Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for community college · Houston, TX
How students pay for Houston City College
Sticker price $12,286 a year. After grants, the average student pays $4,575, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $3,920 to $11,065.
- 40,503undergraduates
- 17%graduate
- 13%get a grant from the school
Free tuition program
Eagle Promise (Free Degree Program)
Who: Spring high school graduates living in HCC's taxing district What: Tuition, fees and up to $500 a semester for books, after other grants and scholarships
Official details →What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $5,460 a year versus $2,040 for Texas residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
13%grant from Houston City Collegeavg $1,828
58%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,670
13%state grantavg $1,939
14%federal student loanavg $5,495
Scholarships from Houston City College
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- Eagle PromiseTuition, fees and up to $500 a semester for books
Spring high school graduates living in HCC's taxing district.
- Impact ScholarshipUp to $1,000 a semester
Students with household income under $50,000, 9+ credit hours, a FAFSA in the stated range, and new or with a GPA above 2.74.
- Chancellor Scholarship$500 a semester
Students with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, more than 30 HCC credit hours, 6+ hours enrolled and a FAFSA on file.
- Honors College ScholarshipSet by the Honors College
Honors College students whose grants and scholarships do not cover tuition and fees.
- HCC Foundation ScholarshipsVaries
Most need 6+ credit hours; some need 9-12 hours and a 2.0-2.5 GPA.
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Texas
TEXAS Grant
Set each year by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; your school's aid office shows the current amount
Who qualifies: Texas residents with financial need who enrol at a Texas public university within 16 months of graduating high school (or 12 months of an associate degree).
How: File the FAFSA or TASFA. Priority deadline: 15 January.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Houston
| Studio | $1,850/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $1,900/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $1,125/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 77002. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$7.25/hour minimum wage in Texas
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $3,262 before tax. That covers about 3 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: Texas follows the federal minimum wage. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$14,250median federal debt≈ $162/month over 10 years
$42,369median earnings10 years after enrolling
17%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for Houston City College
Does Houston City College offer free tuition?
Yes: Eagle Promise (Free Degree Program). Spring high school graduates living in HCC's taxing district Tuition, fees and up to $500 a semester for books, after other grants and scholarships.
What scholarships does Houston City College offer?
Eagle Promise (Tuition, fees and up to $500 a semester for books); Impact Scholarship (Up to $1,000 a semester); Chancellor Scholarship ($500 a semester); Honors College Scholarship (Set by the Honors College); HCC Foundation Scholarships (Varies). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does Houston City College really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $4,575 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $3,920 to $11,065. The full cost of attendance before aid is $12,286.
Does Houston City College give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 13% of first-year students received a grant from Houston City College itself, averaging $1,828. 58% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,670).
How much is rent near Houston City College?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (77002) is $1,900 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,250 for a two-bedroom, about $1,125 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at Houston City College?
Yes. The minimum wage in Texas is $7.25 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $3,262 before tax.
How much debt do Houston City College graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $14,250, about $162 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $42,369.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with Houston City College. How these pages work.
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