Services:

Admissions Assistance

Prospective students are assisted with the admissions application process. The Admissions Application Packet can be downloaded by clicking here. Applications from entering freshmen are evaluated by our staff to determine if any placement testing is required before enrollment. All entering freshmen, who are not THEA exempt by scores from the ACT, SAT, or TAKS, are required to take the THEA or ACCUPLACER before they can enroll in classes. If the student does not pass all parts of the placement exam, they will be required to enroll in college preparatory courses, if they are seeking a degree program. The THEA requirement can be met by: 1) passing all parts of the test; or 2) completing the series of college preparatory coursework with a "C" or better.

Financial Aid Application Assistance

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed for the student to apply for all types of need-based aid including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Stafford Loan, and Federal College Work Study. A separate application is required to apply for Howard College scholarships. The student is encouraged to apply as early as possible for the upcoming academic year, in order to have financial aid available at registration. Students needing aid for the fall semester, must have a complete file in the financial aid office by July 1. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the student begin the FAFSA process as soon as they file their current income tax return. Information from the income tax return is required to complete the FAFSA. The Student Assistance Center assists students with this process. All forms needed to apply for financial aid are located in this office. A computer resource lab is available for prospective and current students to use to complete the FAFSA online, with the help of our office staff. To complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. The student will be required to apply and obtain a PIN number as the first step to apply. This PIN number is required to complete the online process and serves as the student and parent personal signature.

International Student Admissions Assistance

Howard College is a federally approved institution for the admission of F-1 visa holders. Non-immigrant students who are applying for admissions are required to complete the admissions packet for international students. The Internation Student Admission Packet can be downloaded by clicking here. This office houses the certifying school official, who processes the I-20 form to admit F-1 visa students. This individual also serves as the academic advisor of all international students to ensure that the student is receiving quality services during their stay in the U.S. and that they are keeping in compliance with INS regulations as an F-1 visa holder.

Veteran Student Admissions Assistance

Howard College is a working partner with the Department of Veteran Affairs in assisting active and inactive Veteran students, in receiving financial assistance through the educational benefits program.. The Student Assistance Center houses the VA certifying official, who assists eligible Veterans with financial assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill (veterans separated from duty), Veterans in the Reserved Forces, Dependents Education Assistance Program (spouse and/or dependents), or the Vocational Rehabilitation Program (for disabled Veterans). Veteran students are encouraged to apply for benefits with the personal assistance of the certifying official, to ensure speed and accuracy of receiving their educational assistance from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Veteran students can also apply for benefits online at www.gibill.va.gov. Once the application process is complete, the Veteran must see the certifying official in the Student Assistance Center to complete the process of admissions, determination of program, academic advising, and certification of enrollment to the VA each semester.

Academic Advising

Students who are advised by the Academic Advising Staff in the Student Services Office consist of the following:

All First-Time Freshmen

All Students in College Preparatory for non-completion of THEA requirements

Undecided Majors

First Semester Transfer Students

Students on academic probation or suspension

Students with excessive absences

International Students

Veteran Students

Pre-professional students applying for Health Professions Programs:

Students who are advised by the Faculty Advising Team, or program directors:

Returning Students

Students who have completed THEA Requirements

Students who have been accepted in an Allied Health Program

Non-degree seeking students

Transfer Information

Howard College is supported by the Texas Common Course Numbering System to ensure the transferability of general education courses for students enrolled in the Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Arts in Teaching transfer programs. The academic advisors are dedicated to researching university programs in order to guide the student seeking a bachelor's degree through their first two years in courses that are conducive to their major course of study.

Intent to Graduate

Students should see an advisor in the Student Assistance Center PRIOR TO registration of their final semester. A final degree check is completed by the student's advisor to ensure enrollment in remaining coursework needed to complete their associates degree or certificate. Students filing an Intent to Graduate can download the application (PDF) online, or it can be obtained in the Student Services office.

Counseling/Academic Support Services

Howard College contracts with a local Licensed Professional Counselor to assist current students with any type of personal counseling needed. The staff in Student Services offer academic support for students having difficulty with study skills, time management, stress management, test anxiety and any other condition that is causing them hardship in the classroom. These and other topics are typically addressed through monthly workshops designed to promote student success. Contact the Student Services office at 325-481-8354 for workshop dates and times.