Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Absolutely horrible college. The business office is no help. They only gave me a 10% refund on a mistake they made, resulting in me losing $2,000 and being extremely upset. The college lacks diversity and is a trashy party school with students who have zero work ethic. There is horrible communication between professors and advisors. The business office gives attitude and doesn’t respect students. If you’re considering a community college, don’t come here. They don’t want you to learn; they just want your money. I can’t express enough how poor the communication is. Seriously consider your other options and resort to this college last. I would barely even give the series of buildings and classrooms a title, let alone call it a college. They are not understanding of mental, physical, or emotional disabilities and will do anything in their power to make your college experience miserable. I’m looking for a diverse college with the opportunity to learn and focus on my well-being and mature as a person. It’s upsetting this is how this college operates. Don’t even think about stepping on campus unless you want to be greeted with an unwelcoming attitude.

My husband decided to go back to school and get his degree in social work for drug and alcohol counseling. I happen to be a social worker and have a lot of education. So my husband and I decided he would enroll full time. I have to say as someone has been in school for two masters I am so impressed the the classes. First of all the assignments are challenging, the professors are amazing and they really have made it easier for him due to his learning issues. My husband loves school he never thought in his wildest dreams he would attend. I absolutely love this school and it’s really changed his life

The Video Production classes were fantastic for my son. Mr. Rick Bukowski is knowledgeable and supportive of his students. The Histology program leaves much to be desired. The curriculum is just read out of the book, the grades are adjusted so that a 75 is a fail and a 97 is needed for an A. But it doesn't matter because if they like you they will let you retake exams until.you pass, and if they don't they will randomly assign grades to you, not following their own grading system. They won't tell the school your actual score on your exams nor your percentage, they just give an arbitrary letter grade they make up. When I complained to the school in writing repeatedly, trying to find the right person to help me over months, they said there was nothing they could do, teachers assign grades as they choose. I got an 87 on my final exam and a 95 on my lab practical, but the grade they gave to the school was a C. It dropped my GPA but they don't care. If you want to get certified as a histotech they will push you through, but if you care about your grades, don't waste the 20k. Organic chemistry and algebra are required classes for the histotech associates degree. And they don't teach you to cut slides, but they will yell at you for not embedding fast enough. 2 of the teachers enjoy yelling at the students, and shaming them for making mistakes they weren't taught how to do correctly. It could be a great program but the curriculum is a bit stuck in the past, as are the teaching methods. Trial by fire is what they call it. They only tell you what you need to pass the exam, and have you do all the grunt work as if you were a lab tech, but you pay for the privilege.

Not a diverse college. Really limit on what they offer. Sports and clubs are not diverse, and they will play favorites on who they want to succeed. Had a student on the volleyball team constantly disrespect me, and nothing was done about it since they were the star player of team. It went far as a person i know being physically threatened. I even went to the president about that and other discriminatory issues. Instead, I was dismissed and made to seem like the crazy person being overly sensitive. Long story short, if you're a person of color, don't bother with putting yourself out there at phcc. It's not worth it, and you'll constantly be clocked and easily overlooked. Putting yourself out there is more connection based and privileged rather than fair hard work at penn highlands community college. Put your money at a school that's worth it. If I had the option, I would've gone to IUP for all 4 years. Edit 1: Removing my review isn't going yo change anything phcc. Stop trying to hide what your school is really about.

I went to college here and got my associates degree in criminal justice. I will say this has been one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. It was a struggle for me to get through some classes but I did it. I did it with the help of God, Advisor, professors, and many great friends. They will have your backs and help you as best they can if you just apply your self first and push for what you want.

Excellent experience with faculty, staff, choosing classes, and not only completing my degree here, but the help I received continuing my education beyond those walls. As a non traditional student I became involved, volunteered, and felt right and home. The people are terrific and make you feel important!

Have been taking summer classes, and I have been so impressed with the faculty, staff, and the school overall. Way to go, PennHighlands. Thanks for being a gem in this region. I’ve learned so much this summer.

Decent place to get a 2 year degree, just very expensive for a Community College in my opinion.

Matt B., Director of Admissions was great and super helpful.

The college is nice and the staff amazing and friendly and very helpful