Our History
The First College of Kansas
Highland Community College, founded in 1858 as Highland University, is proud to be
the first college established in Kansas. Over more than 165 years and eight name changes,
HCC has remained dedicated to expanding higher education opportunities for the people
of Northeast Kansas. Historically, the college has excelled at preparing students
to continue their education at four-year institutions. Studies at Kansas Regents universities
show that HCC students who transfer perform as well as, or better than, other transfer
students and those who start at those universities.
Today, Highland Community College serves approximately 4,000 students (1,699 FTE) through its main campus in Highland, regional centers in Atchison and Baileyville, HCC Online, and concurrent enrollment partnerships with 31 high schools across the college’s nine-county service area. The main campus is situated in a rural Northeast Kansas community surrounded by farmland and features 22 apartment-style residence halls, robust athletics programs, and vibrant student life. Across all locations and delivery methods, HCC offers 14 Associate degrees and 16 technical certificates.
True to its mission, Highland Community College provides affordable higher education opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for many in the region—whether students seek to transfer to a four-year university, advance professionally, or pursue personal growth.
HCC is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees elected from Doniphan County and is coordinated by the Kansas Board of Regents.
Alma Mater
Source: HCC Lads & Lassies, 2023.
Written by Georgia Baird Hayes
Class of 1900 (Far Above Cayunga's Waters)
Where the hills of Doniphan / Greet the eastern sky
Proudly stands our Alma Mater / on her hilltop high
Gold and blue will float for aye
Old Highland, over thee!
May thy sons be leal and loyal / To thy memory.
When the evening twilight deepends / And the shadows fall,
Lingers long the golden sunbeam / On thy western wall.
When the shades of life shall gather
And dark our hearts may be
May the rays of youth and sunshine / linger long o'er thee.