Credit: Montgomery County Community College
Montgomery County Community College has announced that tuition rates will remain level for the 2026-2027 academic year.
A college spokesperson said the tuition freeze is “a milestone made possible through the continued support and investment of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and county residents.”
As part of the 2026 budget, the county commissioners approved an increase in the dedicated real estate tax millage for the college from 0.39 to 0.49 mills. This is the first increase since 2017, when the RET millage was initially created. The county has been the local sponsor for MCCC since the college’s inception in 1964.
MCCC’s Board of Trustees approved no increase to in-county tuition and fee rates including course fees for fiscal year 2026-2027 at the board meeting on Feb. 9. Out-of-county and out-of-state tuition rates will also remain unchanged for 2026-2027 with only modest increases in the capital fees for out-of-county residents of $10 per credit hour and out-of-state residents of $20 per credit hour who do not contribute to the tax millage.
“Providing level tuition and fees reflects the board’s commitment to responsible management and long-term planning,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Donald Lyons. “With the continued support of the Montgomery County Commissioners, the college can remain fiscally sound while continuing to put students first and provide high-quality academic and workforce programs that serve the community’s needs.”
“Keeping higher education affordable and accessible for all learners is essential to our mission,” said MCCC President Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez. “I am deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of the commissioners, trustees and residents. Their unwavering support reflects a shared investment in Montgomery County’s future — one that strengthens the region’s workforce, bolsters our economy and enhances the overall well-being of our communities."
In recent years, rising costs and inflation required MCCC to increase tuition and fee rates while implementing significant expense reductions across its campuses. This increase in investment helps to keep higher education affordable for students, according to a spokesperson.
For academic year 2026-27, MCCC’s tuition will remain at $230 per credit for Montgomery County residents ($171 per credit hour for tuition and $59 per credit hour for fees) and $411 per credit for out-of-county residents ($342 per credit hour for tuition and $69 per credit hour for fees).
Since 1964, MCCC has served as an educational, workforce and cultural hub for learners at all ages and stages of life. In 2025, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education reaffirmed MCCC’s accreditation with 13 commendations and no requirements or recommendations.
MCCC has transfer partnerships with more than 30 institutions, enabling graduates to seamlessly continue their education for bachelor’s degrees and beyond. In addition, the college provides workforce-ready programs in high-demand fields, such as nursing, dental hygiene, biotechnology, culinary arts, and law enforcement, among others, preparing graduates for careers that offer livable wages in high-demand professions.
For adult learners, the college offers career credentials designed for upskilling, reskilling and successful career transitions. Dual enrollment classes provide high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits before graduating, saving time and money.
Beyond the high-quality education MCCC provides, it delivers significant economic and social value to the county. According to the Lightcast Economic Impact Report for 2021-22, MCCC contributes $594.5 million in added income and supports 6,541 jobs in Montgomery County, according to a college statement.
For every dollar invested in MCCC, students gain $4.40 in lifetime earnings, taxpayers gain $2.30 in added tax revenue and public savings, and society gains $9.30 in added income and social savings, the college said.
To learn more about the opportunities at MCCC, visit mc3.edu. Registration is open now for the spring semester. For details on enrolling in classes, visit mc3.edu/register.
As a recipient of the Achieving the Dream Leah Meyer Austin Alumni Award, MCCC is nationally recognized for its efforts to remove barriers to access, improve learning outcomes, and increase completion for all students. In 2025, MCCC was selected to join the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Unlocking Opportunity network, an initiative focused on improving student outcomes. The college is also honored nationally for its commitment to mental health and well-being, its designation as a Military Friendly Top 10 School for student veterans and spouses, and its strong focus on student civic engagement. For nine years, MCCC has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges in the nation by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for its commitment to diversity through inclusive learning and work environments, student and staff recruitment and retention practices, and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities.
For more information, visit https://www.mc3.edu.
