Reasons to Study at HCC

With plenty of water, beaches and sunshine, Tampa Bay on Florida's Central Gulf Coast offers fun, unique and exciting things to do for everyone! This vibrant, culturally diverse and sports-minded city boasts local attractions including Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium and ZooTampa at Lowry Park. Popular theme parks such as Walt Disney World are just a short drive away.  

HCC is proud of its commitment to maintaining the highest value assigned to equality, diversity and access. We have worked hard to create and sustain a culture that values each individual, idea, student and experience. Hillsborough Community College received the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. 

Hailing from over 130 nationalities, many nationalities and cultures are prevalent throughout our community. Weather, outdoor activities, nightlife, safety and diversity are among the attributes that earned Tampa the 40th spot on Niche's 2021 Best Cities to Live in America list. Tampa boasts cultural festivals, growing communities from all over the world and the opportunity to try many types of cuisines.

HCC offers students many pathways to a Bachelor degree. Our associate in arts degree is an affordable option for international students who want to transfer to and graduate from a top university in the U.S. As an HCC graduate, you are guaranteed entry into one of the 12 Florida state universities, including the University of South Florida (USF). If you want to attend a selective liberal arts institution, a nationally ranked research university or an Ivy League school, HCC helps you get there!

HCC's tuition is among the lowest in Florida. Our students enjoy high academic standards, small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and the latest technology at half the cost of most state universities.

Located adjacent to HCC's Dale Mabry Campus in Tampa, Hawks Landing student apartments provide a convenient place to live at a great value.

HCC's Dr. Lydia R. Daniel Honors Program is a pathway to nationally ranked colleges and universities for academically motivated students. Students enjoy small class sizes, leadership development, specialized advising, and transfer and scholarship assistance. Our Honors graduates have transferred to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities around the country.

Dedicated professionals at the HCC Center for International Education (CIE) guide students throughout their experience through specialized programs and comprehensive support services, including guidance on admissions, F-1 visa questions, orientation, academics, housing and transferring to a four-year college or university.

HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

F-1 visas are intended to enable international students to study in the United States. While there are strict employment restrictions for F-1 students, the Center for International Education provides guidance on how you can legally work in the U.S. as an international student. Learn about your work options, including OPT, CPT, economic hardship and on-campus employment, in one of our F-1 Employment Workshops offered throughout the semester.

Campus involvement is a great way to make the most of your college experience. You can increase your career and educational opportunities by participating in campus activities and organizations, make friends and establish useful networks while learning about your strengths and improving your leadership skills. There are a range of organizations at each campus location and the Student Government Association hosts frequent events from arts and crafts to cultural celebrations. HCC has a group of international ambassadors on campus to bring the world to HCC. Besides hosting fun events around Tampa, the group also develops presentations to help international students learn important topics such as health insurance in the US or how to work post-graduation.

The CIE office provides opportunities for students to contribute to their and their peers’ holistic HCC experience. As an International Student Ambassador, you meet international students from around the world and help them in the weeks leading up to their arrival in Tampa and their first days at HCC, during our New International Student Orientations, International Student Club activities, community events, etc. The International Student Leadership Position includes programs such as New Student Orientation, peer mentoring, International Student Club activities, community events, etc. There are four paid Ambassador positions each semester for which students in their second semester or beyond may apply. Applications to be an Ambassador become available in March.