MCC News
MCC Defers Students’ Debt to Help More Return to College (10/29/2018)
New program helps students complete certificates and degreesStudents whose debt to Monroe Community College previously prevented them from re-enrolling can now resume their studies and defer payments on their debt until they complete their certificates or associate degrees.
“Return to Complete,” MCC’s new debt deferment program, is available for full- and part-time students looking to resume their studies as early as the spring 2019 semester. The college estimates that approximately 7,000 students may be eligible for the program.
Returning student Crystal Shelton, who responded to the Fall 2018 pilot program, says the Return to Complete opportunity came at the right time. “Back then, I didn’t think how detrimental it was to not finish my education,” said Shelton, a single mother of two children. “I know now that it is much easier to provide for a family when you have a degree or certificate. I am ready to focus and dedicate myself to my studies.” Shelton’s goal is to become a dental hygienist.
“Allowing students to postpone debt payments and re-enroll helps them finish their certificates or degrees, start rewarding careers, and build brighter futures,” said MCC President Anne Kress. “That’s good for the student, Monroe Community College, and the Greater Rochester workforce.”
To date, more than 140 students have expressed interest in the program. To qualify, students must have been previously enrolled in a degree or certificate program, not have attended MCC for the past three years or more, show their ability to pay for the current and future semesters (including through financial aid programs), and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better. Students will have up to four years to complete their certificates or degrees under the program before renewing payment on the past debt. The past debt will not accrue interest while the student is in the program. Students begin paying on the outstanding debt upon completion of their degree or certificate program.
“Additional supports, such as personalized academic advisement and financial literacy education, are built into the program to ensure students successfully reengage with the college,” said MCC Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Christine Casalinuovo-Adams. “This program is another way MCC invests in student success. We are excited to welcome back full- and part-time students who are committed to and know the value of achieving their educational goals.”
Information sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018; Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018; and Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019. To register for an information session or for more information, contact MCC Admissions at (585) 292-2200 or return2mcc@monroecc.edu. Information can also be found online at www.monroecc.edu/go/return. Course registration is now open; MCC’s spring semester begins on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019.
Media Contact:
Rosanna Yule
Government and Community Relations
585-292-3024
ryule@monroecc.edu