McLennan Community College
Out-of-state tuition
$5,910
In-state $4,200
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
7,850
Student-faculty ratio 15:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
35.3%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 38.7%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
McLennan Community College (MCC), located in Waco, Texas, is a highly regarded institution known for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering community engagement. Established in 1966, MCC offers a diverse range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce development courses. The college serves a vital role in the local community by preparing students for both immediate employment and further education at four-year institutions. One of the key features of MCC is its focus on student success, evident through its robust support services such as tutoring, counseling, and career services designed to assist students in achieving their academic and career goals.
The campus of McLennan Community College is equipped with modern facilities that enhance the learning experience. Notable amenities include state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and a library that supports a wide range of research needs. Additionally, the college promotes a vibrant campus culture through various student organizations, athletic programs, and cultural events that encourage student involvement and personal growth. MCC is also known for its competitive sports teams, which compete at the junior college level, fostering a spirit of teamwork and school pride among students. As a testament to its educational excellence, MCC has produced numerous successful alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields, further solidifying the college's reputation as a cornerstone of higher education in Central Texas.
Analysis of Key Metrics at McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College has shown significant trends in several key areas over the years. Firstly, the tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students increased from $3,192 in 2014 to $4,200 in 2023, reflecting a 31.6% rise. This considerable increase may influence prospective students' decisions, especially in a climate where higher education costs are under scrutiny nationally. The tuition for out-of-state students has seen a similar trend, rising from $4,560 to $5,910, indicating a growing financial burden on students coming from outside the state.
Additionally, the student population has experienced a noticeable decline, dropping from 9,302 in 2013 to 6,942 in 2023. This 25.2% decrease raises concerns about the college's ability to attract and retain students, especially in a competitive education market. Coupled with this decline, the graduation rates reveal fluctuating success, with the on-time graduation rate reaching a low of 8.6% in 2021 before climbing to 15.3% in 2023. Although this increase is promising, it still indicates that many students are struggling to complete their degrees within the expected timeframe.
Lastly, the student retention rate has shown improvement, increasing from approximately 48% in 2013 to around 64.7% in 2023. This upward trend suggests that once students enroll, they are more likely to continue their education at McLennan, which is a positive sign for future enrollment and graduation rates. Overall, while the college faces challenges related to tuition increases and declining enrollment numbers, the improvements in retention and graduation rates may signal a path forward for enhancing educational outcomes and student satisfaction.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Killeen, about 50 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), about 90 mi
- Also known as
- MCC
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Johnette McKown (President)
- Phone
- 2542998622
- Address
- 1400 College Dr, Waco, TX 76708
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from McLennan Community College
The graduation data from McLennan Community College for 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the distribution of degrees across various fields. Notably, the most significant number of graduates is seen in the "Registered Nursing" program, with 78 students earning their degrees. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the ongoing global health crises which emphasize the need for robust healthcare systems.
In contrast, fields such as "Agriculture," "Sociology," and "Performing Arts" show minimal graduation numbers, with many programs reporting zero graduates. This could be indicative of a shift in student interest towards more vocational or health-related fields, potentially influenced by job market trends and economic factors. The absence of international students graduating in these disciplines highlights a potential area for growth, suggesting that McLennan Community College could benefit from marketing these programs to a broader audience.
Moreover, the data shows that several technical and engineering programs also have low graduation rates. This underlines a concerning trend, as technical skills are increasingly vital in today’s job market. With the rise of technology and innovation, there is a pressing need for educational institutions to adapt and offer programs that align more closely with industry demands.
Overall, this data serves as a critical reflection for McLennan Community College to reassess its program offerings, recruitment strategies, and support systems for students, particularly in fields that are currently underrepresented in graduation statistics. By doing so, the college can better prepare its graduates for the evolving workforce landscape.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $33,295 | |
| General Studies. | $33,295 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - | |
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | - | |
| Accounting. | - | |
| Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General. | - | |
| Real Estate. | $32,378 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $31,610 | |
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | $31,610 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, General. | - | |
| System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering. | - | |
| Civil Engineering, General. | - | |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | - | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | - | |
| Industrial Engineering. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Music, General. | - | |
| Music Management. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, General. | - | |
| Agricultural Business and Management, General. | - | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technology/Technician and Veterinary Assistant. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Child Development. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | - |
Students
7,850 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 33:67 · Freshman retention 69.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 4,011
- First-year undergraduates 820
- Transfers and others 3,019
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (7,850)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at McLennan Community College in 2023
The student demographic data from McLennan Community College in 2023 presents an intriguing picture of the enrollment trends among different student classifications. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 1,056, with a notable gender distribution where 36.3% are male and 63.7% are female. This trend reflects the broader national phenomenon of increasing female representation in higher education.
