Valencia College vs Hillsborough CC

Valencia College and Hillsborough Community College, two prominent institutions in Florida, offer diverse educational opportunities to students seeking higher education. While both colleges share a commitment to academic excellence and affordability, they differ in several key aspects. Valencia College boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with varying academic backgrounds. Hillsborough Community College, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating its effectiveness in supporting students to successfully complete their programs. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these colleges, including popular majors, student body demographics, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Hillsborough Community College	Valencia College
Overview
Location	Tampa, Florida	Orlando, Florida
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	2 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	62.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees		$35
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $18,208 Out of state: $24,813	In state: $16,493 Out of state: $23,402
Average net price	$2,215	$14,053
Tuition	In state: $1,931 Out of state: $7,728	In state: $1,984 Out of state: $7,933
Room & board
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	76.0% Average amount $6,557	68.0% Average amount $6,472
Students receiving federal student loan	56.0% Average amount $5,051	21.0% Average amount $4,897
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $11,079	1.0% Average amount $12,006

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	19,198 Men 41.4% Women 58.6%	43,599 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Moderate
Out-of-state students	1.4%	2.7%
International students	1.7%	4.8%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	420	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Florida Illinois Virginia Colorado Maryland	Florida New York Illinois New Jersey Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Health Professions Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Computer and Information Science	Liberal Arts Business Computer and Information Science Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	22:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	34.6%	46.2%
Dropout rate	46.4%	38.9%
Transferred out	9.4%	11.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $54,182 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $61,776 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $50,079 Year 2: $47,846 Year 3: $54,059 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $43,177 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $40,132 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $26,146 Year 2: $27,457 Year 3: $32,479 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $31,070 Year 2: $30,119 Year 3: $31,849 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $29,234 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $31,318 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $57,323 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $37,652 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $31,788 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $45,058 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: N/A	Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,028 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $73,162 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,471 Year 2: $63,501 Year 3: $61,309 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $56,307 Year 2: $51,482 Year 3: $59,993 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,090 Year 2: $55,909 Year 3: $58,830 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $51,276 Year 2: $49,214 Year 3: $57,458 Computer Programming (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $41,021 Year 2: $28,960 Year 3: $51,715 Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $34,787 Year 2: $36,852 Year 3: $42,268 Legal Support Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $36,442 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $36,816 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $32,319 Year 2: $29,322 Year 3: $35,558 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $33,687

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Valencia College and Hillsborough Community College (HCC)?

Valencia College and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) both offer excellent pathways to higher education and career training in Central Florida. However, key differences exist. Valencia is known for its strong focus on student success and innovative programs, often ranking highly in national community college rankings. HCC, on the other hand, has a broader geographic footprint across Hillsborough County and offers a wider range of specialized programs, particularly in areas like healthcare and technology. Valencia tends to have a more centralized campus feel at its locations, while HCC's campuses are more dispersed.
Which college is better for transferring to a four-year university?

Both Valencia College and HCC have strong articulation agreements with Florida's state universities, making them excellent choices for transfer students. Valencia's DirectConnect to UCF program guarantees admission to the University of Central Florida for eligible graduates. HCC also has strong transfer pathways to universities like the University of South Florida (USF) and other institutions. The 'better' choice depends on your desired university and program; research which college has the most seamless transfer pathway for your specific goals.
How do the tuition costs compare between Valencia College and HCC?

Tuition costs at Valencia College and HCC are generally comparable, as both are part of the Florida College System. However, slight variations may exist. It's best to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date tuition rates and fee schedules. Remember to factor in additional costs like books, supplies, and transportation when budgeting for your education.
What types of programs do Valencia College and HCC offer?

Both colleges offer a wide array of programs, including Associate in Arts (AA) degrees for university transfer, Associate in Science (AS) degrees for career training, and various certificate programs. Valencia is particularly recognized for its programs in areas like digital media, hospitality, and culinary arts. HCC has a strong reputation in healthcare fields, technology, and business programs. Explore each college's website to see the full range of programs and find the best fit for your interests.
How do the campus environments differ between Valencia College and HCC?

Valencia College campuses tend to have a more centralized and vibrant campus feel, with active student life and numerous clubs and organizations. HCC's campuses are more dispersed throughout Hillsborough County, each with its own unique character and focus. Consider visiting campuses of both colleges to get a feel for the environment and determine which one aligns better with your preferences.
Which college has better student support services?

Both Valencia College and HCC are committed to providing comprehensive student support services. Valencia is known for its proactive advising and student success initiatives, including early alert systems and personalized support. HCC also offers a wide range of services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, and disability services. The 'better' choice depends on your individual needs and which college's services best address them. Research the specific support services offered at each college and see which aligns best with your needs.
How do the class sizes compare at Valencia College and HCC?

Both Valencia College and HCC strive to maintain reasonable class sizes to ensure personalized attention for students. Class sizes are generally similar at both institutions, especially in introductory courses. However, specific class sizes may vary depending on the program and course level. Check the course catalog for specific class size information.
What are the admission requirements for Valencia College and HCC?

Admission requirements for both Valencia College and HCC are generally open to students with a high school diploma or GED. However, specific programs may have additional requirements, such as placement testing or prerequisite courses. Check the admissions section of each college's website for detailed information on admission requirements and application procedures.
Which college is more convenient in terms of location?

Convenience depends entirely on your location. Valencia College has multiple campuses throughout Orange and Osceola counties, while HCC has campuses throughout Hillsborough County. Consider which college has a campus that is closest to your home or work, or which is easily accessible by public transportation.
Do Valencia College and HCC offer online courses?

Yes, both Valencia College and HCC offer a wide range of online courses, providing flexibility for students who prefer to learn remotely. The availability of specific courses online may vary, so check each college's course catalog to see what's offered online.

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