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Meet Joseph: From College Dropout to Master’s Degree Holder

 Lancaster, PA
Joseph Nicholas Vertical


“I would not be where I am today had it not been for HACC’s program.”


Joseph Nicholas dropped out of college after high school but later decided to give it another shot. He said that he “had fallen in love with business and marketing” and knew that the type of job he wanted required him to have a college degree. He said that “HACC was a natural choice.”

He said, “As a 22-year-old, HACC offered an accessible and low cost option to return to school while working. It also provided a gateway to transfer to Albright College and earn my bachelor’s degree and then on to my MBA through Alvernia University.”

Joseph took most of his classes at HACC’s Lancaster Campus and graduated with a degree in business administration in 2006. He is currently the Global Head of Partnerships & Alliances for an international business.

Getting through college isn’t always easy, and Joseph said that “there were many times I wanted to quit.”

With encouragement and help, Joseph was able to continue and complete his bachelor’s and master’s degrees – all while working full time, getting married and becoming a parent – over six years. He said, “Without HACC, this journey wouldn't have been possible.”

Explore your career options at HACC. Please contact an admissions counselor to visit a campus today!

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