Even though there was no increase in the Consumer Price Index this past year.

Tuition is now $77 per credit hour.

But tuition is free to MCC high school graduates for at least the next five years.

That’s because of a program called “McHenry County Promise.”

Of course, there are some catches. Promise students have to maintain a “C” average and complete a minimum of 16 volunteer hours per semester (32 hours per year) while enrolled in the program at MCC.

High school graduates eligible include all in McHenry County, except those in the Carpentersville, Barrington, and Wauconda School Districts, which are in other community college districts.

Those who wish to contribute or seek more information about McHenry County Promise can find it at the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation.

4,000 high school students are potentially eligible starting in September. Only tuition is covered. Students will have to buy their own books and pay their own fees.

While currently there is only enough money for the program to last five years, the hope is to gain enough contributors to make the program permanent.

Kalamazoo pioneered the concept. In Illinois, Peoria started the first “Promise” program.

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The northern entrance to McHenry County College is shown in the photo.