Mercer County Community College: A Comprehensive Overview
Mercer County Community College (MCCC), established in 1966, stands as a cornerstone of post-secondary education for Mercer County residents and beyond. With an open-door admission policy, MCCC provides diverse educational opportunities, reflecting the varied community it serves.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus, a sprawling 292-acre (1.18 km2) site in West Windsor, opened in 1971. Its architecture is marked by brutalist designs, a style prevalent in college construction during the 1960s. Beyond the West Windsor campus, MCCC extends its reach through various locations and online programs, ensuring accessibility for all students.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
MCCC offers more than 60 different degree-bearing options, ranging from transfer-ready liberal arts degrees to hands-on programs like Automotive Technology and Hospitality. Several programs, such as Funeral Service and Aviation Technology, are unique within New Jersey's public institutions. The college is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is authorized by the State of New Jersey's Commission on Higher Education to award associate degrees. The nursing program is accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and approved by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. The Medical Laboratory Technology program is accredited by the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel, and the Legal Assistant program is approved by the American Bar Association.
Honors Program
For academically strong students, MCCC's Honors Program, established in 2006, offers challenging course sections across the curriculum. Honors classes are smaller, seminar-style, encouraging student-led discussions and a more vigorous pace of learning. Students may receive an Honors cord at graduation and recognition on their transcripts, depending on the number of Honors courses completed.
Transfer Agreements
MCCC has transfer agreements guaranteeing admission to specific four-year colleges and universities. Students can transfer into the junior year at most New Jersey colleges, including: Rutgers University, Rider University, The College of New Jersey, Montclair State University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, William Paterson University, Stockton University, and Thomas Edison State College.
Read also: Future Leaders Program
Student Life and Activities
MCCC provides a rich environment for student engagement, with a variety of activities and organizations that cater to diverse interests. The college also provides services such as academic/career counseling and placement services for completers.
The College VOICE
The College VOICE, MCCC's student newspaper, is a nationally recognized publication. The VOICE earned the General Excellence top award from the New Jersey Press Foundation in 2009, 2010, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2010, it was named Best All-Around Non-Daily Two Year newspaper in the nation by the Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Awards. The VOICE produces print editions every three weeks during the academic year and maintains an online edition with breaking news and multimedia content. Open to all students, the staff mirrors the campus's diversity.
DREAM Program
MCCC has a program to offer students with intellectual disabilities access to college education. In 2005 the college received a grant of $150,000 to help establish the DREAM (Developing Real Expectations for Achieving Mastery) program.
Athletics
As a member of the Garden State Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), MCCC competes in Region XIX Division II. While MCCC has had strong seasons in all its sports, it is known for strength in soccer, baseball and softball.
Kelsey Theatre
Kelsey Theatre is a vibrant performing arts center located on the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College. It is dedicated to providing quality entertainment and educational opportunities for the community. The theater presents a diverse range of productions, including plays, musicals, dance performances, concerts, and children's shows. Kelsey Theatre serves as a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced performers, offering workshops, classes, and audition opportunities.
Read also: Roles of the Mercer Board
Student Body
Reflecting the surrounding county's diversity, MCCC's student body comprises 37% white, 26% black, and 26% Hispanic students, with 10% identifying as mixed race and 4% as international students. The student body is 52.6% female. While 45% of students are in the typical junior college age range of 18-20 years old, there are a significant number of "non-traditional" aged students. Total Entering Students numbered 1,943 in Fall 2023.
Concurrent Enrollment Programs
MCCC offers concurrent enrollment programs, such as Dual Enrollment and Jump Start, allowing eligible high school students to earn college credit. Career Prep is another high school program offered in partnership with Mercer County Technical Schools. Students attend their regular school in the morning then go to MCCC for afternoon classes.
Media Outlets
MCCC owns and operates several media outlets that serve the college and the wider community.
Mercer County Television (MCTV)
Mercer County Television (MCTV) channel 26 is an Educational-access television station in West Windsor, owned and operated by Mercer County Community College. The Student television station is transmitted to all of Mercer County, via cable TV channel 26 on the Comcast, Cablevision, reaching up to 90,000 households.
WWFM: The Classical Network
WWFM: The Classical Network is owned by MCCC and broadcasts on 89.1 MHz (HD Radio) from the West Windsor campus. WWFM-HD2 is "JazzOn2", which runs a traditional Jazz format. WWFM-HD3 is "Viking 89", MCCC student radio. WXPN's XPoNential Radio service airs on the HD3 when Mercer students are not on the air. The station is known for programs featuring opera, symphonic music, jazz, and musical theater.
Read also: Funding Your Education at Mercer
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2020-2021 academic year, in-district tuition and fees were $4,728, in-state tuition and fees were $6,000, and out-of-state tuition and fees were $8,328. At Mercer County Community College, 39 percent of undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid and the average scholarship or grant award is $4,241.
Notable Alumni
MCCC boasts a diverse array of accomplished alumni, including:
- Trey Anastasio: Founder and lead vocalist for Phish.
- Heath Fillmyer: Pitcher for the Kansas City Royals.
- Kenneth R. Rosen: Journalist and author.
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