Harold Washington College: Courses, Admissions, Fees & More (2025 Guide)

Harold Washington College (HWC Chicago) is a public community college in the downtown area of Chicago, Illinois. HWC Chicago is one of seven colleges that are part of the City Colleges of Chicago system, also called City College. HWC Chicago was founded in 1980 and is named after the first African-American Mayor of Chicago, Harold Washington. HWC Chicago educates thousands of college students every year via cost-effective programs and courses.

HWC Chicago has a lot of choices for academic transfer, degree options, and certificate options. HWC Chicago also provides the advantages of an urban Chicago campus and offers a lot of student services and activities to enhance the college experience.

About Harold Washington College

1. Location: Loop, Downtown Chicago
2. Founded: 1962 (renamed/changed to college in 1987)
3. Type: 2 year public college
4. Connection: City Colleges of Chicago
5. Enrolled: ~13,000 students every year
6. Campus: Urban, very accessible from the subway (CTA)

Reasons to attend HWC Chicago

1.Low cost tuition.
2. Transfer agreements with nearly all of the major universities in Illinois
3. Many different types of academic support services.
4. Great location right in the middle of Chicago.

Harold Washington Courses

HWC offers Associate Degrees, Career Certificates, and Continuing Education. Many students use HWC as a starting point before transferring to a 4-year college.

Students can choose from a variety of academic paths based on their interests and career goals. Major areas include Business & Finance, Computer Science & IT, Health Sciences (such as Pre-Nursing and Pre-Med), Liberal Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences (including Psychology, Sociology, and Political Science), STEM fields (Biology, Chemistry, and Math), and Art & Communications. The table below outlines these key academic areas.

Degree Types:

Harold Washington Scholarships

Harold Washington College offers a range of financial aid options to help make education more affordable for eligible students. These include scholarships, grants, and federal/state aid. Key opportunities include the Star Scholarship for CPS graduates, City Colleges Foundation Awards, and Workforce & Career Grants for students in career programs. Students are also encouraged to apply for FAFSA and MAP grants. Additionally, platforms like amberscholar can help students discover even more scholarship opportunities tailored to their profiles.

Key Scholarships:

Tip: Submit your FAFSA early to maximise aid eligibility.

Harold Washington College Admission Process (2025)

HWC has an open admissions policy, meaning almost all applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent are accepted.

Key Deadlines:

Admission Requirements:

1. High school diploma or GED
2. Online application via CCC Apply Portal
3. No SAT/ACT required
4. Transcripts (if applying for transfer credit)
5. FAFSA (for financial aid)

Harold Washington Cost (2025)

Harold Washington College is one of the most affordable colleges in Chicago. Costs depend on where you live, with lower rates for Chicago residents. Below is a simple breakdown of the estimated expenses for the 2025 school year.

Estimated Cost Breakdown:

The Star Scholarship can cover full tuition for eligible Chicago Public School graduates.

Harold Washington College Placements

HWC supports students with career services, internships, and transfer advising.

Career Services:

1. Resume writing and interview prep
2. Internship placement
3. Job fairs with employers across Chicago
4. One-on-one career coaching

Outcomes:

1. Transfer Rate: ~60% transfer to 4-year universities
2. Employment Rate: ~85% of career program grads employed within 6 months
3. Top Transfer Schools:

• University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
• DePaul University
• Northeastern Illinois University
  

Harold Washington College Rankings (2025)

While community colleges aren't ranked nationally like universities, Harold Washington College is well-regarded for its strong transfer programs and affordability. It was named one of the Top 10 Community Colleges in Illinois (Local Ed Reports, 2024), recognized as the Best City Colleges of Chicago campus for transfer pathways, and is a member of the Achieving the Dream network, focused on student success.

Harold Washington College Campus Life

Although Harold Washington College is a commuter school, it still offers a lively campus experience. With a central downtown location, modern facilities, and active student organizations, HWC provides plenty of ways for students to get involved and stay connected.

Campus Features:

1. Located in downtown Chicago near public transit
2. Modern classrooms and library
3. Study lounges and student resource centers

Student Life:

1. Student Government Association
2. Cultural and identity-based clubs
3. Honor societies and academic clubs
4. Leadership programs and service opportunities

Harold Washington College Notable Alumni

Some of HWC's alumni have gone on to lead impactful careers in various fields.

Notable Alumni:

1. Luis Gutierrez – Former U.S. Congressman
2. Lena Taylor – Wisconsin State Senator
3. Minnie Riperton – Grammy-nominated singer
4. Walid Shoebat – Author and activist
5. Darling Squire – Choreographer and performer
6. Chris McAlister – Former NFL player
7. Dave Rice – College basketball coach
8. Mark Crear – Olympic medalist in hurdles
9. Chris Woodward – MLB player and manager
10. Sam Shepard – Playwright and actor

Student Accommodation near Harold Washington College

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