Apply to the College

Harford Community College practices an open door policy of enrollment. Students are enrolled at the College without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Some restrictions exist for applicants who are currently enrolled in high school, are under 16 years of age, are not U.S. citizens or are deemed incapable of exhibiting and practicing professional student behavior. The College prohibits the enrollment of individuals listed on the National or Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Sex Offender Registry or with the Harford County Child Advocacy Unit.

As a requirement for student receiving federal financial aid, Harford Community College must check the validity of a high school degree (34 C.F.R. 668.16). If Harford Community College or the Department of Education has reason to believe that the high school diploma is not valid or was obtained from an entity that does not provides secondary education,  the college must review further.  Acceptable documentation for checking the validity of a student’s high school completion may include the diploma itself or a final transcript that shows all the courses the student took. In addition, HCC may contact the state department of education, if that department has jurisdiction over the high school, in the state which the student earned the high school diploma. HCC may also consult with other colleges regarding the validity of high school diplomas.

If you are under 16 years of age you must contact the Assistant Director for Admissions at 443-412-2311. If you are currently enrolled in high school you should contact Admissions at 443-412-2109 or by e-mail at admissions@harford.edu.

Application Procedure

All students applying to the College should submit an application and transcripts, if required, to:

Admissions
Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, Maryland 21015-1698

The Application for Admission is available online and in print.  

Non U.S. citizens, except for F-1, J-1, or B visa students, may apply online. Valid photo identification verifying current immigration status (permanent resident card or applicable visa) must be presented in person to the Admissions Office in order to be accepted. Students without valid immigration status will be charged out-of-state tuition rates unless eligible for the MD Dream Act (SB 537). 

Transcript Requirements

1. Send official high school or GED transcripts to the Admissions Office if:
   • Applying for financial aid.
   • Still enrolled in high school or have graduated within the last three years and the academic goal is an Associate degree or Certificate.
2. Send official college transcripts to the Registration and Records Office if:
   • Applying for veterans' benefits, in which case Veteran's Administration regulations require that student is an Associate degree or Certificate candidate.
   • Desire to have previous college credits evaluated for transfer to Harford Community College. Transcripts will only be evaluated if the student has declared a program of study.  Secure transmission of official transcripts may be sent to transcripts@harford.edu.
   • Did not graduate and want to determine if exempt from the College's mathematics and English assessment requirement.
3. If the student is enrolled at another college or university and is taking Harford Community College courses to transfer back to that institution, transcripts are not required. Proof of current enrollment at the home institution is required at the time of application (valid college ID, copy of grades or letter from school official).

Personal Injury

At enrollment, students agree to assume the risks and liabilities entailed in any course requirement. The student releases and holds harmless Harford Community College, its trustees, faculties, and administration from any injury sustained through his/her actions or the actions of other students enrolled in the course.

Vaccinations

The College does not require proof of immunizations for admissions. However, students who are admitted into the nursing or allied health programs may be required to provide documentation of a recent physical examination and proof of current immunizations.

Enrollment Status

Students are enrolled in the College based on their academic goal:

1. taking courses
2. degree seeking
3. certificate seeking

In order to be eligible for financial aid consideration, students must declare that they are seeking a degree or certificate and must hold a high school diploma or GED.

Full-time Students

Any student enrolled in twelve or more credit hours per semester is considered a full-time student.

Part-time Students

Any student enrolled in fewer than twelve credit hours per semester is considered a part-time student. 

Registration and Class Schedule

Registration refers to the process of enrolling in courses. Students who are not currently registered may register through the add period. All persons attending a course must be registered for that course. The registration procedures vary, depending upon whether a student is a new or continuing student with a goal of degree/certificate completion or a goal of taking courses. More specific information about registration is published in the Schedule of Classes, available as follows:

• Winter/Spring schedule available online in early October
• Summer/Fall schedule available online in early March

Registration Deadline

Students who are not currently registered for any given semester may register up to the add date of any course. 

