Head-to-head · 2026
Harford Community College vs Howard Community College
Compare average net price ($9,234 at Harford Community College; $11,133 at Howard Community College), ROI score (12.08 vs 11.01), ten-year median earnings ($44,608 vs $49,020), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Harford Community College; Open / not reported at Howard Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Harford Community College has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Harford Community College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Harford Community College | Howard Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.08 ✓ | 11.01 |
| Avg net price | $9,234 ✓ | $11,133 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,608 | $49,020 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 39.3% ✓ | 24% |
| Median debt | $9,812 ✓ | $10,500 |
| Enrollment | 3,696 | 6,649 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 4 | 1 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Howard Community College costs $1,899 more per year than Harford Community College ($11,133 vs $9,234). Howard Community College graduates report $4,412 higher median earnings after ten years ($49,020 vs $44,608). On EduGradify's model that puts Harford Community College ahead on projected ROI (12.08 vs 11.01, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Harford Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, neither school reports a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data, so this matchup should lean on price, outcomes and fit instead.
Frequently asked
Harford Community College vs Howard Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Harford Community College or Howard Community College the better value?
Harford Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (12.08 vs 11.01), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Harford Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,234 per year vs $11,133 at Howard Community College. The annual difference of $1,899 adds up to about $7,596 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Howard Community College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $49,020 vs $44,608 at Harford Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,412.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Harford Community College reports a A value grade; Howard Community College reports A.