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Howard Community College
Columbia, MD · Public · 2-year · 5,000–9,999 students
At $4,599 a year, Howard Community College costs $5,797 less than the median Maryland college ($10,396). Out-of-state students pay $3,105 more per year.
Cheaper options in Maryland
| College | In-state | Out-of-state | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baltimore City Community CollegePublicBaltimore · 2-year | $3,314 | $3,314 | Public |
| 2 | Wor-Wic Community CollegePublicSalisbury · 2-year | $3,624 | $6,720 | Public |
| 3 | Frederick Community CollegePublicFrederick · 2-year | $3,772 | $7,444 | Public |
| 4 | Harford Community CollegePublicBel Air · 2-year | $3,888 | $6,168 | Public |
| 5 | Prince George's Community CollegePublicLargo · 2-year | $3,914 | $6,194 | Public |
| 6 | Garrett CollegePublicMcHenry · 2-year | $3,976 | $9,996 | Public |
Other colleges in Columbia
| College | In-state | Out-of-state | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln College of Technology-ColumbiaFor-profitColumbia · 2-year | — | — | Private for-profit |
Questions
How much is tuition at Howard Community College?
Published in-state tuition and fees are $4,599 per year, and $7,704 for out-of-state students, according to IPEDS 2022 data. This is the sticker price — most students pay less after grants and scholarships.
Is this the price I will actually pay?
Probably not. This is the published sticker price. The average student pays less after federal grants, state aid and institutional scholarships. Use the school's net price calculator — every U.S. college is legally required to have one on its website — for an estimate based on your family's income.
Why is out-of-state tuition higher?
Public colleges are subsidized by state taxpayers, so residents of Maryland pay a lower rate. The difference here is $3,105 per year. Some students establish residency after a year to qualify for the lower rate — the rules vary by state and are stricter than most people expect.
Does tuition include housing and food?
No. The figures above are tuition and required fees only. Room, board, books, transportation and personal expenses are separate and often add $10,000–$20,000 a year for students living on campus.
How current is this data?
These figures come from IPEDS 2022, the U.S. Department of Education's mandatory annual survey of every college that receives federal student aid. Tuition typically rises each year, so treat this as a baseline and confirm current rates on the school's website.
Before you apply
Fill out the FAFSA. It is free and it is how you qualify for federal grants and loans. Many state and school scholarships also require it. Filing early matters — some aid runs out.
Compare the net price, not the sticker price. A $50,000 private college can end up cheaper than a $20,000 public one after aid. Never rule out a school on the published number alone.
Check accreditation. Credits from an unaccredited school usually will not transfer, and employers may not recognize the degree.