Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

The ROI score of 36 suggests that the financial return on investment may be limited. Prospective students should compare this to their career goals and potential earnings in their chosen field.

The graduation rate at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is 39.5%.

While the college has a high affordability score, the median 10-year earnings of $38,752 are modest relative to the cost and potential debt, leading to a lower ROI score.

The provided data indicates median earnings 10 years after entry are $38,752, but specific career path data is not available.

Based on the median earnings data, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College may not be the best choice for students whose primary goal is to maximize their earning potential immediately after graduation.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, like most community colleges, operates with an open-door admissions policy, meaning the acceptance rate is effectively 100%. The primary requirement for admission is typically a high school diploma or GED. Prospective students usually need to complete an application form, provide academic transcripts, and potentially take placement tests in subjects like math and English to determine appropriate course levels. There are no highly selective academic thresholds to meet, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The focus is on providing educational opportunities rather than stringent selection. This accessibility is a core tenet of the community college mission, ensuring that higher education is available to the local population. For those seeking admission, the process is generally straightforward: apply, submit necessary documentation, and engage with admissions counselors to finalize enrollment and course selection. The college aims to support all admitted students in their academic journey, regardless of their prior academic performance.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers a compelling value proposition, particularly for students prioritizing affordability and direct entry into the regional workforce. With an in-state tuition of $7,110 per year, a two-year associate's degree costs approximately $14,220 before financial aid. The median debt for graduates is $11,000, suggesting that many students finance a significant portion of their education. The median 10-year earnings post-graduation are $38,752. This means that the average graduate would need to allocate roughly 10% of their annual income (about $3,875) to pay off their $11,000 debt, a process that would take approximately 2.8 years. This relatively short debt repayment timeline is a strong indicator of financial viability. The college excels in providing vocational and technical training aligned with local industry needs, which can lead to stable employment opportunities in fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and IT. While the earning potential may not reach the heights seen at four-year research universities, the lower cost of education and living in the Johnstown area makes Penn Highlands a financially sound choice for many, especially when compared to the higher costs and longer debt horizons associated with more expensive institutions. It's a good deal for career-focused students in Western Pennsylvania.

The 'best' majors at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College are those that align with strong regional job market demands and leverage the college's strengths in technical and applied sciences. Programs in the **Health Sciences**, such as Registered Nursing (RN) and Medical Assisting, are often excellent choices due to the consistent demand for healthcare professionals in the Johnstown area and surrounding regions, with major employers like UPMC and Conemaugh Health System. The **Advanced Manufacturing and Technology** programs, including areas like Industrial Technology or Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), are also highly recommended. These fields are critical to the local economy, with companies seeking skilled technicians and engineers. **Business Administration** and **Information Technology** programs provide versatile skills applicable across various industries, offering pathways into roles like administrative support, IT support, and cybersecurity, which are growing sectors. Students interested in public service might find value in programs leading to careers in education support or criminal justice. It's crucial for prospective students to research specific program completion rates, job placement statistics, and faculty expertise within these areas to make the most informed decision.

Student life at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is characteristic of a smaller community college environment, focusing primarily on academic pursuits and career development rather than a traditional, expansive campus experience. With a student body of around 788, the atmosphere is generally intimate and community-oriented. The college offers limited on-campus housing, meaning most students commute, fostering a commuter-centric campus culture. While there isn't a large residential population driving a vibrant social scene with numerous clubs and events typical of larger universities, Penn Highlands does provide opportunities for student engagement. This includes various student clubs, academic support services, and potentially some campus-wide events organized by student services. The focus is on providing a supportive learning environment where students can connect with peers and faculty through shared academic goals. Students often find social connections through their classes, study groups, and participation in specific clubs related to their major or interests. The college encourages student involvement through its Student Government Association and other extracurricular activities designed to enhance the educational experience and build a sense of community among its diverse student body.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College provides various forms of financial aid to help students manage the cost of their education. Like most institutions, the primary source of aid is federal and state grants, such as the Pell Grant and Pennsylvania State Grant Program, which are need-based and do not require repayment. The college also offers institutional scholarships, though the specific number and amounts can vary annually based on available funding and donor contributions. Federal student loans are available to eligible students, which do require repayment with interest. The median debt of $11,000 for graduates suggests that a substantial number of students utilize loans to finance their studies. To determine eligibility for federal and state aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Penn Highlands' financial aid office is responsible for administering these funds, providing guidance on application processes, deadlines, and available aid packages. They work with students to create personalized financial plans, often combining grants, scholarships, and loans to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office directly for the most current information on aid programs and application procedures.

