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Adult Students

As a new adult student, you’re among friends. Returning adult students make up the majority of the learners in class and in online courses at HCC.
Get started today.

  • Not ready to register yet?
    If you still have some unanswered questions about choosing Highland Community College, complete our request information form, contact us at admissions@highland.edu, Email our faculty, call us at 815.599.3612 or take a campus tour.
  • Apply for admission
    The first thing you need to do is apply for admission. We have no application fee. There are lots of ways to apply:

    • Apply online
    • Download an application form and submit it to the Office of Admissions and Records
      by fax 815.235.6130
      or by mail to:
      Office of Admissions and Records
      2998 West Pearl City Road
      Freeport, IL 61032
    • Request an application form by calling 815.599.3612 or at admissions@highland.edu
  • Apply for financial aid and scholarships
    • Depending on your timing, this step may take place along with #4 and #5.
    • Most scholarships are due in April. You can search for scholarships in our searchable database on our website and download the application forms. Some scholarships are exclusively for adult students.
  • We encourage you to file the FASFA (Federal Application for Student Financial Aid) form as early as possible. If you need help, contact our Financial Aid office at 815.599.3519. You can complete the FAFSA form online.
  • Request a Transcript
    If you are a first-time, full-time student, you will need to have your final high school transcript or (HSE) GED certification sent to the Office of Admissions and Records. If you are transferring to Highland with college credit from another institution, be sure to request copies of your college transcripts and have them mailed to the Office of Admissions and records at HCC.
  • Take a placement test or submit ACT or SAT assessment scores
    The next step is to take a placement test or submit the required test results. Testing is free and provided on campus for all applicants. Click on our placement testing schedule for more information. You may also download a sample placement test or utilize the Accuplacer app to prepare for the test.
  • See an advisor
    Our professional advising staff will help you create the right schedule of classes that will coordinate with your work or family commitments. Our placement test is intended to help you enroll in classes that aren’t too easy or too difficult for you. Your advisor will help you interpret the results. Make an appointment with an advisor by calling 815.599.3573 or Email advising@highland.edu. See our Ask an Advisor chat for FAQs.
  • Register for classes
    Students may register online. If you are a first-time student, you’ll need to follow steps 1 – 3 in order to get your personal identification number (PIN) that will make online registration possible. See online registration instructions on our website. Of course, you can always register in the Office of Admissions and Records.