About McLennan Community College
Students pay an average net price of $6,185, making this one of Texas's more affordable college options. In-state tuition runs just $3,660 annually. Graduates earn a median of $39,163 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt of only $10,500. Monthly loan payments average $111, keeping financial stress manageable for most graduates. The 92% employment rate shows strong job market connections.
Women make up nearly 70% of the student body, reflecting the college's appeal for career-changing adults and healthcare program seekers. The diverse campus is 40% White, 38% Hispanic, and 15% Black. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for personal attention. Only 39% of students need financial aid, suggesting many can afford college without heavy borrowing.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,163
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,738 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $40,089 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,729 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Fire Protection. | Certificate | $35,416 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $33,993 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,281 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $30,323 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Most students commute from around Waco and surrounding counties, with 95% coming from in-state. Campus life revolves around classes and study groups rather than weekend parties. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name in most classes. Students often grab lunch between classes at the campus cafeteria or head into Waco for barbecue and Tex-Mex.
The Highlanders compete in six NJCAA sports with 121 total athletes. Basketball games draw modest crowds during winter months. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, preparing for transfer to Texas universities or entering the workforce directly after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 36°–58°F
- July Avg
- 74°–96°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 71.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,554.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 30.1%
- Women
- 69.9%
- White
- 40.3%
- Black
- 14.6%
- Hispanic
- 38.0%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 95.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.0%
Location
- Address
- Waco, Texas 76708
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,163
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,643
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 30.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at McLennan Community College?
McLennan Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, accepting students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 4,997 students primarily from Texas, with 94.95% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in central Texas.
How much does McLennan Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,185 after aid, with in-state tuition at $3,660 annually. About 39% of students receive financial aid, and those from families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,099 net. The school keeps costs manageable for working-class families in the Waco area.
What academic programs is McLennan Community College known for?
The college maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio across its workforce training programs and university transfer pathways. Students can choose from various career-focused programs designed to meet central Texas employment needs. The school has built strong partnerships with local employers and four-year universities for seamless transitions.
What are job prospects like for McLennan Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 92% employment rate, with median earnings reaching $32,791 one year after completion. Those who continue their education see earnings climb to $39,163 ten years out. The school's focus on practical skills training helps students enter the workforce quickly in the growing Waco economy.
Where is McLennan Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Waco, a mid-size Texas city known for its proximity to Baylor University and growing cultural scene. With 69.9% female enrollment and a diverse student body that's 37.96% Hispanic and 40.32% White, the college reflects the changing demographics of central Texas. The Highlanders compete in NJCAA athletics with 121 student-athletes across six sports.
Does McLennan Community College have a good graduation rate?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 35.3%, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. Students typically carry manageable debt loads with a median of $10,500 and monthly payments around $111. The college's mission focuses on providing accessible education rather than traditional four-year completion metrics.
