911³Ô¹ÏÍø

4 minute read

Top Two-Year Colleges throughout Pennsylvania

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College: Offering Multiple Paths to Success



The state of Pennsylvania has a long history of education that accompanies its role as an important region in United States history. Institutions of higher education date back to the eighteenth and nineteenth century, as they prepared individuals for jobs in the growing communities in the region. Today, the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges brings together a wealth of information for students who are interested in two-year programs throughout the state. In the academic year 2005-2006, over 250,000 students took noncredit coursework and around 189,000 were enrolled in degree-granting programs. Top programs of study are generally in the medical field or in areas of business, although there are a range of options offered at most institutions.



Thousands of students have passed through the doors of the HACC since its establishment in 1964. Founded as Harrisburg Area Community College, the school now goes by HACC Central Pennsylvania’s Community College and consists of five campuses: Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York. Over 15,000 students take classes towards Associate degrees, Certificates, and Diplomas while more than 50,000 enroll in a variety of noncredit classes including computer training, technology trades, and workforce and economic development. An honors program provides choices for exceptionally dedicated students, and about half of all degree-oriented students transfer into four-year institutions. Open door enrollment, scholarships, and low tuition costs help make its many degree programs accessible for many students. Choices include degrees in a range of fields such as health careers, business, arts and humanities, education, math and science, technical training, and engineering.

The needs of society were quite different when DuBois Business College opened its doors in 1885. Since that time, it has expanded its programs to keep up with the times and now offers classes on three campuses: DuBois, Huntingdon, and Oil City. The Associate in Specialized Business Degrees generally last from 18 – 21 months. Programs include Administration in Business/Accounting, Medical Assistant, Legal or Executive Assistant, Computer or Information Systems Support Technician, and Entertainment Production Business. The unique John Russo Movie Making program is perfect for students trying to enter the film world, as it includes lots of hands-on experience. Shorter programs of one year or less are also available, and lead to a Diploma in Office Assistant, Accounting Assistant, and Computer Systems Support Technician.

Established in 1965, the Community College of Philadelphia has educated over half a million students who have completed associate degrees, certificates, skills classes, and lifelong learning courses. Currently, there are around 35,000 students taking credit and noncredit courses. Degree-seeking students are granted an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science, and they study in such fields as Business, Humanities, Allied Health, Science and Technology, and the Social and Behavioral Sciences. More than 70 programs are offered. The school offers a range of opportunities by maintaining relationships with local businesses and also connecting students internationally with through its study abroad programs in Mexico, Argentina, Greece, Turkey, Belize, Italy, and Ghana. Some students transfer to four-year institutions following an initial period at the school, while the vast majority of graduates obtain employment in the city of Philadelphia.

Founder Walter R. Garrison, an engineer, aimed to help train engineers needed in the fields of aircraft and civil/architectural. Since its establishment over fifty years ago, the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology has been preparing students to directly enter the workforce or to transfer into four-year institutions. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, P.I.T. opened its 14-acre Rose Valley-Media campus in 1982. Program choice has expanded substantially and students now select associate or certificate programs in Allied Health Technology, Engineering Technology, Nursing, Business Administration Technology, and Computer Information Technology. The Career Placement Office has helped 94 percent of graduates since 1974 to find jobs in related positions.

Known as LCB Pittsburgh or the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, the institution was founded in 1986. It is one of the campuses that form part of the renowned Le Cordon Bleu program, and the Pittsburg location currently offers programs for students interested in entering the hospitality industry. Three Associate of Specialized Technology degrees are offered in Culinary Arts, Pâtisserie & Baking, and Hospitality & Restaurant Management. These prepare graduates for work in a range of culinary settings, and include substantial hands-on components. Because of the emphasis on preparing students for the cooking world, facilities consist of multiple kitchens that are focused on skill development, international cuisine, baking, artisanal bread, European pastries, desserts, and sweets like chocolate and candy. Students also benefit from the urban environment and job opportunities available in Pittsburgh following graduation.

Additional topics

Best Colleges by State