The median earnings for graduates of Pennsylvania Highlands Community College after 10 years are reported at $38,752 annually. This figure represents a midpoint, meaning half of graduates earn more, and half earn less. It's important to note that actual salaries can vary significantly based on the specific program of study, the student's performance, and the job market at the time of graduation. For instance, graduates from technical programs directly aligned with high-demand local industries, such as nursing or advanced manufacturing technology, may command higher starting salaries and see faster growth. Entry-level positions in fields like administrative support or general business might start lower but offer opportunities for advancement. The Johnstown area's cost of living is relatively low, which can make this median income more sustainable than in higher-cost regions. While specific salary data broken down by major is not readily available, it's reasonable to infer that programs leading to certifications or associate degrees in fields like Registered Nursing, Information Technology, or Industrial Technology would likely place graduates in roles with starting salaries potentially ranging from the mid-$30,000s to the low-$40,000s, with the potential to increase significantly with experience and further qualifications.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College does not offer traditional on-campus dormitories or student housing. As a primarily commuter institution, the vast majority of its approximately 788 students live off-campus in the surrounding Johnstown community or commute from nearby areas. This model is common for community colleges, which aim to provide accessible education to local residents without the overhead of extensive residential facilities. Therefore, students seeking housing will need to find apartments, shared housing, or other rental accommodations independently in the Johnstown area. The college's focus is on providing academic programs and support services rather than a comprehensive residential campus experience. This means that student life and social interactions tend to occur during class times, through student clubs, or in shared academic spaces, rather than within a residential hall setting. Prospective students who require housing should research local rental markets and consider the proximity to the college's main campus for ease of commute.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is not primarily designed as an institution for undergraduate research in the traditional sense, unlike larger universities with dedicated research facilities and faculty focused on scholarly output. As a community college with approximately 788 students, its core mission revolves around providing accessible career and technical education, workforce development, and foundational academic transfer programs. The emphasis is on teaching and preparing students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions. While opportunities for faculty-led projects or student involvement in applied research related to local industry needs might exist on a smaller scale, they are not a central feature of the academic experience. Students seeking extensive research opportunities, particularly in scientific or humanities fields, would likely find more robust programs at universities. Penn Highlands focuses on practical application of knowledge and skill development rather than pioneering new research. Therefore, it is generally not considered a strong option for students whose primary goal is to engage in significant undergraduate research.

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College (Penn Highlands) compares to other regional community colleges in Western Pennsylvania, such as Westmoreland County Community College, Butler County Community College, and Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). Penn Highlands generally offers lower in-state tuition rates than CCAC, making it a more budget-friendly option for local students. Its primary advantage lies in its focused approach to workforce development for the Johnstown area, potentially offering more tailored programs for local industries like advanced manufacturing and healthcare compared to the broader offerings of larger institutions like CCAC. However, larger colleges like CCAC often boast a wider array of academic programs, more extensive student services, and greater opportunities for extracurricular involvement and networking. Penn Highlands' smaller size can be a disadvantage in terms of program diversity and resources but an advantage for personalized attention. Compared to more rural community colleges, Penn Highlands offers better proximity to a regional economic center, though perhaps not as diverse as the Pittsburgh metropolitan area served by CCAC. Its graduation rate of 39.5% is within the typical range for community colleges, which often serve a diverse student population with varying academic preparedness and time commitments.

Employers in the Johnstown and surrounding Western Pennsylvania region generally view degrees and certifications from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College favorably, particularly for roles requiring specific technical skills and practical training. As a local institution, Penn Highlands has established relationships with regional businesses and industries, and its graduates are often seen as well-prepared for entry-level positions that align with the college's program offerings. Employers value the practical, hands-on education that community colleges provide, especially in fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, IT, and skilled trades. The college's focus on workforce development means that its curriculum is often designed in consultation with local industry leaders, ensuring that graduates possess relevant and in-demand skills. While a degree from Penn Highlands may not carry the same brand recognition as a degree from a large state university or a prestigious private institution outside the immediate region, its graduates are recognized for their readiness to contribute to the local economy. Employers appreciate the affordability and accessibility of Penn Highlands, often seeing its graduates as reliable and skilled additions to their workforce.