Support Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
College Transition FAQ for Families and Support People
We've answered the most common questions that families and support people have about helping their students transition into college life. You'll find this information useful at all stages of your student's journey.
- How much is tuition at MCC?
Tuition is charged by the credit hour. Additional costs may include general fees, course specific fees, supplies and books.
Payment options include financial aid and payment plans.
- When do classes start?
See our calendar of events to find out what's going on around campus daily and the annual academic calendar for a snapshot of the coming year.
- Does everyone have to take MCC 101?
All first-time full-time students must successfully complete MCC 101 during their first year unless they have:
- Previously earned at least 24 semester hours of college credit with a 2.00 cumulative grade point average (at another college) or
- Successfully completed a course equivalent to MCC 101 at another college. That course must be documented on a college transcript.
- It is not required for part-time students to take MCC 101 but they can if they want. If a part-time student decides to enroll full-time in the future, they will have to take MCC 101 unless they meet any of the above requirements.
- Is financial aid available?
- What types of scholarships does my student qualify for?
- How does placement testing work?
- Can I access my student's grades?
A student's educational record, including grades, is protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). This prevents anyone except the student from obtaining information held in a student's record. Students may sign a Release of Confidentiality form in the Registration Office giving MCC permission to give information to any individual that the student designates.
- What resources are available to help my student succeed?
MCC is dedicated to giving students the tools they need to be successful in college. Many offices on campus provide assistance including the Tutoring and Academic Support Center (free tutoring), Advising and Transfer Center, Access and Disability Services, Student Life, Office of Student Diversity and Inclusion and Career Services.
If you have questions about other resources, please let us know at orientation@mchenry.edu.
- How do we get textbooks?
Textbooks are available through the MCC Store. Shop in-person or online to buy new or used or to rent text books. You will need the student's schedule to ensure that you are getting the correct books.
- What degree should my student be working on?
MCC offers a variety of degrees and certificates. What your student will work towards depends on their goals at MCC and beyond. Some degrees are designed to transfer into a baccalaureate degree at a four-year college or university and some degrees or certificates are meant to prepare students for immediate employment.
- My student wants to transfer, how do we know what classes to should take?
MCC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative General Education Core Curriculum (IAI GECC). By completing this core of general education requirements (which are included in the Associates of Arts or Associates of Science), students can transfer this core as a package to other participating schools and have their general education requirements there.
MCC has partnership agreements and guaranteed admission agreements with several schools.
Students planning to transfer should work closely with an academic advisor at MCC, as well as their transfer school. There are specific courses that may be required for students planning certain majors or transfer schools. Learn more about transfer guides, course equivalencies, and sample academic plans by major
- What type of safety precautions does MCC have?
The MCC police department is staffed by police officers daily.
Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for MCC Campus Alerts, the emergency mass notification system, used to quickly communicate with all currently enrolled students and MCC employees about safety alerts, weather-related closings and more.
- What can I do if my child is unable to continue classes at MCC due to an illness or other extenuating circumstances?
Parents who would like to make decisions on behalf of their child with regards to dropping/withdrawing from classes, talking to instructors, obtaining homework, etc. should contact (815) 479-7572 to see what options are available to them.
- How can my student's IEP or 504 plan from high school carry over to MCC?
Call (815) 455-8766 to schedule an intake appointment with Access and Disability Services (ADS) and work on collecting documentation of diagnosis. How to register for ADS.
- What resources are available for undocumented students?
MCC welcomes and supports undocumented students. Learn about our resources for undocumented students
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