Welcome to Holyoke Community College! HCC is home to an active community of student, faculty, and staff veterans. Our veteran’s center, The Bunker, provides a comfortable place for vets to study and socialize. Questions about veteran waivers and benefits? HCC’s Veteran’s Services Coordinator (located in Frost 221) can answer your questions and help you through the application process. Simply email veterans@hcc.edu or call (413) 552-2265.
Eligible veterans, reservists, disabled veterans, and dependents of deceased veterans may qualify for monthly educational benefit payments from the Veterans Administration. Certain eligible veterans residing in Massachusetts are also entitled to a tuition waiver for Day Division or Continuing Education classes (students with tuition waivers are responsible for all fees other than tuition).
You may complete your application online, or download, print, and mail your application, along with a copy of form DD-214. If you have not yet been discharged, please submit a copy of form DD-214 as soon as it is available. Note: You will need a different application if: You’re interested in becoming a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or radiology technician.
Nearly half of all HCC students receive financial aid from federal, state, and private sources. One application—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—is used to determine the amount of aid you will receive. To meet deadlines and ensure fund availability, it is important to fill out your application as soon as possible. The HCC Financial Aid Office can help you complete and submit your paperwork—you can even apply and submit federal financial aid forms directly from our self-service computers. Get started here.
Submit your high school or GED transcripts, If you have attended another college or university prior to HCC, a transcript from that institution is also required. Please mail all official transcripts to: HCC Office of Admissions, 303 Homestead Avenue Holyoke, MA 01040.
The CPT (College Placement Test) assesses your skill level in writing, reading and math to ensure your success. When you receive your letter of acceptance to HCC, it will include a date and time for you to take your CPT. After your test, you’ll get your photo ID, and meet with your advisor to choose and register for your classes. This appointment usually takes approximately 2-3 hours.
If you completed the CPT elsewhere, you do not need to take it again. If you have successfully completed a college level math class, you do not need to take the math assessment. If you have successfully completed a college level English class, you do not need to take the reading and writing assessment. If that’s you, make sure your college transcripts or evidence of your Tech Prep CPT are sent to the Admissions office as soon as possible, and contact the HCC test administrator to arrange to have your photo taken for your student ID card.
Typically, students get their photo ID, meet with their advisors and choose and register for classes right after taking the CPT. If you were allowed to waive the CPT, you’ll need to contact the advising center and make an appointment. This appointment should take approximately 2 hours.
Massachusetts law (Chapter 76, Section 15C) requires that all students carrying 12 or more credits must submit proof, within 30 days of registering for courses, of the following immunizations: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella: 2 shots), Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis: must be within last 10 years), Hepatitis B (3 shots), and chickenpox (2 shots). Documentation of positive antibody titers for measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and varicella is acceptable. Immunization records can be obtained from your high school, physician’s office, military records, or other colleges attended, and must be submitted to HCC Health Services office (Frost 101) for review. If needed, low cost vaccines are available at HCC Health Services.
After you meet with your advisor and register for classes, you’ll receive a packet of information in the mail, including the date and time of your orientation. Orientation will cover everything from academic policies to registering your car, accessing the college computer network, locating campus resources and services, and securing a student ID and bus pass. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other students, get familiar with the campus, and pick up your books. While you’re on campus, stop by the Office of Public Safety to register and get your parking permit.
Be sure to meet with the Veteran’s Services Coordinator to discuss your benefits and how to apply them to your student bill at HCC. Financial Aid is available for those who qualify, and HCC also has a payment plan available. Visit our Paying for College page for more information. You can pay your tuition and fees online, by mail, or in person at the Bursar’s Office.
The week before classes begin, logon to MyHCC to check for any changes and print your class schedule.
Holyoke Community College
303 Homestead Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-7000