Adding Courses after Initial Registration

Students who have completed their initial registration by the start time of their courses may add additional courses through the add period. 

Cancellation of Registration

The College reserves the right to cancel any registration for which a student has not complied with appropriate procedures, rules and regulations, and the financial requirements of the College.

Readmission Requirement

A student whose work at Harford Community College has been interrupted for two or more years must file an application for admission with the Records and Registration Office. An application for admission may be subject to evaluation under certain circumstances. Readmitted students are required to follow the program requirements in effect for the academic year for which they are readmitted.

Residency and Tuition Policy

Students at Harford Community College are charged tuition according to their legal domicile and are classified as one of the following:

• in-county residents (a resident of Harford County);
• out-of-county, in-state residents, i.e., residents of other Maryland counties or Baltimore City; or
• out-of-state residents (a resident of a state other than Maryland or a foreign country).

A student's legal residence (also referred to as “domicile”) is determined at the time of admission to the College. Harford Community College adheres to guidelines established by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). These guidelines state that a student's residency is the permanent place of abode, where physical presence and possessions are maintained with the intention of remaining indefinitely.

Students will be considered in-county residents if they maintain legal domicile in Harford County and have done so for a period of three months or more prior to the start of semester/term at the College. If information is received which would contradict or call into question the validity of the residency status that was determined at the time of admission, a student may be asked to provide proof of residency and their tuition rate may be affected. Students may also initiate a change in residency status as outlined in the associated procedures.

To request a change in residency, students must submit a Change in Residency Form along with appropriate documentation to the Registration and Records Office. Forms are available in the Registration and Records Office or in OwlNet. A request for a change in residency must be received prior to the start of the semester/term. Otherwise, any approved change in residency will apply to the next semester.

The College shall consider the following factors for determination of residency:

1. Ownership or rental of local quarters
2. Substantially uninterrupted physical presence, including the months when the student is not in attendance at the College
3. Maintenance in Maryland and in Harford County of all, or substantially all, of the student's possessions
4. Payment of Maryland state and local piggy-back income taxes on all income earned, including income earned out of state
5. Registration to vote in Maryland and Harford County
6. Registration of a motor vehicle in Maryland, with a local address specified, if the student owns or uses such a vehicle
7. Possession of a valid Maryland driver's license with a local address specified, if the student is licensed anywhere to drive a motor vehicle

Questions regarding residency and tuition rates should be referred to the Registration and Records Office.

Harford Cares Referrals

At HCC, we care about our students, faculty, and staff. We all have a shared ethical responsibility to help students who are struggling emotionally, personally, or academically and to make a referral about these concerns or threatening behaviors we experience or observe. Concerning behaviors include trouble getting motivated to go to class, unusual change in the quality or quantity of work submitted, emotional distress, unusual behavior, abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs, disturbing written material, thoughts of suicide or homicide, and other troubling behaviors. If you experience, know or observe someone who exhibits any of these behaviors, please refer them using the Harford Cares Referral Form on OwlNet. You may also make a referral about the situation to the Associate Vice President for Student Development or designee, Student Center, Room 254. Thank you for doing your part to help someone in need! For more information, please call 443-412-2132.

Email Accounts (OwlMail)

The College uses on-campus student email accounts, known as OwlMail, through OwlNet to officially communicate with students. As a result, students are responsible for accessing this email account on a regular basis.

OwlNet Account

All students receive an OwlNet account. This web portal allows students to access their College email account; receive College announcements and news; and conduct College business, such as registering for classes, requesting transcripts, and making payments. As a result, students are responsible for accessing this account on a regular basis and protecting the confidentiality of their access code.

Current Mailing Address

Students are responsible for maintaining a current mailing address with the College. All address changes should be reported in the College's online system OwlNet or to the Registration and Records Office. If a student owes a debt to the College and does not maintain a current mailing address, that debt may be sent to a collection agency without further notice to the student. In this event, the student will owe an additional collection fee.

