Harrisburg Area Community College

Greetings! Welcome to HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College! For more than 50 years, HACC has provided an accessible and affordable higher educational opportunity. As Pennsylvania's first and largest community college, we are proud that more than 20,000 students are enrolled at one of our five beautiful campuses or taking classes online. Professionally YOURS, we offer more than 150 degrees and dozens of certificate and workforce education programs designed to help professionals advance their careers. 

On February 14, 1964, HACC became the first community college in Pennsylvania. We welcomed our first class of 426 students on September 21 of the same year. 

Our mission is to "provide educational and cultural opportunities to the community we serve." HACC has become one of the largest undergraduate colleges in PA. We have nearly 20,000 students enrolling in credit programs and courses each semester.       
When HACC opened in 1964, we were located at the former Harrisburg Academy site on Front Street. In 1965, the Hershey Junior College closed. Most of the school's faculty and students joined HACC.

Planning was already underway for a permanent HACC campus. In March 1965, HACC purchased a 157-acre tract in Wildwood Park for $1.00. On April 16, 1966, we broke ground for a $3.5 million building project.

The year 1967 marked three key events in HACC's history:

HACC became the first PA community college to be accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

McCormick Library, Blocker Hall and a student center (now Stabler Hall) were completed.

HACC moved to its new campus.

HACC buildings

Enrollment continued to grow after the completion of the new campus. HACC added more buildings:

Cooper Student Center and Whitaker Hall (1968)

Evans Physical Education Center (1970)

Rose Lehrman Arts Center (1975)

Overholt Bookstore (1977)

Hall Technology Center (1984)

Helen Y. Swope Carillon/Clock (1987)

Public Safety Training Center (1988) -renamed as the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center (2000)

Gettysburg and Lancaster Campuses opene 

Campus history

Lebanon Campus opened on August 1989. A fire destroyed it three months after the opening. Efforts to rebuild the Lebanon Campus began immediately. At the same time, HACC was also expanding facilities at the Harrisburg and Gettysburg Campuses. Some noteworthy accomplishments include:

North Hall, a new building at the Public Safety Training Center (1991)

The new Lebanon Campus, Mumma Hall and a College Services Center (1992)

New expanded facilities at Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg (1997)

Health care learning center, located adjacent to the campus. It now houses the expanded Nursing program (2002)

The Gettysburg Campus size doubled (2002)

Community Center for Technology and Arts in uptown Harrisburg (Spring 2001)

Lancaster Campus on Old Philadelphia Pike in East Lamenter Township opened (Fall 2001)

East building on the Lancaster Campus opened (Fall 2004)

In 2003-2004, HACC saw record enrollments. We reached nearly 15,000 degree-seeking students at the four campuses. We had another 50,000 individuals in workforce development and community education courses.

More expansions were necessary to accommodate the new influx of students:

New location at Penn Center Harrisburg opened (2003)

Classes offered in York County (2003)

York Center opened at 2010 Pennsylvania Ave (Fall 2005)

The State Department of Education designated York as a campus (2007)

In Fall 2007, HACC's new Midtown site opened at Third and Reilly streets in Harrisburg. The Midtown site houses HACC's expanding technology and trade programs.

Midtown gives HACC room to grow these programs. It also provides additional classroom space at the campus across from the State Farm Show Complex.

Program modifications

HACC has added to and modified its original 16 programs. We made necessary changes based on changes in society and the workplace. HACC now has nearly 200 Associate Degree, Certificate and Diploma programs. A growing number of Internet courses and study abroad opportunities provide alternatives to classroom instruction.

Today's non-credit programming includes:

Courses in personal enrichment and lifelong learning

Public safety training for volunteers and professionals

Workforce and employee development training for business, industry, health care and the human services.

HACC today

Today, HACC is proud to offer:

Well-equipped laboratories and studios

Modern, well-maintained campuses

Quality programs and services 

HACC's reputation reflects the quality and dedication of our faculty and staff. We are committed to meeting the needs of the communities and students we serve.

 Harrisburg Area Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States Commission on Higher 
Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. secretary of education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.  
Middle States Commission on Higher Education granted initial accreditation in April 1967 and reaffirmed that accreditation most recently in June 2007. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has authorized the College to award the associate degree, with specific programs receiving national 
accreditation.  

Athletics 
The HACC Athletics program has six varsity intercollegiate teams and one club team. Learn more about HACC’s athletic opportunities. 
What are the athletic opportunities at HACC?

The varsity intercollegiate opportunities at HACC are:

Men's and Women's Basketball

Golf

Soccer

Men's and Women's Cross Country

Women's Volleyball

Men's Volleyball is currently a club team. It participates in the Mid-Atlantic College Volleyball Conference (MACVC). 

The HACC Library offers various tools and resources. Students can search for: 

Books

Films

Academic journals

Quick information and more

You can also learn how to cite sources, sign up for workshops, request materials and more.

Get involved in campus by joining a club or organization. Students who participate in clubs/organizations are usually more satisfied with their college experience. By getting involved, you have the opportunity to:

learn more about the HACC campus you are attending

meet a variety of people

develop leadership skills

HACC has many different groups to help students network and work together toward common goals. If you cannot find a club, you can explore the option to create new clubs/organizations. 

Advising and Counseling

HACC's Counseling Services Office supports students in academic success. We provide services that promote intellectual, emotional and social development.

HACC's professional counselors provide academic, career and personal counseling. Counselors can also provide information about community resources. These include legal, financial and mental health services.

Learn more about advising and counseling services at HACC.

Why should I talk with my academic advisor?

HACC encourages all students to meet with their advisor before registering for classes. Your advisor can:Help you select your courses. You are ultimately responsible for selecting courses, but your advisor can help you make wise academic choices.
Give you information about HACC. Your advisor has a broad knowledge of educational programs, policies and procedures at HACC.
Ensure you are on the path to your degree. Your advisor knows degree requirements. Your advisor can also provide transfer information.
How do I contact my Academic Advisor?

Log in to HACCWeb.

Select "Student Services &Financial Aid."

Select "Student Records."

Select "View My Student Information."

Select "General Student Record."

Tutoring

The Office for Academic Success offers academic support services and resources. We promote educational, professional and personal excellence. Learn about tutoring services at HACC.

What services does HACC's Office for Academic Success offer?

The Office for Academic Success provides:

Tutoring services

Online tutoring —Smarthinking

Academic success workshops

HACC offers close to 200 associate and transfer degree, certificate and diploma programs at five regional campuses within driving distance of New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere, academic support and numerous opportunities tomake friends through student clubs and organizations, and you can count on HACC for a quality academic experience provided by high-quality, engaged professors in a supportive environment. HACC provides day, evening and weekend classes at physical campuses in Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York.