HCC Among Top 10 Maryland Institutions for International Student Impact

From Howard Community College: Howard Community College is one of the top 10 Maryland higher education institutions making the greatest economic impact generated by its international students. According to a recent analysis of economic data by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, international students at Howard Community College (HCC) contribute $8.7 million and support 55 jobs in the state’s economy.

Each year, NAFSA develops its economic analysis to examine the economic contributions of international students and their families to the U.S. economy. NAFSA used data from the 2015—2016 academic year, with results shared online through the NAFSA’s Economic Value Tool.

HCC Attracts Rising Number of Students from Around the World

The recent economic analysis comes as HCC enrolled a growing number of international students this spring. The college’s English Institute, a noncredit pathway program for international students learning English, enrolled 114 students from 36 countries, welcoming its highest number of new students in a spring term since 2011. The college’s international admissions office enrolled another 167 students from 45 different countries, who are pursuing their associate degree in the United States on F1 student visas.

In total, HCC serves 1,228 credit students and 2,161 noncredit students who are citizens of a country other than the United States. Combined, they represent 124 different countries. These students are pursuing their education as permanent residents, refugees, F1 students, other visa holders, and more.

International Students Support U.S. Economy

Across the nation, international students have an economic impact of $32.8 billion and support 400,812 jobs in the United States. NAFSA research determined that three U.S. jobs are created or supported for every seven enrolled international students, through their spending in higher education, accommodations, dining, retail, telecommunications, and health insurance.

Jason Baumgartner of Indiana University’s Office of International Services conducted the economic analysis on behalf of NAFSA. He used enrollment data from the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors 2016 report, which is produced in partnership with the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and using tuition and expense data from the Department of Education’s National Center of Educational Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

Diverse Opportunities Available at HCC

HCC offers international and immigrant students the opportunity to learn English, prepare for employment, earn their associate degree, or transfer to four-year universities.

For students seeking a college degree or transfer to four-year universities, the international admissions office can assist throughout the application and enrollment process. More information is available online atwww.howardcc.edu/admissions-aid/apply-for-admission/intl or intlstudent@howardcc.edu.

The HCC English Language Center offers full-time and part-time English language study. The full-time program, known as the English Institute, is designed for F1 international students and U.S. residents, featuring 18 hours of study each week, six levels of English (beginning through advanced), special advising and support, plus trips and social activities with Americans to improve language skills. The part-time program has more than 70 courses and seven levels of instruction to help students with reading, writing, speaking, pronunciation, and grammar. For more information, visit www.howardcc.edu/elc or email elc@howardcc.edu.

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