a country outside the United States.
ELCivics (English Literacy and Civics): This program is for students who are interested in obtaining their citizenship and wanting to speak, read, and write English, whose first language is not English. Additionally, this connects literacy to the lives of learners and reflects their experiences as community members, parents and participants in the workforce.
TSI Prep Boot Camp: ATSI1000 is an intensive Four-Week non-credit Reading, Writing, and Mathematics program that will help you understand the various objectives that will be tested on the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment and how to successfully answer the questions.
Career4U Academy: Career4U Academy is a collaborative effort by HCC and a number of high-profile nonprofit organizations to assist underemployed or unemployed individuals. All Career4U Academy training integrates career training with Adult Education classes. Financial aid is regularly available. All Career4U Academy programs also can be configured to accommodate students whose second language is English. To find out more, https://www.hccs.edu/changeyourlife, or call 713-718-5381, or visit www.hccs.edu/career4u.
IET/EL Civics offerings provide advanced English Language Learners with tuition assistance for concurrently enrolling in ESOL courses that are integrated with Level One Certificate career programs.
Ability to Benefit Programs
The Adult Education & Literacy office has arrangements that will allow students who do not have a high school diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency (TxCHSE) certificate to enroll at HCC and receive federal student aid including Pell Grants. Students need to demonstrate that they have the “ability to benefit” from postsecondary education and training and can meet certain additional requirements. More information is available at www.hccs.edu/programs/adult-education/ability-to-benefit-pell-grant-option.
Adult High School
Adult High School (AHS) is a credit recovery program for students seeking credit recovery and/or original credit program toward their high school graduation requirements (students recovering/completing credit receive a high school diploma). Current high school students will need a referral from their high school counselor before registering for any AHS class. For more information, including AHS locations and courses, call
713-718-7611 or visit www.hccs.edu/programs/adult-education/adult-high-school.
Establishing Residency
HCC is required by Texas law to determine the residency status of all students for tuition purposes. Students who have not enrolled for two or more consecutive regular semesters (fall and spring) must complete the residency core questions and satisfy all applicable requirements to establish residency. Additional documentation may be requested at any time following registration. Residency is determined at the time of registration, either by a student’s current address or by the address of a parent or legal guardian if the student is being claimed by his/her parents or is eligible to be claimed by his/her parents as a dependent for federal income tax purposes. A post office box can be used for a mailing address, but cannot be used to establish residency. It is the responsibility of the student to register under the correct residency classification.
A complete set of rules and regulations for determining residency is available at each campus’s Enrollment Services Office.
For tuition purposes, a student will be classified according to the following guidelines. The Registrar is the final authority on all questions of residency. For more information on residency or to see the list of approved documentation, visit www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/residency-information.
Basic Residency Requirements
For tuition purposes, according to Texas law, all students must answer a complete set of core residency questions within the admissions application. These questions will be used by the institution to determine if the person is a resident. The following persons shall be classified as Texas Residents and entitled to pay resident tuition at all institutions of higher education:
- A person who was enrolled at a Texas public institution during a fall or spring semester within the previous twelve months and was classified as a Texas resident for tuition purposes.
- A person who graduated from a public or accredited private high school in this state or as an alternative to high school graduation, received the equivalent of a high school diploma in this state AND maintained a residence continuously in this state for the 36 months immediately preceding the date of graduation, or received the diploma equivalent as applicable and the twelve months preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolled.
- A person or a dependent whose parent established a domicile in this state not less than twelve months before the census date of the academic semester in which the student enrolled in an institution AND maintained a residence continuously in the state for the twelve months immediately preceding the census date of the academic semester in which the person enrolled in an institution.
- If basing residency on a spouse and have been married at least twelve months, residency may be classified based on the spouse’s qualifications for residency.
In-District Residency
Students who have met the basic Texas residency requirements and live in HCC’s taxing district (Alief ISD, Houston ISD, Stafford MSD, and part of Missouri City) are considered in-district residents.
Students must reside at a street address in HCC’s taxing district to be considered in-district. Post office boxes and dormitory addresses cannot be used.
Out-of-District Residency
Students who have met the basic Texas residency requirements and live outside HCC’s taxing district are considered out-of-district residents.
Out-of-State Residency
A student who has not resided in Texas for twelve months immediately preceding registration is considered out-of-state, except for certain exceptions described below. A non-resident student classification is presumed to be correct as long as the residence in the state is primarily used for the purpose of attending school. To be reclassified as a resident (after one or more years of residency), the student must show proof of intent to establish Texas as his/her permanent legal residence.
