Status based on analysis U.S. Department of Education data on 1,195 community colleges
June 23, 2010
Harrisburg, PA – HACC ranks 53rd out of 1,195 community colleges nationwide in the number of associate degrees awarded in all disciplines in 2008-09, according to an analysis of United States Department of Education data.
The annual analysis by Community College Week is in the June 14, 2010, issue of the biweekly publication focusing on two-year colleges in the United States.
In the magazine’s analysis in June 2009, HACC ranked 59th in the number of associate degrees conferred in 2007-08, up from the college’s rank of 67th in 2006-07.
“HACC is among the fastest growing two-year colleges in the country, with credit enrollment of 22,529 in fall 2009. That figure represents an increase of 13.3 percent, or 2,663 additional students college wide in just one year,” said HACC President Edna V. Baehre, Ph.D. “We are looking at double digit growth again this fall, with numbers expected to approach 25,000 students combined at HACC’s campuses in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York.”
Baehre said HACC’s key attributes of affordability, accessibility, high quality and flexibility make the college attractive to Central Pennsylvania students pursuing higher education. “Our most recent growth is a combination of factors, including the poor economy which gives additional incentive to enroll at HACC to out-of-work residents, career changers or those who are concerned about keeping their jobs,” she added.
In addition, HACC ranked 39th in associate degrees awarded in security and protective services, according to the magazine’s analysis.
Two other Pennsylvania community colleges also rank in the top 100 in the number of associate degrees conferred. Community College of Philadelphia ranks 45th and Community College of Allegheny County ranks 58th. There are 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania.
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