Undergraduate juniors account for a significant portion of the student body, with 3,621 enrolled. The gender ratio here shows an even more pronounced female majority, with only 27% of these students being male. This raises questions about the factors influencing retention and success rates among male students in community colleges.
The undergraduate transfer students, numbering 302, exhibit a similar gender distribution pattern with 35.1% male and 64.9% female. This suggests a consistent trend across different student categories, indicating that female students may be more likely to pursue and complete their undergraduate studies compared to their male counterparts.
The data also highlights the diversity of the student body, particularly among different racial and ethnic groups. Although specific numbers for each subgroup are not fully disclosed, the presence of students from various backgrounds enriches the academic environment and fosters a more inclusive community.
Overall, the 2023 demographic data at McLennan Community College underscores the importance of addressing gender disparities and enhancing support systems for male students, while also celebrating the growing diversity within the student population. This demographic landscape is crucial for shaping future policies and initiatives aimed at improving student success and retention rates.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at McLennan Community College
The age distribution of students at McLennan Community College presents an interesting snapshot of the demographic landscape for the academic year 2023. The majority of students fall under the age of 18, with a significant representation of both male and female undergraduates, totaling 1,748 students. This trend indicates that the college attracts a large number of recent high school graduates, which is consistent with national trends showing that many students begin their post-secondary education immediately after completing high school.
As we move into the 18-19 age category, both genders remain well represented, with 1,701 students. However, the numbers start to decline in the older age brackets. For instance, the 20-21 age group sees a drop to 937 students, suggesting that students in this age range may be more likely to transfer to four-year institutions or take breaks from their education. This decline continues across subsequent age groups, with the 30-34 age group accounting for only 439 students.
The absence of graduate male students in the dataset is noteworthy, indicating a potential area for growth in graduate programs. Additionally, the data shows a significant proportion of female students across all age brackets, especially in the younger categories, which reflects broader trends in higher education where female enrollment often surpasses male enrollment.
Overall, this age composition data highlights the importance of community colleges in serving younger students while also underlining the need for strategies to engage older students and promote graduate education opportunities. As educational institutions adapt to changing demographics, understanding these patterns will be crucial for meeting the needs of all prospective students.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
86 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Declining Trend of International Students at McLennan Community College
The data reveals a concerning trend regarding international student enrollment at McLennan Community College over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduate students has experienced a significant decline. Starting with 43 international students in 2004, the figure steadily decreased, reaching a low of just 1 student in 2018. This drop is alarming, particularly as the total undergraduate population has fluctuated, showing that the international student percentage has plummeted from 0.61% to a mere 0.01% during the same period.
Interestingly, in 2023, the college reported a resurgence in international students, with the number rising to 41, resulting in an international student percentage of 0.59%. This rebound might indicate a positive shift in the college's attractiveness to international students, possibly influenced by changes in immigration policies or the global perception of studying in the United States post-pandemic.
The absence of data on graduate students in this timeframe leaves a gap in understanding the full impact on the graduate level. However, the significant drop in undergraduate international enrollment raises questions about the factors contributing to this trend. These may include increased competition from other institutions, changes in visa regulations, or shifts in global economic conditions affecting students' ability to study abroad.
