Mount Wachusett Community College (The Mount)

About
Mount Wachusett Community College, located in Gardner, Massachusetts,  is a public two year institutions founded in 1963 to service residents in over 29 cities and areas in north central Massachusetts. The school has maintained academic excellence since its establishment, leading to growth as a school and providing much needed opportunity for technical and academic advancements in its area of service. Individuals enrolled in the school will find an environment that is helpful and conducive to one's success as a student and professional.

Academics
Mount Wachusett Community College offers over 40 programs of study, allowing students to choose a program that best reflects their goals either academically or in regards to career training and development. Academic transfer programs fulfill the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a four year institution to complete the final two years of their bachelor's degree. Transfer requirements typically  vary by school and  as such it is recommended students meet with an academic advisor to plan for and best determine what curriculum will meet the requirements for transfer to one's desired school or schools.

Career training programs are offered in high demand or community demand fields.  Individuals enrolled in a career program will learn the skills and abilities necessary to become a professional in their field of study. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate, demonstrating competency and allowing for immediate entry into the workforce at the entry level. During the education process students will be exposed courses and environments that help develop practical experience prior to entering the workforce.

Programs offered include:

• Accounting
• General Studies
• Business Administration
• Early Childhood Education
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, Mount Wachusett Community College will admit any applicant that meets the minimum requirements and applies for admission through the submission of an admissions application. Applicants are required to provide all transcripts or GED test scores, and will most likely be required to take a placement test. Students are also asked  participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to choose a program of study and develop a curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the financial aid office to identify financial need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Students may be asked to provide further financial information prior to the disbursement of funds as per new federal regulations governing financial aid. New applications for aid must be submitted prior to the start of each academic year due to changing financial circumstances from year to year.

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,800. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

• Annual tuition range:
  • State Residents: $600-$720
  • Out-of-State: $5,500-$6,624
• Charges per unit:
  • State Residents: $200-$240 per credit unit
  • Nonresidents: $410-$490 per credit unit

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

	Percent of Students	Average Amount
Any Financial Aid	88%	-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships	78%	$5,120
Receiving Student Loans	38%	$3,752

Admissions, Academics, & Student Services

Student Services

To help students and alumni, Mount Wachusett Community College may offer services like:

• Online classes
• Classes offered on nights and weekends
• Remedial courses
• Counseling assistance
• Employing students to lower education costs
• Helping students find work after graduation
• Child care

Graduation & Transfer Rates

Many community colleges are not only a source of technical or career training but also a stepping stone for students to transfer-out to a 4-year college, therefore we have included both graduation and transfer rates below and how this school compares against other community colleges in Worcester County and the community colleges in Massachusetts as a whole.

	The Mount	Worcester County	Massachusetts
Graduation Rate	14.6%	15.2%	16.5%
Transfer-out Rate	17.8%	18.0%	19.8%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

• Dental Hygienist Program
  • Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 2005)
• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1977)
  • Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Massachusetts
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 2009)

Other Community Colleges Nearby

The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Mount Wachusett Community College.

• Nashua Community College in Nashua, NH (27 miles away)
• Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA (37 miles away)
• Roxbury Community College in Roxbury Crossing, MA (49 miles away)
• Quinebaug Valley Community College in Danielson, CT (53 miles away)
• Quincy College in Quincy, MA (55 miles away)