Middlesex Community College: MCC Named Top Choice For High School Students In Massachusetts

Press release from the Middlesex Community College:

Caitlin Buckley

2/24/2022

Middlesex Community College has been named the best community college in Massachusetts for Dual Enrollment on the 2022 list of Best Community Colleges in Massachusetts by Intelligent.com.

“Middlesex is committed to collaborating with partner high schools throughout the region,” said Ellen Grondine, MCC’s Dean of Education and K-16 Partnerships. “Together we are providing students the opportunity to explore programs of study, take advantage of college resources and academic supports, and reduce future student loan debt.”

MCC’s Dual Enrollment program offers high school-aged and homeschooled students an opportunity to take college-level courses that count toward both a high school diploma and a college degree.

Abby Noël is a Junior at Innovation Academy Charter School (IACS) in Tyngsboro and has taken both concurrent and on-campus Dual Enrollment classes. Noël wants a career in environmental social justice. The two classes Noël is currently taking are offered on her high school campus during the school day.

“I decided to take college classes at IACS so I can get a head start on my college education,” Noël said. “It will save me money and help me reach my reach my dreams faster. So far, I have taken three courses and I am currently enrolled in Introduction to Psychology and Literature of Protest and Hope. By the time I graduate from high school, I plan to have completed 27 credits toward an associate degree. MCC’s Dual Enrollment classes are absolutely worth it!”

In recognizing programs, Intelligent.com compared 64 programs from 26 universities and colleges in the state with two-year associate degree programs. As part of its research, the website “reviewed tuition costs, the number of credits required to graduate, and the coursework delivery formats – such as online and in-person.”

With Dual Enrollment at Middlesex, students can complete general college course requirements and explore majors and possible fields of interest at an affordable price – saving thousands in tuition costs overall. In Massachusetts, Dual Enrollment students pay a state subsidized rate of $92 per credit versus the $252 current per credit rate.

Dual Enrollment students can also take advantage of MCC’s accelerated Mini-mester sessions. In eight weeks, Mini-mester courses offer the same content, academic standards and instructional hours as courses scheduled in the traditional 15-week semester.

“With the accelerated format of Mini-mesters, Dual Enrollment students can maximize their efforts and earn more college credit in a shorter period of time,” said Jillian Freitas-Haley, MCC’s Assistant Dean of Enrollment. “This gives them a distinct advantage in applying for and attending college, setting them up for success in a college environment, and allowing them to start at their four-year institution as a second semester freshman or higher.”

There is no minimum age requirement for Dual Enrollment students who are interested in being challenged by a stimulating and supportive learning environment at Middlesex. MCC Dual Enrollment students have access to all that the college offers, including student support services and resources, specialized advising, tutoring, small classes and participation in campus activities, events and clubs and organizations – all of which offer online options.

Prospective students and their families must attend a virtual Dual Enrollment Information Session. Sessions include an opportunity to connect with Admissions staff, process applications, and register for classes. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/dualenroll/ for more information and to register for an information session.

Please note that Middlesex requires all students to be vaccinated in order to come to campus, as of January 2022. Students who are unvaccinated can still choose to take online classes and access online resources and student support services.

Register now for MCC’s Spring 2022 Mini-mester II, starting on Monday, March 28. For more information, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!

This press release was produced by the Middlesex Community College. The views expressed here are the author’s own.