Frederick Community College: A Hub for Education and Community Enrichment
Frederick Community College (FCC), founded in 1957, has evolved into a vital community asset serving a diverse range of students. From its humble beginnings with 77 students, FCC has grown to register more than 16,000 students each year in credit and Continuing Education (non-credit) programs. The college is committed to providing high-quality instruction at an affordable cost, meeting the diverse needs of its student body.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
FCC offers a variety of academic programs, including associate of arts, associate of arts in teaching, associate of science, and associate of applied science degrees. Additionally, the college provides certificates and letters of recognition in various career programs.
Many students opt for transfer programs, which enable them to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college. FCC also offers career-oriented programs designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. With 78 different fields of study, students have a wide array of options to choose from. Popular programs include Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Business/Commerce.
Graduates of the Early College program at FCC have the unique opportunity to earn an associate degree and a high school diploma simultaneously. This is achieved through full-time attendance at FCC during their junior and senior years of high school.
Student Demographics and Campus Life
The average age of FCC students is 25, with approximately 67 percent attending part-time. A significant portion, around 71 percent, plan to transfer to a four-year institution.
Read also: The Legacy of Frederick Richards
FCC's campus is located in a city with a total enrollment of 5,756. The school operates on a semester-based academic year, with a student-faculty ratio of 17-to-1. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences.
The college provides a range of services to support its students, including:
- Employment services
- Credit for life experiences
- Academic/career counseling
- Placement services for completers
- On-campus day care for students' children
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-district tuition and fees were $3,772. In-state tuition and fees were $7,444, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $9,844. There is no application fee.
At Frederick Community College, 30 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, with the average scholarship or grant award being $4,498. Books and supplies are estimated to cost around $1,200.
Campus Facilities and Resources
FCC's 97-acre campus has evolved alongside its growing student population. The most recent building renovation was the Monroe Center, completed in October 2017. In January 2016, the Gladhill Learning Commons opened in Linganore Hall.
Read also: The power of reading: Douglass's story
Key facilities on campus include:
- The Jack B. Kussmaul Theater: A 409-seat theater in the Visual & Performing Arts Center, hosting musical and theatrical performances, lectures, and educational programs. It is also available for rental.
- The Mary Condon Hodgson Art Gallery: Located in the theater lobby, showcasing monthly exhibits from national and regional artists, as well as FCC students and faculty.
- The Conference Center: A 14,000-square foot facility offering meeting space for workshops and training sessions for businesses and organizations. It includes classrooms, meeting space, breakout rooms, and catering services.
- Jefferson Hall: Serving as the gateway for students, alumni, and guests, housing the Enrollment Center, College and Career Readiness Center, and Financial Services Center.
College facilities can be rented by the community for various purposes, in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Capital Planning Office oversees all public and community use facility requests.
The FCC Foundation and Alumni Network
The FCC Foundation is a philanthropic network dedicated to enriching the community by promoting access to higher education. Governed by an independent Board of Directors, the Foundation provides private support for college priorities such as scholarships, Student Success Funds, and program support.
The FCC Alumni and Friends Connection fosters lifelong partnerships between alumni, friends, and the college. It provides a link between the college and the community it serves, encouraging alumni to maintain involvement in educational and cultural programs.
A History of Growth and Adaptation
The FCC campus has moved several times throughout its history. Initially, the campus was located within what is now Frederick High School. This reflects the college's ongoing adaptation to meet the evolving needs of its students and the community.
Read also: Requirements for Douglass Scholarship
tags: #Frederick #Community #College #information
