Holyoke Community College vs Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC)

Holyoke Community College and Bunker Hill Community College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in Massachusetts, offer unique educational experiences tailored to diverse student aspirations. While they share a commitment to academic excellence and student success, they also possess distinct characteristics that set them apart. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to discover the nuances that differentiate these two colleges. Explore the acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates to gain insights into the distinctive academic landscapes of Holyoke Community College and Bunker Hill Community College. Whether you seek a vibrant urban setting or a tranquil suburban environment, our comparison will guide you towards the institution that best aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.

	Bunker Hill Community College	Holyoke Community College
Overview
Location	Boston, Massachusetts	Holyoke, Massachusetts
Campus setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	64.0%	64.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $18,302 Out of state: $23,246	In state: $20,828 Out of state: $25,772
Average net price	$9,001	$8,305
Tuition	In state: $576 Out of state: $5,520	In state: $5,088 Out of state: $10,032
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	67.0% Average amount $5,978	99.0% Average amount $3,710
Students receiving federal student loan	6.0% Average amount $4,700	24.0% Average amount $3,562
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $2,000	0.0% Average amount $9,000

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	9,290 Men 39.8% Women 60.2%	3,738 Men 34.6% Women 65.4%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	4.7%	0.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Mississippi Connecticut New York

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Liberal Arts Computer and Information Science Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Liberal Arts Health Professions Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	12:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	15.0%	22.7%
Dropout rate	49.6%	48.7%
Transferred out	11.6%	18.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $72,858 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $50,504 Year 2: $52,607 Year 3: $61,718 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $53,668 Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $59,825 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $58,877 Year 2: $41,342 Year 3: $42,684 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $39,400 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $41,633 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $35,952 Year 3: $38,074 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $44,420 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $37,993 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $36,419 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,047 Year 3: $35,106 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $31,585 Year 2: $26,933 Year 3: $31,705	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $60,257 Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $67,116 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $48,708 Year 2: $52,941 Year 3: $57,653 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $29,338 Year 2: $42,309 Year 3: $38,323 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $29,801 Year 2: $33,281 Year 3: $34,428 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $22,505 Year 2: $25,058 Year 3: $28,370 Social Work (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $27,204 Year 3: $25,308 Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $25,119 Year 2: $16,921 Year 3: $22,823 Fine and Studio Arts (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $20,981 Year 2: $21,894 Year 3: N/A Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $30,385 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Health and Medical Administrative Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $30,323 Year 2: $24,035 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC)?

Holyoke Community College (HCC) is located in Holyoke, Massachusetts, offering a more suburban campus environment. Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is situated in Boston, Massachusetts, providing an urban campus experience. HCC generally has a smaller student body compared to BHCC. BHCC, being in a major city, tends to have a more diverse student population and a wider range of programs reflecting the needs of the Boston area. HCC may offer programs tailored to the specific industries and needs of the Pioneer Valley region.
Where are Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) located?

Holyoke Community College (HCC) is located in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in the Pioneer Valley region. Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is located in Boston, Massachusetts, specifically in the Charlestown neighborhood.
Which college, HCC or BHCC, is larger in terms of student enrollment?

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) generally has a larger student enrollment compared to Holyoke Community College (HCC). BHCC's location in a major metropolitan area contributes to its larger student body.
Do HCC and BHCC offer similar academic programs?

Both Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) offer a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs. You'll find common programs like Liberal Arts, Business Administration, Nursing, and various STEM fields at both institutions. However, BHCC, due to its location in Boston, may offer more specialized programs related to urban industries and technologies, while HCC might have programs more focused on the needs of the Pioneer Valley.
How do the campus environments differ between HCC and BHCC?

Holyoke Community College (HCC) offers a more traditional, suburban campus environment. Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), located in Boston, provides an urban campus experience. This means BHCC students have easier access to city amenities, cultural attractions, and internship opportunities, while HCC students may experience a more close-knit campus community.
What are the tuition costs like at HCC compared to BHCC?

Tuition costs at both Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) are generally similar, as they are both part of the Massachusetts community college system. However, specific costs can vary based on residency status, program of study, and any applicable fees. It's best to check the official websites of both colleges for the most up-to-date tuition information.
Do HCC and BHCC offer on-campus housing?

Neither Holyoke Community College (HCC) nor Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) offer on-campus housing. Students typically commute to campus or find off-campus housing options.
What kind of student support services are available at HCC and BHCC?

Both Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) provide a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, disability services, and financial aid assistance. BHCC, given its larger size and urban location, may have a more extensive network of support services, particularly those catering to diverse student populations. HCC offers personalized attention due to its smaller size.
Which college is better for students interested in transferring to a four-year university?

Both Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) have strong transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities in Massachusetts and beyond. The 'better' choice depends on the specific four-year institution you're targeting and the articulation agreements each community college has in place with that university. Research which college has a stronger transfer pathway for your desired major and university.
How does the diversity of the student body compare between HCC and BHCC?

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), located in the heart of Boston, generally has a more diverse student body compared to Holyoke Community College (HCC). BHCC attracts students from a wider range of backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities due to its urban location and accessibility. HCC's student body is more representative of the demographics of the Pioneer Valley region.
What are the career services like at HCC and BHCC?

Both HCC and BHCC offer career services to help students prepare for the workforce. These services typically include resume and cover letter writing assistance, job search strategies, interview preparation, and internship opportunities. BHCC, being in Boston, may have more connections with employers in various industries, while HCC may have stronger ties to local businesses in the Pioneer Valley.
How do I decide which college, HCC or BHCC, is the right fit for me?

Consider your preferred learning environment (urban vs. suburban), the specific academic programs you're interested in, the location that best suits your needs, and the overall campus culture. Visit both campuses if possible, talk to current students and faculty, and research the specific programs and support services offered at each college. Ultimately, the best fit depends on your individual goals and preferences.

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