Mount Wachusett Community College: $6,000 Tuition

$6,000Tuition

2,554Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,118Earnings

Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College draws 2,554 students to its Gardner campus in north-central Massachusetts. The school specializes in career training and transfer programs that prepare students for immediate employment or four-year colleges. About 95% of students come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community feel. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in both technical programs and liberal arts courses.

Students from low-income families pay just $5,834 after aid, while middle-class families typically pay around $8,651. Graduates earn a median of $41,118 ten years after enrollment, which is solid for a two-year degree. Monthly loan payments average only $109, reflecting the school's affordability mission. The modest median debt of $10,252 keeps financial burdens manageable for working-class students.

The student body is predominantly female at 66%, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and human services programs. Nearly 38% receive Pell Grants, highlighting the school's role serving first-generation college students. The 29% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees. An impressive 90% employment rate shows that Mount Wachusett successfully connects students with regional job markets in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries.

Academics & Faculty

Mount Wachusett Community College serves as a gateway institution for students in north-central Massachusetts, offering both career-focused training and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many students need to succeed in higher education. However, the 29% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including work and family obligations that can interrupt their studies. The college is known for its nursing and health sciences programs, which prepare students for high-demand healthcare careers in the region. With 95% of students coming from Massachusetts, the college focuses on meeting local workforce needs through practical, hands-on training programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,118

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$61,814
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$56,157
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$55,547
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$37,054
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Associate	$32,925
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$30,771
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$30,409
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.	Associate	$25,967
Human Services, General.	Associate	$23,803
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$22,700

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

The Gardner campus sits in a classic New England mill town about 60 miles northwest of Boston, where students need heavy winter coats from December through March. With 2,554 students spread across a commuter-focused campus, Mount Wachusett draws heavily from the local workforce looking to retrain or advance their careers. Nearly all students (95.17%) come from Massachusetts, creating a tight-knit community feel despite the lack of dormitories.

Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just student ID numbers. Weekends tend to be quiet on campus since most students work part-time jobs or have family obligations. The surrounding area offers hiking trails and small-town diners, though many students head to nearby Fitchburg or make the drive to Boston for entertainment. The Mountain Lions compete in intramural sports, but the real campus energy comes from hands-on lab work and clinical rotations that prepare students for immediate employment after graduation.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–30°F
July Avg: 59°–79°F
Annual Precipitation: 49.3"
Annual Snowfall: 75.2"

Student Demographics

Mount Wachusett draws overwhelmingly from Massachusetts communities, with 95% of students staying close to home for affordable education and career training. Women make up two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in healthcare, education, and human services programs that traditionally attract female students. The diverse enrollment mirrors north-central Massachusetts demographics, with significant Hispanic and Black populations finding pathways to careers and four-year transfers. Nearly 38% receive Pell Grants, showing the college fulfills its mission of serving working-class families who need practical skills and credentials without crushing debt.

Men: 33.6%
Women: 66.4%
White: 58.4%
Black: 10.4%
Hispanic: 22.8%
Asian: 2.2%
In-State Students: 95.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.7%

Location

Gardner, Massachusetts sits about 60 miles northwest of Boston in the heart of north-central Massachusetts. The city of roughly 21,000 residents anchors a region known for its rolling hills and small-town New England character. Gardner earned the nickname "Chair City" for its historic furniture manufacturing industry, though today it serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation areas including Mount Wachusett State Reservation. With 95.17% of students coming from in-state, Mount Wachusett Community College draws heavily from surrounding rural and suburban communities. The campus serves as an educational center for students from small towns across Worcester County who want affordable higher education close to home. Students considering colleges in Massachusetts may also compare Mount Wachusett Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gardner, Massachusetts 01440-1000

Mount Wachusett Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,118
Median Earnings (5 years): $49,806
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $31,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $109/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,252

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Mount Wachusett Community College?

Mount Wachusett Community College maintains open enrollment policies typical of community colleges, welcoming students with high school diplomas or equivalents. The college serves 2,554 students primarily from Massachusetts, with 95.17% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education options.

How much does Mount Wachusett Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $8,651 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income students with families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,834 after aid, while those from higher-income families earning over $110,000 pay $13,921. The college keeps debt manageable with graduates owing a median of $10,252.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mount Wachusett Community College?

The college maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively personalized attention for a community college. Mount Wachusett focuses on career training and transfer programs that prepare students for both immediate employment and four-year college success. The college operates on a semester calendar system to align with most transfer destinations.

What are the job prospects for Mount Wachusett Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve an 89.6% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong career training programs. Alumni earn a median salary of $41,118 ten years after graduation, which is competitive for associate degree holders in north-central Massachusetts. The college's focus on practical skills training helps students enter the workforce quickly in their chosen fields.

Where is Mount Wachusett Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Gardner, Massachusetts, a midsize suburban community in the north-central part of the state. With 66.37% women and 33.63% men, the student body reflects the gender distribution common in community colleges nationwide. The Mountain Lions serve a diverse population with 58.38% white students, 22.79% Hispanic students, and 10.38% Black students.

How successful are Mount Wachusett Community College students at completing their degrees?

The college has a 29.10% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the part-time and non-traditional student population common at community colleges. Many students attend while working or caring for families, extending their time to completion. Mount Wachusett's affordable tuition of $6,000 for in-state students makes it possible for students to persist even when taking longer to graduate.