March 11, 2021

The Muskegon Community College administration will propose a tuition freeze to the Board of Trustees on March 17, halting any further tuition increases for fall semester of 2021 to summer of 2022.

“The tuition freeze will help all our students,” said Kelley Conrad, Vice President of Academic Affairs at MCC. “We recognize the effects of COVID-19 are far from over and many of our students are suffering. This is a way we can provide educational opportunities and ease their worries just a little bit.”

With a 13-percent decrease in student enrollment over the past year at MCC, this proposal will look to attract new students with the help of scholarships such as Futures-For-Frontliners and the Michigan Reconnect Program.

“My hope is this will be one more nudge for people to begin, or return to, MCC in the summer or fall,” said Conrad. “It’s a great place and we care deeply about our students’ welfare.”
With a $121.50 and $227 per contact hour tuition for in-county and out-of-county students, respectively, this initiative will attempt to avoid a tuition increase much like the most recent that took place back in April of 2020 which increased rates by $4.50 per contact hour.

“All students, including our new students, will benefit from freezing tuition,” said Dr. Dale Nesbary, the President of MCC. “A full-time in-district student enrolling in 30 contact hours will save $105, while a full-time out of district student will save $210.”

MCC students collectively will save $300,000 in tuition expenses during the 2021-2022 academic year if the proposal is approved.

“Many issues impacted our decision,” said Dr. Nesbary. “The most important of which is the negative economic impact of the pandemic on our students.  After a year of struggles, our students need whatever assistance that we may provide. The College’s ability to maintain sound financial footing over time is the primary factor allowing us to recommend this action.”

MCC students can register for summer courses now by scheduling an appointment with their counselor, calling (231) 777-0362 or emailing, [email protected].