See Veterans Services for information regarding residency determinations of Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students.
International Student Residency for Tuition Purposes
An international student is a non-U.S. citizen who is not classified a resident alien by the U.S. Government.
International students living in the United States under an eligible visa permitting residence must provide documentation and meet the same requirements as a U.S. citizen to qualify for Texas resident status for tuition purposes.
Undocumented Students
Texas Law states that undocumented students can be admitted to the College and be considered a resident of Texas for tuition purposes if the undocumented student resided in Texas, and met the conditions listed below:
- Graduated or will graduate from a Texas public or private high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in Texas; and
- Resided in Texas for 36 months leading up to graduation from high school or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma; or
- Has resided or will have resided in Texas for the twelve months prior to the census date of the semester in which the student will enroll in the college; and
- Has signed the Affidavit of Intent to Become a Permanent Resident provided by the College that states the student has filed or will file an application to become a permanent resident at the earliest opportunity the student is eligible to do so.
If the student does not meet these criteria, the student may still enroll, but will be classified as out-of-state for tuition purposes. Additional requirements may be required based on departmental standards.
Change of Residency
The change from out-of-district residency to in-district residency must be made at the time of registration. Any address change which results in a change to in-district status must be accompanied by adequate documentation. Changes to in-district status made after registration will be effective the following semester. A student who qualifies for a change from out-of-state to in-state residency status for tuition purposes may file a petition for change of residency. The form can be found and submitted online at this website or turned in to the Enrollment Services Office at any college. Admissions and Enrollment Forms | Houston Community College: https://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/admissions-and-enrollment-forms/. The petition must be filed with the Office of the Registrar or Enrollment Services Office at any of the Colleges before the 12th day of class for the regular (16-week) term in order to receive any refund of excess tuition paid for that term.
Penalties
Any student who provides false information or withholds information for proper determination of residency, admission, or enrollment is subject to any or all of the following penalties:
- Withdrawal from all classes with no refund
- Dismissal from the institution or other appropriate disciplinary action
- Payment of the difference in fees within thirty days
- Loss of credit earned while under incorrect residency status
These determinations will be made by the processes described in the Student Code of Conduct. See Student Code of Conduct or Board Policy FLB(LOCAL) at www.hccs.edu/about-hcc/policies/hcc-board-policy-manual-section-f for more information. In the case of certain types of fraud, students may be subject to additional state, federal, or criminal penalties.
Additional Information for Non-U.S. Citizen Students
A non-U.S. citizen who is living in the United States under permanent resident status, has an appropriate visa, or who has filed an I-485 application for permanent residency and has been issued a notice of action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) showing that the I-485 has been approved, has the same privilege of qualifying for resident status, for tuition purposes, as a U.S. citizen. Anyone permitted by Congress to adopt the United States as their domicile while living in this country is afforded the same privilege as citizens and permanent residents to establish Texas residency for tuition purposes.
Transfer Information and Credit
Prior Learning Assessment Credit
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process for assessing learning gained outside a traditional academic environment. This could be learning acquired through military service, work experience, employer training programs, independent study, non-credit courses, open courseware, volunteer or community service. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a means of evaluating what a student already knows at the college-level derived from these experiences for college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training. See PLA website for more information www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/prior-learning-assessment.
To be eligible to earn PLA credit, a student must meet all Houston Community College admissions requirements. This includes having a term activated semester credit account. PLA credit is awarded only when it applies to an HCC program of study. The student should not have previously taken or attempted the course (by title) that is the same as the PLA credit for which they are applying. PLA credit cannot be applied to any Cooperative Education/Internship Program or Capstone course.
To commence the PLA process, students must first speak with their Pathway and Case Management Advisor. If it is determined that they are eligible for PLA, the student will begin the PLA process.
NOTE: A minimum of 25 percent of the credits for the HCC certificate or degree must be completed at HCC (in fulfillment of the residency requirement). Please note that credit earned by Advanced Placement (AP) exams do not count toward the residency requirement.
Credit by Examination
HCC awards credit for qualified scores on nationally standardized examinations for the following instruments: College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) subject exams, Sophia Learning exams (with ACE evaluation), Learning Counts exams (with ACE evaluation), Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces (ALEKS with ACE evaluation) and Straighter Line (with ACE evaluation). Official test scores must be sent from the testing agency to the HCC Office of Admissions and Records. Contact the Testing Office for examination schedules and availability of the CLEP. Questions regarding credit received for the above national exams should be directed to the Advising Office.
More information on is available at www.hccs.edu/support-services/transfers/transferring-credits.
