Returning to School

Welcome back to learning! We’re excited to help you continue your education or start something new.

Find Your Path

 Ready to jump back in? We offer a variety of programs to meet your goals:

• Credit Programs: View all degree and certificate options.

• Professional and Personal Development: Check out training and courses through the Catalyst Campus.

• Adult Education: Learn how to earn your GED or strengthen your English skills.

Restart at MCC: Find Your Category

To make your return simple, select the option that best describes you.

• You are a previous MCC student continuing credit classes.
  • If you were a dual credit student during high school: You must apply to MCC to continue taking credit courses after high school graduation. Complete the online application and the next steps outlined here.
  • If you were last enrolled in credit courses less than five years ago: You're still an active student. Connect with Academic Advising for help with class planning and your next steps.
  • If you were last enrolled in credit courses five or more years ago: Follow the first-time student application process. Call (815) 455-8530 or email for application support. After acceptance, work with the Academic Advising office for class planning.
• You are new to MCC, transferring credit from another college, or starting college for the first time.

  Complete the online application and next steps outlined here.

• You are enrolling in professional training, personal development, or Adult Education.

  No application is needed! Connect with each office to directly enroll:

  • Professional training and personal development: Connect with the Catalyst Campus.
  • High school equivalence, GED, and English language courses: Contact Adult Education.
• You aren't sure which category you fit in.

   Connect with the Admissions and Recruitment office to find out:

  (815) 479-7732

  recruit@mchenry.edu

Common Questions About Returning to MCC

We answer your most frequent questions below.

• What steps do I need to take to return, and is there someone I can talk to?
  • Start with the “Restart at MCC” directions above.
  • Connect with an MCC New Student Enrollment Coach. Drop-in or scheduled appointments are available in-person, virtually, and by phone.
• Will I still fit into the college environment?

  Yes! MCC supports students of all ages, plans, and backgrounds. Here is a snapshot of our students as of Fall 2025: 

  • Age range:
    • 25% are age 25 and older
    • 17% are between 20 and 24 years old
  • First generation demographics:
    • 38% are first generation—the first in their family to attend college
  • Course load:
    • 59% took a part-time courseload—fewer than 12 credits
    • 37% are taking an online course
  • Program category:
    • 29% are enrolled in a Career and Technical program
    • 69% are enrolled in a transfer program

  We have many supports in place:

  • Student Assistance
  • Student Life: Student organization and events—open to all students
  • Student Resources
  • Tutoring and Academic Support: in-person and online 24/7
• How long will it take me to finish my program?

  Meet with an Academic Advisor to build your plan based on your academic goals and previous progress. You can also find general program pathway plans on each program’s webpage.

• What financial assistance is available?
  • The Financial Aid office is here to help with grants, loans, and outside scholarships.
  • Apply for MCC Scholarships every fall and spring.
  • Arrange flexible payment plans and partial payments.
  • You may qualify for the Learn it to Earn it program to help pay down past-due tuition.
• What is the cost of attending?
  Tuition and fees are charged on a per-credit basis. Payment plans and partial payments are available. Visit the Tuition webpage to learn more.
• I work full-time. What scheduling options do I have?

  MCC offers flexible course scheduling. Work with an Academic Advisor to build a plan that fits your needs:

  • Choose class days and times that work best for you.
  • Courses are offered in-person, online, and in blended formats. Some fully online degrees and certificates are available.
  • Register for one class or a full-time schedule of four or more classes.
• What resources are available to me as a working adult?
  • Academic Support
    • Tutoring and academic support services are available both in-person and online 24/7.
    • Library Services are located in the Learning Commons.
    • Arrange learning accommodations by connecting with Access and Disability Services.
  • Career Support: Connect with Career Services to prepare for your next career move.
  • Onsite Childcare: Learn about the Children’s Learning Center.
  • Advanced Learning
    • Transfer your MCC credits to other colleges. Visit the Transfer site to get started!
    • Earn your bachelor's or master's degree close to home at the University Center at MCC.
• What is "ReUp"?

  MCC partners with ReUp to support students returning to college after a break. ReUp Success Coaches can assist you with re-enrollment and with your academic goals if you're identified as a match for the ReUp program. If not, the MCC New Student Enrollment Coaches are ready to help. Reach out via email or call (815) 479-7732.

• If my grades were not the best when I last attended, what can I do?
  • Grade Forgiveness: MCC offers options for grade forgiveness. Discuss this opportunity when you meet with an Academic Advisor.
  • Start Fresh: If you took classes at a different college, you don't need to transfer them in to start a new academic plan at MCC.