Emergency Notification

Students are requested to provide two types of emergency notification contacts:

1. An emergency contact person and phone number in case the student has a personal emergency.
2. Telephone and/or email contact information which will only be used in the event of a non-scheduled campus closing, or if there is a serious situation on campus.

Students will be requested once a semester to provide or update this information.

Academic Skills Assessment

Requirements for Assessment

DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE SEEKING STUDENTS

Recent high school graduates will be required to complete a New Student Advising session. For more information, visit Getting Started at the Admissions website or contact the Admissions Office at 443-412-2109. 

Students entering HCC with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher can register for college-level English and mathematics courses. Applicants will be required to submit official high school transcripts. The 3.0 GPA should be: unweighted, on a 4.0 scale, and within the preceding 5 years; junior high school GPA is acceptable. 

Students with qualifying scores in SAT, ACT, PARCC, Accuplacer, AP or IB tests give students a College and Career Readiness designation. Official copy of qualifying scores in all tests should be sent to Admissions for review and consideration. 

Students who have not completed College Level English or Math, do not have a high school GPA of 3.0, nor earned qualifying SAT or ACT scores, may be referred to the Test Center to complete the Academic Skills Assessment. Exemptions for taking the Academic Skills Assessment are listed below: 

English 

• SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 480 or higher  
• ACT English and Reading score of 21 or higher  
• PARCC English 10 OR 11 score of 4 or higher (750 or higher scaled score)  
• GED Reasoning through Language Arts score of 165 or higher  
• AP English Language & Composition OR English Literature & Composition score of 3 or higher  
• IB Lang. A: Literature SL or HL OR Lang. A: Language & Literature SL or HL score of 4 or higher  
• Next-Generation Accuplacer Writing and Reading score of 263 or higher 

Math 

• SAT Math Score of 530 or higher (570 will place students in Math 109) 
• ACT Math Score of 21 or higher  
• PARCC Algebra II score of 4 or higher (750 or higher scaled score)  
• GED Math scores of 165 or higher are eligible for Math 216 or Math 102. Students needing college algebra or pre-calculus or above for program of study must take the Accuplacer test or a calculus readiness test.  
• AP Calculus AB/BC OR Statistics OR Computer Science score of 3 or higher  
• IB Math Studies or Math SL/HL OR Further Math score of 4 or higher  
• Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Math (Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics) is 263 or higher 

Assessment scores, SAT scores and ACT scores are valid for a period of two years. Students who do not begin the appropriate course sequence within the two-year time period must repeat the assessment. Assessment results may restrict students from registering for college-level classes. 

Retests

Students may retest 24 hours after the initial test. After two attempts within a two year period a $25 proctoring fee will be assigned for all subsequent attempts. For more information visit the Test Center website or contact the Test Center at 443-412-2352.

Community Education Certificate-Seeking Students

All Community Education Certificate-Seeking students planning to register for English and/or a math course must have the related skill assessment. Contact the Community Education, Business and Applied Technology division to find out the required assessments needed to register for classes.

High School Students

High school juniors and seniors have three options by which they may attend Harford Community College while still attending high school. Before selecting any of these options, students should consult with their parent(s)/guardian(s) and their high school counseling office. Students will be enrolled at Harford Community College as undeclared students who are only taking courses and not in a degree seeking program. 

Students Enrolled in Private School or are Home Schooled 

Students at Harford Community College (HCC) may earn academic credit toward graduation through a variety of non-traditional learning means, as well as through the traditional classroom learning experience. The assessment of prior learning refers to awarding credit based on demonstrated learning that has been gained outside a traditional academic environment, such as through working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military or engaging in other experiential activities, or studying related subjects independently. When competencies and knowledge learned through these experiences can be documented and assessed as equivalent to that required in college courses, college credit can be awarded and recorded on a student's transcript.

