Henderson Community College: An Overview
Henderson Community College (HCC) is a public, two-year technical college located in Henderson, Kentucky. As one of the 16 open-admissions colleges within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), HCC plays a vital role in providing accessible higher education to the region.
History and Affiliations
Established in 1960, HCC's origins trace back to the leadership of Dr. Louis C. Alderman Jr., who spearheaded the Northwest Extension of the University of Kentucky. In 1964, the institution became a charter member of the University of Kentucky's Community College System, officially adopting the name Henderson Community College. Further solidifying its place in the state's higher education landscape, HCC joined the KCTCS in 1998.
Campus and Facilities
Henderson Community College is seated on 100 acres located in Henderson county. The Hecht S. Lackey Administration Building, the original structure on campus, houses administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, conference rooms, the Writing Center, and administrative offices for the Murray State University satellite location. HCC also serves as a regional campus location for Murray State University.
The Preston Arts Center is another key facility, featuring McCormick Hall. McCormick Hall can accommodate up to 1000 people, dressing rooms, prop storage, green room, catering and concessions areas, gallery space for visual arts, public meeting rooms for general community and college use.
HCC's Sullivan Technology Center is another important facility.
Read also: Legacy of Henderson State University
Academics and Programs
HCC's academic calendar follows a semester-based system. The highest degree offered at Henderson Community College is an associate degree. The school has an open admissions policy and offers credit for life experiences. Students can earn degrees and certificates in 11 different fields. Popular programs include: Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, and Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician.
The college offers a variety of special programs to cater to diverse student needs, including:
- External Degree Program
- English as a Second Language program
- Academic remediation
- Distance learning program
- Double major option
- Independent study
- Advanced Placement credit
- Accelerated degree program
- Cooperative (work-study) program
- Internships
- Off-campus study
- Summer session for credit
- Part-time undergraduate degree programs
Student Life
The student-faculty ratio at HCC is 15-to-1.
In Fall 2023, the total entering students were 251. In Fall 2022, the age distribution of students was as follows: Under 18 (32%), 18-24 (42%), 25-64 (26%), and Over 65 (0%).
HCC provides a range of campus services to support students, including:
Read also: University of Vermont Scholarship Opportunities
- Employment services for students
- Credit for life experiences
- Academic/career counseling service
- Placement services for completers
- On-campus day care for students' children
Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-state tuition and fees were $4,488, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $15,240. There is no application fee.
At Henderson Community College, 87 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $3,129. Books and supplies are estimated to cost $1,078.
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