Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Penn Valley is one of five members of the MCC system, which is located in and around Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1969, the Penn Valley campus serves roughly 6,000 students each semester and is considered MCC’s most diverse campus.
| Overall Score (about) | Insufficient Data |
| Total Cost On-Campus Attendance | $3,840 |
| Admission Success rate | N/A |
| Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty | 17 : 1 |
| Retention (full-time / part-time) | 46% / 29% |
| Enrollment Total (all students) | 5,409 |
MCC offers several two-year degrees intended to give students the ability to easily transfer to a four-year university, as well as numerous vocational and technical training programs designed to prepare students for direct entry into an array of careers and occupations. The school is well-known for its classes and training programs in the healthcare field, as well as its arts programs.
Notable programs include nursing and other healthcare career programs, technical and applied art programs, the Francis Child Development Institute, teacher training programs, and the Applied Language Institute.
The Applied Language Institute (ALI) offers day and night courses to help prepare non-native English speakers for college and college-level coursework. These intensive English classes include instruction in grammar, reading, vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening. All of the ALI instructors have earned advanced degrees and have experience teaching English in other countries.
The Institute for Workforce Innovation (IWI) offers continuing education programs for established workers and helps prepare students and members of the Kansas City community for various entry-level jobs. Short-term training, career-specific certificate programs, and job placement assistance are just a few of the services that the Institute offers individuals. OSHA training, recruitment assistance, quality management coaching, and various training solutions are consulting services offered to local businesses. Since its inception, the IWI has had contracts with numerous well-known corporations, including Ford, General Motors, Hallmark, Harley Davidson, and Folgers.
Like many community colleges, MCC offers a flexible open admissions policy and all applicants who have a high school diploma, GED, or home school completion are granted admission to the school. However, students are reminded that certain programs have additional admissions requirements and/or prerequisites.
Prospective students are advised to apply online. Official high school transcripts, along with transcripts from any colleges or other post-secondary institutions attended, must be mailed directly to the school. Applicants are then advised to apply for financial aid and scholarships, take any necessary placement tests, and attend an advising session for new students so an MCC advisor can help answer questions and offer suggestions about enrolling in classes.
Community college is generally considered a more affordable option than larger state universities and private schools. Even so, financial aid is available for those who are eligible. Nearly half of all MCC students receive grants and scholarships, two types of financial assistance that do not require repayment after graduation. Aid can be need-based, merit-based, or both.
To apply for financial aid, students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before April 1 each academic year as some aid funds are awarded on a first-come, first served basis. Common financial aid awards include federal grants, state programs, student loans, veterans’ assistance benefits, and work-study programs.
Although the diverse student body at Penn Valley commutes to campus, a vibrant array of on-campus events, student groups and organizations, and school-sponsored activities are available throughout the year.
Popular clubs include chess club, drama club, martial arts and other sports and fitness clubs, political debate groups, several honor societies, support clubs for returning and non-traditional students, student council, and science club. Students also attend meetings and events at the other four campuses that comprise the MCC system.
The MCC-Penn Valley Scouts are a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The campus is home to men’s and women’s basketball teams, which have ranked in the top ten of the NJCAA’s Division II and won a national championship during the 1995-1996 season.
MCC is a member of the North Central Association. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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