The College reserves the right to determine the kind and amount of credit granted through non-traditional learning programs, based on scores, percentile or evaluation established by the faculty.

No more than 45 credits may be used towards completing an associate degree through assessment for prior learning, including but not limited to:

• military training, education, and coursework
• Advanced Placement (AP) exams
• Cambridge (AICE- A/AS Exams)
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams
• International Baccalaureate (IB) exams
• articulated credit
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• professional training evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE)
• examinations developed by the institution
• portfolio assessments

Students must have a declared program of study and successfully complete any three credit course at HCC before credit can be posted to the HCC transcript. Non-traditional credit does not affect the student's grade point average (GPA).

Non-traditional credits earned on the HCC transcript may not necessarily be accepted for transfer to another college or institution. Students planning to transfer should check the requirements of the receiving institution for policies regarding the acceptability of credits earned by non-traditional means.

Credit for Military Training

In accordance with §15-113 of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and in support of the Veteran Full Employment Act (VFEA), HCC awards credit for a variety of formal military training, education, and coursework. Evaluations will be completed for students who submit official military transcripts through the Joint Transcript Services (JST) for Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, or the Community College of the Air Force. In awarding credit the College follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education's (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Services. For more information contact the Registration and Records Office. All Military, Reserve, and Veteran students are also eligible to pursue the other Credit for Competency-Based Learning options that follow. Call 443-412-2100 for more information.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement, a College Board program available annually to high school students, allows students to demonstrate college-level achievement. Students should submit AP results to the Registration and Records Office to receive credit for qualifying AP scores. Credit is posted to the student's transcript upon successful completion of any three-credit course taken in attendance at HCC. Because qualifying scores vary at institutions, students planning to transfer should check with the transfer institution to determine score requirements. Please see the Credit by Examination table for a list of AP exams and respective scores for which HCC will award credit.

International Baccalaureate Organization (IB)

International Baccalaureate Organization courses may be awarded credit for courses at HCC. The minimum grade of granting credit is 4 for higher level IBO courses and 5 for standard level IBO courses. Students should submit official IBO transcripts to the Registration and Records Office for the transcript to be evaluated. Credit is posted to the student's transcript upon successful completion of any three-credit course taken in attendance at HCC. Please see the Credit by Examination table for a list of IB exams and respective scores for which HCC will award credit.

Credit by Harford Division Exam

Current HCC students may earn credit for the satisfactory completion of tests developed by HCC faculty members for select courses. To receive division exam credit at HCC, a student must complete the Application for Credit by Division Exam form, pay the current test fee, score a 70% or above on the exam, and successfully complete any three-credit course in attendance at HCC. Division exam credit does not affect the student's grade point average (GPA). Please see the Credit by Examination table for a list of current division exams. Contact the Test Center at 443-412-2352 for testing information. 

Credit by Examination (Other)

Credit may be earned by examination through nationally normed testing programs including CLEP and DSST for courses offered at HCC. Credit by examination testing is open to all current and former HCC students, as well as students at other colleges that accept this type of credit. Contact the Test Center at 443-412-2352 for testing information. To receive credit at HCC, a student must successfully complete any three-credit course in attendance at HCC before credit will be recorded on the student's academic record. Please see the Credit by Examination table for a list of current CLEP and DSST exams and respective scores for which HCC will award credit. 

Harford County Training Program

Academic credit towards specific degrees may be awarded for the completion of training programs recognized through an articulation agreement between the College and training institution. Programs in which the College has agreements are: Aberdeen Proving Ground Child and Youth Services, the Harford County Sheriff's Office Training Academy, Harford County Electrical Contractors Association and others. Awarded as articulated credit, credit can only be used towards meeting the degree requirements of the approved program of study listed in the agreement. Credit is posted to the student's transcript upon successful completion of any three-credit course taken in attendance at HCC. For more information, contact the Registration and Records Office at 443-412-2222.

