Houston City College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At HCC, the biggest number is the price: tuition is far lower than many public colleges, so your strategy should center on placement, credits, and staying on track once you enroll. Because HCC is test-optional, submit SAT or ACT scores only if they strengthen your application or help with course placement. The Chancellor Scholarship is GPA-based, so protect your grades.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Houston City College facts and stats
Houston City College enrolls 53,253 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. HCC has a 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its size and city location make it a large urban college option for students comparing campus environments.
Houston, TX

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Key Houston City College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 8
Early Action
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Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
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Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because HCC is test-optional, follow this plan only if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, use the summer before senior year for a retake if needed, and do not count on a fall retake for HCC because scores will not arrive before the August 8 Regular Decision deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
At HCC, in-state tuition is $2,904 and out-of-state tuition is $3,624. About 76% of students receive financial aid, and the average merit award is $1,766.

For students paying out-of-state tuition, HCC lists tuition at $3,624, compared with $2,904 for in-state tuition. Estimated room and board adds $12,653, so living expenses may be a larger part of the bill than tuition. About 76% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $7,753. Merit awards average $1,766, which can further lower costs for some students.
Student life at Houston City College
Campus housing details coming soon.
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TXAcceptance rate: 66%
SAT: 1000–1230
ACT: 19–27
Amberton University
Garland, TXAcceptance rate: 63.9%
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
Amarillo College
Amarillo, TXAcceptance rate: 100%
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