ESL for Community, College and Career

ESL for Academic Purposes

What type of program is this?

A noncredit training program

Focuses on:

• Learning English for work, community and everyday life
• Communicating better at work
• Conversing more confidently in meetings and appointments
• Exploring college and career options to determine future goals

A credit program for academic purposes that can lead to an associate degree

Focuses on:

• Learning English for academic study at the college level
• Studying at the college level to earn a credential
• Transferring to other colleges

How long is the program?

Each level includes a 12-week class with 60 hours of instruction. Classes are offered either two mornings (9:30 a.m.-noon) or two evenings (6-8:30 p.m.) per week.

Levels:

• Beginner 1
• Beginner 2
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Each level is a 14-week course with three to four hours of instruction each week. Classes are offered during the day and in the evening.

Levels:

• Reading and Writing 1 and 2
• Speaking and Listening 1 and 2
• Grammar 1 and 2
• Academic English Bridge Course

When can I start?

Spring classes begin:

• Jan. 27, 2025

The deadline to pay and register for the class is Jan. 13, 2025.

Fall classes begin:

• Aug. 26, 2024

What is the cost?

The cost is $405 plus $45 for the textbook for each level.

Scholarships are available to those who qualify.

Tuition is charged per academic credit and varies based on citizenship, as well as Pennsylvania and school district residency.

Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify. 

How do I get more help deciding?

New students must attend a free virtual information session on zoom on the first week of the month.

• Nov. 1 or Dec. 6, 2024 at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. on Zoom here: https://hacc.zoom.us/j/7842282235

Please email eslinfo@hacc.edu with any questions.

Please email start@hacc.edu.

ESL for Community, College and Career 

ESL for Academic Programs

Where and how are classes held?

Classes are offered remotely and in person at HACC’s Midtown Trade and Technology Center.   

Classes are offered remotely, virtually and in-person at HACC’s Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses.

How is my placement determined?

Students take the CASAS reading assessment, provide a writing sample and have an interview scheduled in-person or through a virtual appointment.

Students complete the Accuplacer Placement Test (pdf). Additional information is available on our Test Center page.

Exemptions to waive ESL testing are:

TOEFL scores
550 or higher - paper/pencil
217 or higher - computer
79 or higher - internet-based

IELTS: score 6.5 or higher

Pearson PTE: 53 or higher

Duolingo Score: 90 or higher

WAEC score: C6 or higher

Is there an orientation?

Sign up for the next new student orientation session here. or contact us at eslinfo@hacc.edu. 

You will receive an invitation to schedule your orientation through HAWKMail, your student email.

How do I apply?

There is no application. Students will be directed to register for class after placement testing is completed. 

Payment will be due at the time of registration, no later than two weeks before the first day of class.

The application is free and can be completed online.

Students register for classes following orientation. Payment dates vary. Students who register after payment due dates are required to pay at the time of registration.