FAQs

Is HCC an accredited institution?

Yes. HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

What are the requirements for admission?

Standard High School diploma or GED. Home-educated students are required
to submit an affidavit of completion of requirements.

Which is the college parallel program: AA (Associate in Arts) or AS (Associate
in Science)?

The AA is the transferable degree. Some AS degrees transfer only under articulation
agreements with certain universities.

What is the tuition for state residents?

For current tuition rates, please visit: Tuition and Fees.

What is the tuition for out-of-state residents?

For current tuition rates, please visit: Tuition and Fees.

How does one qualify for state residency?

One must have established a residence in Florida for 12 consecutive months
prior to the first day of the regular term.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. Financial aid is available for eligible students. Financial aid assistance
is available on every campus.

Must a student be full-time to qualify for financial aid?

No. Part-time students are eligible for financial aid.

May a student earn more than one degree at HCC?

Students may earn only one AA degree but as many AS degrees as they wish.

Do students have to submit transcripts from previous schools attended if
they do not want credits applied to the present degree goal?

Yes. Students are required to provide official transcripts from every post-secondary
institution that they have attended.

Is the CLAST exam required for an AS degree?

No. However an AS student transferring to a university does need CLAST.

Are there any exceptions for CLAST?

Option 1: Nationally Standardized Examination. To receive a CLAST section
exemption using a nationally standardized exam, a student must meet or exceed
a minimum score on the nationally standardized exam.

Option 2: A student may exempt the Essay, English Language Skills and Reading sections by earning a 2.5 GPA in ENC 1101 and 1102. Exemption for the Math part of CLAST requires a 2.5 GPA in MGF 1106, MGF 1107, or any higher level mathematics course

Are education majors eligible for the CLAST exemption?

No. The CLAST is a requirement for state teacher certification.

May students change their schedules after the drop/add period?

Under extenuating circumstances and with faculty approval, a counselor may
arrange a schedule change after the drop/add period.

Can a student receive a refund after the drop/add period?

Under certain circumstances (health, death in the family), a student may
petition for a late drop and a refund.

Are students who interrupt their enrollment still eligible to follow the
original degree requirements?

Students must attend at least one term per academic year to remain eligible
to follow the original program requirements.

What is the difference between "I" and "N" grades?

An "N" (no credit) grade may be awarded only in the college prep courses.
To remove an "N" grade, a student must repeat the course. The "N" grade is
not figured in the student’s GPA.

An "I" (incomplete) grade may be awarded when unforeseen circumstances prevent
a student form completing coursework during the regular term, provided the
student has completed 2/3 of the coursework with a "C" or better. The student
does not need to repeat the course in order to remove the "I" grade, but must
complete the remaining coursework within a specified period of time. An "I"
grade not made up by the deadline will be changed to an "F".

I am a former student returning to HCC. Do I have to go through the admissions
process all over again?

No. But if you have been out for more than a year you must complete a Former
Student Application (FSR) before you will be allowed to register. You should
also meet with an advisor before registering. An application fee is not required.

What is HCC’s senior citizen policy?

A Florida resident age 60 or older may enroll on the first day of class on
a space available basis. All fees are waived if the student audits the course.
No academic credit will be awarded if fees are waived. Fees are not waived
for self-supporting continuing education courses.

What should a student do if undecided on a major?

See a counselor for a referral to the career center.

Are there student assistant jobs available?

There are a few. Most student assistants must be eligible for financial
aid in order to qualify for campus employment. Contact the Career Center on
your home campus to inquire.

Is a foreign language required for a degree from HCC?

No. However, most universities require two years of high school-level foreign
language or eight credits from a community college.