Industry Recognized Credentials (IRC)

HCC accepts industry recognized credentials (IRC) for academic credit. Eligible IRCs include industry, trade and professional certifications or qualifications that are earned by individuals to perform a task or job. IRCs are considered an option under Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for individuals seeking to apply their experience toward an academic degree. In order for students to use credentials for credit, the credential must be an approved IRC and students must be able to provide original documentation of the credential with which they are seeking credit.

A current list of approved IRCs and the courses eligible for credit can be found on the Credit for Prior Learning Application for Industry Recognized Credentials.

There is no fee for seeking PLA credit through IRCs. If you will be applying for credit with an IRC, please print, read and complete the Credit for Prior Learning Application for Industry Recognized Credentials. Credentials not included on the list may be eligible for credit following a division assessment of the credential.

Note: Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credit is awarded based on HCC policy. There is no guarantee PLA credit will transfer to a four year institution. If you plan to transfer, it is recommended that you check with your intended institution for information on the PLA credit and/or non-traditional credit transfer policy.

Credit for Business/Industry Training

Academic credit may be awarded for the completion of training programs which have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). Credit is posted to the student's transcript upon successful completion of any three-credit course taken in attendance at HCC.

High School Courses

Students may earn up to twelve credits for high school experiences through an articulated agreement between HCC and Harford County Public Schools. Articulated high school credit is posted to the student's transcript upon successfully meeting all agreement requirements including completion of any three-credit course taken in attendance at HCC with a minimum grade of "C".

College Credit for Prior Learning through Portfolio Development and Assessment

Students at HCC who have significant college-level learning acquired through employment, hobbies, volunteer work, or independent (non-credit) study may develop a portfolio of learning and have that portfolio evaluated for credit by expert faculty evaluators. Students interested in submitting a portfolio must have permission from the Division Dean and must enroll in and successfully complete APL 101 Portfolio Development and APL 102 Portfolio Development Seminar. Credit attempted must satisfy the learning objectives of courses described in this catalog. 

Special Admission Procedures for International Students & Undocumented Individuals

Visa Types and Tuition Rates

International students with other types of visas may also be eligible to attend the College. In addition to the standard application materials, students must present proof of immigration status and type.

Tuition rates for international students are based on visa type and not on local residency. Permanent residents, resident aliens, officially recognized refugees and asylees and those in possession of A, J, L, or H visa types are charged in-county fees if residing in Harford County. Students with all other visa types, including F-1, are charged out-of-state fees.

Note: The College follows the same guidelines for determining tuition rates for international students enrolling in noncredit courses as in credit courses.

Non-Immigrant (F-1) Student and Other Visas

The College is authorized under federal law to consider applications for enrollment of non-immigrant alien students in the F-1 visa status. Prospective students must satisfy academic, College admission requirements as well as requirements for the certificate of eligibility (Form I-20) prior to applying for the F-1 Student Visa. The College reserves the right to determine the requirements for enrollment. Application deadlines are as follows:

New (visa) credit students:
Fall admission - June 1
Spring admission - November 1
 
Transfer (visa) credit students:
Fall admission - August 10
Spring admission - December 15

Documentation required prior to admission and registration includes the following:

