First-Time College Student Admissions
Start your application for admission to Houston City College as a new or first-time college student.
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If you’ve earned a high school diploma or equivalency and you're ready to take college credit courses, you’re in the right place.
Get ready to start your journey as a student at Houston City College.
First-Time Student Application Requirements & Deadlines
We have an open admissions policy and no application fees for first-time students — so you can start your application knowing you will be able to start and continue your journey here at HCC without hesitation.
To start classes at HCC, you will need to submit your application multiple weeks ahead of time. Visit the Apply & Enroll page to see the latest semester start dates and application deadlines.
Follow the steps to submit your application on time and start taking classes at HCC.
Steps to Apply as a First-Time Student
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Submit Your Application
To complete your application, you'll need to create an account in our online system. Before you start, be sure to have handy:
- Your full contact information
- Social Security number (if you have one)
- Documents to answer the Texas residency questions
If you don’t have everything right now, you can start your application today and finish it later. After you submit your application, you'll receive an email with your acceptance letter, your student ID number, and your P-number.
Tip: Use your personal email
Use a personal email address (not your high-school email) so you don’t miss important updates.
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Access the Student System & Complete Your Enrollment Checklist
After you receive your acceptance letter and welcome email, you'll need to access the student system and complete your enrollment checklist before you can officially become a student.
Once you've logged into the student system for the first time, you will need to complete your checklist for enrollment.
Your checklist will include:
- Submitting your transcripts from high school or any dual enrollment courses you completed
- Providing your proof of vaccination for meningitis
- Completing the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test or submit your TSI test scores, if you took the test somewhere other than HCC
Your enrollment checklist
In the student system, choose the "My Checklists" menu to see which steps you need to complete. Your checklist will guide you through your next steps — like submitting documents, completing requirements, and registering for New Student Orientation — so you’re ready to register for classes.
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Meet With Your Advisor
Your advisor will help you decide which classes to take for your program.
TSI College Placement Test
Your advisor may ask you to complete the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) College Readiness Requirements to help determine which classes you should take in your first semester.
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Choose and Register for Classes
After you've discussed your program plan and class placements with your advisor, you can register for classes in the student system.
Need help enrolling in classes?
Watch our helpful video tutorials on how to enroll in classes.
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Pay Tuition and Fees
After you've added all your classes to your schedule, you will need to pay your account balance.
Log in to the student system and look at the Financial Account area to review your account balance, due date, and payment options.
Learn more below about all of HCC's affordable options to help you reach your educational goals, from low tuition costs to financial aid and scholarships.
Get help paying for school
Don't forget to apply for financial aid and scholarships. The earlier you apply, the sooner you’ll learn what resources you qualify for.
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Start Classes
You're ready to start your first classes at Houston City College! We're so excited to have you.
If you have any questions or need help preparing for your first day, use HCC Virtual Lobby to get in touch. It's your one-stop resource to find the assistance, answers, and assurance you need.
Admissions for Current High School Students
Still in high school but want to take classes for college credit?
You can enroll at HCC as a dual credit student or as a minor. Learn more about your options.
Additional Resources
Get prepared for your first day of class with these helpful links.
Contact Us
Get your questions answered through our Virtual Lobby. We're here to help you work through the admissions process, register for classes, and assist with anything else you may need.
Campus Locations
Find a nearby campus and visit in person.