With six local campuses plus a distance education component, Houston Community College enrolls more than 70,000 students. There are 16 career "clusters" to choose from, enabling students to study fields such as hospitality and tourism, health and medical sciences, and government and public service. Academic degrees offered include associate's in arts, science and arts in teaching. A number of certification programs are offered as well, in disciplines ranging from dance to global studies. At the Central Campus, students can also take part in activities such as festivals, concerts, guest lectures and community service fundraisers.
Houston Community College, Central Campus
1300 Holman St.
Houston, TX 77004
713-718-6000
central.hccs.edu/portal/site/central/
A part of the Lone Star College System, North Harris College offers associate's degrees that prepare students for jobs in the "real world" or to extend their education at a traditional four-year college. Students can choose from an associate of arts, associate of science or a specialized associate of arts in teaching. Classes range from the career-oriented (wedding planning, surgical technology, cosmetology, digital publishing and more) to the traditional (chemistry, history, math, physics and more). Student activities on campus include sports tournaments, trivia games, cultural festivals, parties, food tastings and more.
North Harris College
2700 W.W. Thorne Dr.
Houston, TX 77073
281-618-5400
lonestar.edu/northharris.htm
Although part of the Lone Star College System, the University Center is focused on upper-level students who've already collected a substantial number of junior college credits. If you're currently enrolled in junior college, you can work with the counselors at University Center to create a custom curriculum that balances lower-level courses at one of the Lone Star College System campuses, along with higher-level courses at University Center. Students can earn master's degrees and other graduate degrees while taking classes taught in partnership with universities like Texas A&M, University of Houston and Sam Houston State University.
Lone Star College University Center
3232 College Park Dr.
The Woodlands, TX 77384
281-618-7140
lonestar.edu/universitycenter
With 27,000 students spread over three campuses, the San Jacinto College system offers 140 different programs of study. Students can focus on general education (best for transferring to a four-year university), or choose a specific program such as broadcast technology, paralegal studies, medical laboratory technology or interior design. The campus hosts a number of non-academic activities including intramural sports, festivals, concerts, student clubs and a campus newspaper. Terminal degrees offered include associate's degrees in applied science, arts, science and teaching.
San Jacinto College, North Campus
5800 Uvalde St.
Houston, TX 77049
281-458-4050
sanjac.edu/