1. HCC paper Application for Admission and the paper International Student Application
2. Demonstration of valid passport, I-94 admission number, Form I-20, if appropriate, and all other pertinent identification and documentation..
3. Verification of English language proficiency. In most cases, students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a minimum score of 500 (standard test) or 173 (Internet-based test), or 61 (Internet-based test). All international students who are admitted to HCC will be required to take the College's Academic Skills Assessment.
4. Proof of graduation from high school or secondary school such as a transcript and/or diploma. If applicable, an official translation to English may be required.
5. Declaration of financial resources to demonstrate ability to fund education, health insurance and living expenses. Students should not expect to find part-time employment on campus, as such jobs are scarce. International students must be enrolled full-time, taking a minimum of 12 credits both fall and spring semesters.
6. As there are no residence halls or dormitories on campus, each prospective international student must demonstrate the availability of residence with local family or friends. Such local sponsorship ensures assistance with housing, meals, transportation, social and religious practices, public services, medical care, shopping and adjustment to cultural change. Students without local addresses will not be considered for admission.
7. Official college transcripts if transferring from another U.S. higher education institution, or official evaluation of a transcript from a college or university outside of the United States. A foreign transcript must be evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (www.naces.org). Please allow adequate time for requesting, translating, and evaluating of academic credentials from a college or university outside the United States. Transfer of credits will be considered on the basis of applicability to the student's chosen program of study at Harford Community College

Prospective F-1 visa applicants should contact the Admissions Office prior to applying to the College.

Special Admission Procedures for Undocumented Individuals

Students who are undocumented - individuals who do not have valid documentation of their immigration status - will be accepted and charged the out-of-state tuition rate. Maryland Senate Bill 537 (also known as the MD DREAM Act) provides the opportunity for some undocumented non-U.S. citizens who attended high school in Maryland to receive in-state tuition (in-county or out-of-county tuition rates as specified below). In order to qualify for this exemption from the out-of-state rate, students must meet the following requirements and submit all relevant documents: 

1. Attended a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland (official high school transcript required); 
2. Graduated from a public or nonpublic high school in Maryland or received the equivalent of a Maryland high school diploma; 
3. Registers at a public institution of higher education in the state no later than 6 years after graduating from a public or nonpublic secondary school in the state or receiving the equivalent of a high school diploma in the state (official college transcript required); 
4. Provides documentation that the student, or the student's parent or legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return: 
   1. Annually for the 3 year period before the academic year in which the tuition rate exemption would apply; 
5. Provides an affidavit stating that the student will file an application to become a permanent resident within 30 days of being eligible to do so; 
6. Provides proof that the student has registered with the selective service system. 

Once it is determined that a student is eligible for in-state (in-county or out-of-county) rates, the student will continue to receive it as long as they fulfill the eligibility requirements or until the College no longer offers this exemption. Applying for the exemption does not alter the student's responsibility to pay by Harford Community College's deadline any nonresident tuition and associated fees that may be due before eligibility is determined.

In the event that Harford Community College discovers that false or misleading information has been provided, the student may be billed by the College retroactively to recover the difference between in-county or out-of-county and out-of-state tuition for the current and subsequent terms. Student may also be subject to the Student Code of Conduct for providing false information to the College.

Please note: The tuition rate is determined by location of school and not the current place of residency. Therefore, only those students who graduated from a Harford County public or nonpublic high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma and the most recently attended high school was in Harford County, will receive the in-county tuition rate.

Information for Veterans and Military Personnel 

Priority Registration for Student Veterans 

Harford Community College offers priority registration to all veteran/military students who served/currently serving in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the National Guard and the Military Reserves and received an Honorable or A Certificate of Satisfactory Completion of Military Service.   

To be eligible for priority registration, students must indicate their veteran status on the Harford Community College Application form and will be eligible to register with students in the 30 credit group. 

Priority registration does not waive any course or program requirements, such as prerequisites and program restrictions. All student Registration Holds must be resolved before students can take advantage of Priority registration.  Students can check their OwlNet account under My Academic Life, then Degree Works to determine whether or not there is a Registration Hold on their account.  Academic Courses are available on a first-come, first- served basis. 

Military Personnel, Veterans, and their Dependents

Military personnel and their dependents stationed at a military installation in Harford County are considered Harford County residents. Military personnel and their dependents stationed at a military installation elsewhere in Maryland are considered residents of Maryland. Students must submit a copy of their orders to the Military and Veteran Services Office.

Veterans Choice Act Waiver