McHenry County College: $4,012 Tuition

$4,012Tuition

4,335Students

39%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,143Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About McHenry County College

McHenry County College serves as the primary educational gateway for students in Crystal Lake and surrounding areas. The college enrolls 4,335 students and focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Nearly all students come from Illinois, with 98.50% being in-state residents. The Fighting Scots compete in eight varsity sports through the NCCAA, though athletics takes a backseat to academics at this career-focused institution.

Students pay an average net price of $8,093 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable college options in the region. In-state tuition runs $4,012 annually. Graduates typically leave with just $6,260 in debt and monthly loan payments of only $66. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $45,143. The low debt burden combined with solid earning potential makes this a financially smart choice for students seeking practical skills or preparing to transfer.

The student body reflects the changing demographics of suburban Chicago, with 61.08% white students and 25.77% Hispanic students. Only 11.52% of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families who earn too much for maximum aid but still need affordable education. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year colleges.

Academics & Faculty

McHenry County College serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing four-year degrees and career certifications. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than at four-year institutions, but professors focus on practical instruction rather than research. With a 39% six-year graduation rate, the college reflects the reality of community college students who often attend part-time while working. The school emphasizes career-focused programs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades alongside traditional transfer courses. Students can complete general education requirements at a fraction of university costs before transferring. The college's strength lies in providing accessible education to working adults and recent high school graduates who need flexible scheduling options.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Full-Time Faculty: 28.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 39.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,143

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$63,600
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$48,849
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$47,260
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Associate	$24,936
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,921
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$19,227
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$15,552

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

McHenry County College sits in Crystal Lake, about 50 miles northwest of Chicago. The 4,335 students experience true Midwest seasons, from snowy winters requiring heavy coats to humid summers. As a community college, MCC has no dormitories, so students commute from across McHenry County and neighboring areas. Nearly 99% of students come from Illinois.

The Fighting Scots compete in eight varsity sports with 124 total athletes. Students balance academics with work since many attend part-time while employed. The 24:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Only 11.5% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the area's middle-class demographics. Weekends often involve jobs, family commitments, or trips to nearby Chain O'Lakes for outdoor activities. The suburban setting offers shopping and dining options, while Chicago remains accessible for entertainment. Students pursuing transfer degrees focus on completing prerequisites, while others dive into career programs preparing them for immediate employment after graduation.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1967

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–31°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.4"
Annual Snowfall: 35.1"

Student Demographics

McHenry County College draws overwhelmingly from its local community, with nearly all students coming from Illinois. The student body reflects the changing demographics of suburban Chicago's outer counties, with about one in four students being Hispanic. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare and education programs. The college serves as an affordable stepping stone for working families, though relatively few students qualify for federal financial aid. Most students juggle school with work or family responsibilities while building skills for local careers or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.

Men: 45.6%
Women: 54.4%
White: 61.1%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 25.8%
Asian: 2.7%
In-State Students: 98.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 11.5%

Location

Crystal Lake, Illinois sits about 50 miles northwest of Chicago in McHenry County. The area blends suburban neighborhoods with rural farmland, giving students access to both small-town community feel and big-city opportunities. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong local roots. The region offers outdoor recreation with numerous lakes and forest preserves, while still maintaining reasonable access to Chicago's job market and cultural attractions. Crystal Lake itself has grown into a mid-sized suburban community that balances residential areas with local businesses. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare McHenry County College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012-2761

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,143
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,703
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $66/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,260

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at McHenry County College?

McHenry County College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. The college enrolls 4,335 students with 98.50% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the northwest Chicago suburbs.

How much does McHenry County College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,093 annually, though only 11.52% receive financial aid. In-state tuition runs $4,012 while out-of-state students pay $14,885. The low federal loan rate of 1.80% reflects the college's affordability for most families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at McHenry County College?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 24:1, which is higher than many four-year institutions but typical for community colleges. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career programs alongside transfer pathways. Students benefit from practical, workforce-oriented education designed for the local job market.

What are the job prospects after graduating from McHenry County College?

Graduates achieve a 93.2% employment rate with median earnings of $45,143 ten years after enrollment. The 39.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's role as both a stepping stone to four-year universities and a direct path to careers. Monthly loan payments average just $66, making the debt burden manageable for most graduates.

Where is McHenry County College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Crystal Lake, Illinois in a rural-fringe setting that serves the growing northwest Chicago suburbs. With 124 student athletes competing in 8 varsity sports as the Fighting Scots, the campus offers a small-town college experience. The student body is 54.44% female and reflects the county's demographics with 61.08% white and 25.77% Hispanic students.

Does McHenry County College offer good value for transfer students?

Founded in 1967, the college has built strong transfer agreements with Illinois universities while keeping costs low. Students graduate with a median debt of only $6,260, lower than four-year institutions. The college's dual mission of career training and university preparation makes it an economical choice for students exploring multiple pathways.