2K Students At HCC See Student Debt Paid Off By School

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — More than 2,000 students attending Howard Community College who have been impacted by the pandemic have had their debt cleared by the school thanks to $1.64 million in federal relief funds.

The college also intends to spend $4 million for students in the fall semester and another $4 million for students in spring 2022 to help alleviate their debt load. The college concentrated its debt assistance for 2,050 students with outstanding balances from the start of the pandemic to the end of the summer 2021 session, which concluded recently concluded.

“Howard Community College is pleased to support our students during this incredibly challenging time. COVID-19 has impacted so many students and families in our community,” Kathleen Hetherington, president of Howard Community College, said. “By clearing outstanding debt, students can continue to make progress toward their academic and career goals.”

After the balances were cleared, each student received notification that any holds on their account were removed. This important step ensures students can register for classes, acquire transcripts or transfer to four-year colleges and universities without owing any funds to Howard Community College. Students now can focus their personal funding on important everyday living expenses.

Howard Community College will be fully operational for its fall semester, with classes offered face-to-face on campus, hybrid, scheduled remote and flexible online. Fall classes start Aug. 28.