Become a Credit Student

Apply to MCC to earn college credit. Because MCC is an open-enrollment college, we accept all students. Follow these steps to enroll in your classes:

• Step 1: Explore program options, ask questions, and get application support
  1. New Student Enrollment Coaches are available for support. Email a New Student Enrollment Coach or call (815) 479-7732.
  2. Explore programs
  3. Explore credit courses
• Step 2: Apply

  Complete and submit your application ($15 fee)

  For application support, email a New Student Enrollment Coach or call (815) 479-7732.

• Step 3: Submit Official Documents (Transcripts)

  Transcripts are used to verify high school completion, determine financial aid eligibility, and assist with course placement. Note: Transcripts are not required for general admission.

  Your transcript must include your full name, the school's name, and your coursework with grade information. To be official, it should also include your graduation date.

  Submit High School Transcripts or High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) Transcripts

  Official Transcripts

  Required for: Financial Aid (mandatory for students over 25) and final graduation verification.

  To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to MCC (a transcript service, such as Parchment, or the high school). Transcripts handled, uploaded, or mailed by the student are considered unofficial.

  • How to request: Contact your high school/HSE institution or use an official service like Parchment.

  • Delivery methods: Must be sent via a secure e-transcript service or traditional mail directly from the source.

  Unofficial Transcripts

  Used for: Fulfilling initial course placement requirements.

  If you only need to meet placement requirements and do not yet have an official copy, you may submit an unofficial version. It must include your full name, the school name, and coursework with grades.

  How to submit:

  • Upload: Use the "Supplemental Items" section of your MCC application.
  • Mail/Drop-off: Send a copy to the Admissions Office or drop it off in A260.

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  Submit College Transcripts and Credit for Prior Learning Documentation

  If you have prior college experience or professional certifications, you may be able to earn Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money.

  Official College Transcripts: Required if you wish to transfer college credit toward an MCC degree.

  Note: If you do not need previous college courses to appear on your MCC record, you may not need to submit these transcripts.

  Learn how to transfer official college credit and Credit for Prior Learning to MCC

• Step 4: Finalize Your Course Placements

  You must complete course placement before registering for English, math, certain science classes, and other courses. You can find details on placement and prerequisites in each course description.

  • Talk to a New Student Enrollment Coach. They will tell you if you need to take a placement test for your classes and show you the fastest way to get it done.
  • You should complete your placement tests before attending orientation or meeting with an advisor. This helps you pick the right classes when you register.

  Visit the Placement Webpage to review placement methods and score criteria.

  You can meet the placement requirements with at least one of the options listed below:

  • Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) (high school and college): Cumulative GPAs are added to student records once the Admissions office receives high school transcripts. College transcripts must be officially evaluated before a college GPA can be used for placement. Refer to the 'Submit Transcripts' details above for instructions.
  • ACT and SAT scores: You do not need ACT or SAT scores for admission, but you can use them for course placement. If you took these tests within the last five years, you can submit your scores in one of three ways:

    • Email your scores to the Admissions Office.

    • Upload a downloaded copy of your score report directly to the "Supplemental Items" section of your MCC application portal.

    • Request official scores from the College Board or ACT.

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Scores: For AP test scores to be counted as college credit, they must be official. Request official Advanced Placement (AP) scores from the College Board.
  • Dual Credit: Dual credit courses completed at MCC will already be posted on your MCC record – no action needs to be taken. To send dual credit completed at a different institution, follow the "submit college transcripts” process.
  • Other Credit for Prior Learning: visit Transfer to MCC – Credit for Prior Learning. 
  • Placement tests through the MCC Testing Center: Placement Tests are free and available to all accepted students, available weekly, Monday-Friday. Learn about test options and schedule a test.
• Step 5: Complete New Student Orientation

  You'll register for your classes during in-person new student orientation.

• Step 6: Meet with an Academic Advisor

  After completing the New Student Orientation, connect with an academic advisor for continued class planning and student success support.

• Step 7: Register for Classes

  Register for classes online or in person in Registration, A258.

  You'll need your myMCC username and password to register online. See step-by-step instructions and watch helpful videos about registering for credit classes through Student Planning.

  You may need to register in person if your course has prerequisites.

• Step 8: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.
  2. Apply for MCC Scholarships.
  3. Visit Financial Aid for detailed information about applying for federal and state aid programs.
• Step 9: Pay Your Tuition and Fees
  1. Tuition and fees are automatically calculated during the registration process, when you add or remove classes. See tuition and fee information
  2. Pay your bill online through Self-Service, in person at the Registration Services office (A258), or over the phone at (815) 455-8588.
  3. Payments can be made in full, in part, or through the NelNet Automatic Tuition Payment Plan.
• Step 10: Buy Books and Supplies

  Visit the MCC Store to view, purchase, or rent books and supplies for your classes.

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