Savanna Hoffman
Houston Community College (HCC) is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the USA, with more than 70,000 students enrolled each semester. The college has a large international student population, with nearly 6,000 international students enrolled in 2023, making it the community college with the highest number of international students in the country. HCC offers a range of support services for international students, including assistance with visas and immigration issues, as well as student workshops to help students adjust to life in the US. The college accepts a number of standardized test scores for admission, including IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and Duolingo. In addition, HCC has recently launched a Global Online College initiative to attract more international students by offering fully online programs that can be taken from their home countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students | Nearly 6,000 (more than any other community college in the US) |
| Number of countries represented | 130 |
| Countries with the largest share of international students | Vietnam, Nigeria, India, and China |
| Tuition fees for international students | $227 per credit hour |
| Tuition fees for in-state students | $84.50 per credit hour |
| Number of fully online programs | 60 |
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What You'll Learn
- Houston Community College has nearly 6,000 international students enrolled, the most in the US
- International students pay out-of-state fees of $227 per credit hour
- The college accepts IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo test scores for admission
- International students can access support and assistance from the Office of International Student Services (OISS)
- HCC's Global Online College will allow international students to take classes virtually from their home countries
Houston Community College has nearly 6,000 international students enrolled, the most in the US
Houston Community College (HCC) is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the United States, with more than 70,000 students enrolled each semester. Of these, nearly 6,000 are international students, making HCC the community college with the most international students in the country. The college's Office of International Student Services (OISS) is dedicated to supporting these students and offers a range of services, including assistance with F-1 visas and related immigration issues, as well as workshops to help students adjust to life in the US.
HCC's international students come from a diverse range of countries, with the largest shares from Vietnam, Nigeria, India, and China. The college has recently launched a new "Global Online College" initiative, offering fully online programs to attract more international students who wish to take classes virtually from their home countries. This move is part of HCC's strategy to expand its global reach and boost tuition revenue, as international students pay higher out-of-state tuition and fees.
The college's online programs have seen significant growth and flexibility, with approximately 32,500 students enrolled in the fall 2024 semester, out of a total of 49,500 students. However, taking classes virtually from abroad does not seem to be a popular option for international students at the moment. HCC leaders plan to promote the initiative through a new global college website, social media advertising, and by engaging current international students to reach out to their friends and family in other countries.
HCC offers a wide range of courses, including Accounting and Commerce, Business and Management Studies, Engineering, Science, and IT and Software. The college is renowned for its cutting-edge facilities and experiential learning environment, providing students with various amenities such as student groups and clubs, sports, on-campus dining, accommodation, arts and performances, and health and wellness services.
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International students pay out-of-state fees of $227 per credit hour
Houston Community College (HCC) is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the USA, with more than 70,000 students each semester. Of these, there are nearly 6,000 international students, the most of any community college in the country. International students at HCC come from approximately 130 countries, with the largest shares from Vietnam, Nigeria, India, and China.
In an effort to expand its global reach, HCC launched its Global Online College in the fall of 2025. This initiative allows international students to take classes virtually from their home countries. The college hopes that offering online programs at a community college price will attract more international students.
International students at Houston Community College pay out-of-state fees of $227 per credit hour. This is significantly higher than the in-state rate of $84.50 per credit hour. The additional revenue generated from international students' tuition helps boost funding for local programs.
HCC's online college is the largest of the institution's seven colleges in terms of enrollment, with approximately 32,500 students out of a total of 49,500 in the fall of 2024. However, taking classes virtually from abroad does not seem to be a popular option for international students at present. HCC drew roughly 3,500 international students in 2023, the most recent year for which data is available.
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The college accepts IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo test scores for admission
Houston Community College (HCC) is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the USA, with more than 70,000 students each semester. Of these, nearly 6,000 are international students—more than any other community college in the country.
The college requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate their proficiency in the language. International students can do so by taking one of the following exams: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, TOEIC, DUOLINGO, ACCUPLACER (ESL), or an approved TSI test.
If you are taking the IELTS exam, note that there is no institutional code. The testing agency should mail an official IELTS score report to the following address:
Houston Community College
Office of Student Records
P.O. Box 667517, MC 1136
Houston, TX 77266-7517
If you are taking the TOEFL exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based (iBT) exam. The minimum scores for each section are:
- Speaking – 24
- Listening – 22
- Reading – 22
- Writing – 21
For students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements, HCC offers an Intensive English Program and Academic English-as-a-Second-Language courses.
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International students can access support and assistance from the Office of International Student Services (OISS)
Houston Community College (HCC) is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the USA, with over 70,000 students enrolled each semester. Of these, nearly 6,000 are international students, making HCC the community college with the highest number of international students in the country.
The Office of International Student Services (OISS) at Houston Community College is dedicated to fostering the success of F-1 international students by providing a comprehensive range of services. International students can access support and assistance from the OISS in various areas.
One key area of support is visa and immigration-related matters. The OISS assists international students with the F-1 visa process and addresses any associated concerns. They guide students through the necessary steps, ensuring they meet all requirements, such as having a valid passport, proof of financial support, and the completion of required forms.
Additionally, the OISS provides valuable information and programs to help international students navigate their new environment. They offer insights into the different campuses and facilitate a smoother transition to life in the United States. International students can learn about the various amenities and resources available to them, including student groups and clubs, sports and athletics, on-campus dining, accommodation options, and opportunities related to arts, entertainment, and health and wellness.
The OISS also hosts international student workshops specifically designed to aid students in adapting to their new cultural context. These workshops create a supportive environment where students can connect with one another, share experiences, and gain practical tools for thriving in their academic and personal pursuits.
Moreover, the OISS serves as a central point of contact for international students, providing virtual support and maintaining regular communication via email. Students can reach out to [email protected] for assistance with various concerns, whether it's checking in after their arrival in the US or seeking guidance on updating their HCC account information.
Overall, the Office of International Student Services at Houston Community College offers a robust support system for international students, ensuring they feel welcomed, informed, and empowered throughout their academic journey at HCC.
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HCC's Global Online College will allow international students to take classes virtually from their home countries
Houston Community College (HCC) is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the USA, with more than 70,000 students each semester, including nearly 6,000 international students—more than any other community college in the country. HCC is proud to be a leader in innovation and student diversity, and its Global Online College is a testament to that.
The flexibility of online learning is a significant advantage for students, especially those with busy schedules or travel restrictions. HCC's online courses are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields. The college is committed to offering high-quality education at affordable prices, making it accessible to a diverse range of students worldwide.
HCC's Global Online College is expected to attract students from various countries, particularly those with a high demand for international education, such as Vietnam, Nigeria, India, and China. The college plans to promote the initiative through a new global college website, social media advertising, and by engaging with current students to reach a wider audience.
While online learning offers convenience and flexibility, there are also challenges to consider, such as time zone differences and building connections with peers and professors. Despite these challenges, HCC's Global Online College has the potential to revolutionize international education by providing students worldwide with access to high-quality, affordable education from a renowned institution.
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Frequently asked questions
Houston Community College enrolled around 3,500 international students in 2023, the highest number across all community colleges in the US.
International students at Houston Community College come from around 130 countries, with the largest shares from Vietnam, Nigeria, India, and China.
International students pay an out-of-state tuition and fees rate of $227 per credit hour, while the in-state total is $84.50 per credit hour.
Houston Community College is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the US, with more than 70,000 students each semester.
Houston Community College launched its "Global Online College" in the fall of 2025, offering around 60 fully online programs to international students taking classes virtually from their home countries.