Overall, the fluctuating numbers suggest a need for McLennan Community College to re-evaluate its strategies to attract and retain international students, ensuring that it remains an appealing choice in a competitive educational landscape.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$14,334
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $5,910
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $4,200
- Room and board
- $8,424
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 30% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 19%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$98.1M
Expenses$92.0M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 41 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 20 |
| Golf | 11 | 8 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 48 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 15 |
| Softball | - | 23 |
| Golf | 11 | 8 |
| NJCAA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Basketball | 14 | 13 |
| Softball | - | 22 |
| Golf | 10 | 8 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Baylor UniversityWaco · 4.2 mi
U.S. News #90
-
Southwestern UniversityGeorgetown · 72.2 mi
Liberal Arts #91
-
Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth · 78.2 mi
U.S. News #90
-
University of Texas-ArlingtonArlington · 78.9 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station · 83.3 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas · 89.6 mi
U.S. News #85
-
The University of Texas at AustinAustin · 96.3 mi
U.S. News #34
-
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson · 99.5 mi
U.S. News #121
-
University of North TexasDenton · 112.1 mi
U.S. News #208
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near McLennan Community College:
-
Baylor University - Ranked 93 in the 2024 US News rankings, Baylor University is a comprehensive university located in Waco, Texas. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, and health sciences.
-
Texas A & M University-College Station - This university ranks 47th in the 2024 US News rankings. It is a comprehensive university known for its research opportunities and strong engineering programs.
-
Texas Christian University - With a ranking of 98, Texas Christian University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and sciences.
-
The University of Texas at Austin - Ranked 32nd, this comprehensive university is one of the largest and most prestigious in the U.S., known for its excellent research and diverse academic programs.
-
Rice University - A top-ranked university at 17 in the 2024 US News rankings, Rice University is known for its small size and high academic standards, particularly in science and engineering disciplines.
These institutions represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, providing a variety of educational opportunities in the region.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at McLennan Community College
The crime statistics at McLennan Community College over the past decade reveal a fluctuating trend, with a noticeable increase in crime rates in recent years. In 2013, the average number of incidents per 1,000 students was 0.65, but this figure saw a significant rise to 1.53 in 2022. This increase raises concerns about campus safety and the potential impact on the student experience.
One alarming trend is the rise in firearm-related arrests, which peaked in 2022 with four incidents reported on campus. This highlights a critical issue that colleges across the U.S. are grappling with—the presence of firearms and the need for stringent measures to ensure student safety. Additionally, the rate of drug-related arrests has also fluctuated, indicating a persistent challenge that the college must address to maintain a secure environment.
The number of incidents related to alcohol arrests, while relatively lower compared to other crime categories, still reflects the need for ongoing education and intervention strategies aimed at reducing substance abuse among students. The data suggests that while there were years with no reported incidents, the recent uptick underscores the importance of proactive measures, community engagement, and support systems for students.
In conclusion, while crime rates at McLennan Community College have shown variability, the increase in certain categories emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and improvement in campus safety measures. It is crucial for the administration to analyze these trends further and implement effective strategies to foster a safer educational environment. For more information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of McLennan Community College include Vinnie Johnson (Pistons sixth man nicknamed "the Microwave"), Ruthie Foster (Blues and folk singer-songwriter) and Eric Dawson (Former professional basketball player).
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Vinnie Johnson 1956–
Pistons sixth man nicknamed "the Microwave"
-
Ruthie Foster 1964–
Blues and folk singer-songwriter
-
Eric Dawson 1984–
Former professional basketball player
-
Logan Ondrusek 1985–
Professional baseball pitcher, formerly with Reds
-
Jay Buhner 1964–
Former MLB right fielder for Yankees and Mariners
-
Chris Martin 1986–
MLB pitcher who played for several teams
-
Richie Ramsay 1983–
Scottish golfer, 2006 U.S. Amateur champion
-
Taylor Smith 1991–
Basketball player who played for Stephen F. Austin
-
Sean Henn 1981–
Former professional baseball pitcher
More alumni (7, by field)
Sports
-
Sam Worthen 1958–
Former NBA player, Washington Generals coach
-
Pat Listach 1967–
Former MLB shortstop and coach
-
Chris Ross 1985–
Filipino-American PBA basketball player
-
Ryan Merritt 1992–
Former MLB pitcher for the Cleveland Indians
-
Ken Patterson 1964–
Former Major League Baseball pitcher
-
Jason Scobie 1979–
Baseball pitcher who played in the KBO League
-
Sean Lowe 1971–
Former Major League Baseball pitcher
From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.