Tuition for MDC Online programs is generally calculated by credit hour. This means your total tuition depends on how many credits you take in a term and which type of program you choose. 

Rates may differ for associate, bachelor’s, career and technical education, and non-credit programs. Your residency status may also affect your cost. Some courses may include additional fees or required materials. Students are encouraged to review the current tuition table before registering to help estimate costs for each term.

Yes. Eligible nonresident students in qualifying fully online programs may pay a reduced online tuition rate of $290 per credit hour. This rate is designed for eligible out-of-state and international students taking approved distance learning programs through MDC Online. It is different from the standard nonresident rates listed for some program categories. Because eligibility rules apply, students should review the official tuition page and confirm which rate applies to their program before registering.

MDC Online’s published cost per credit hour may include more than base tuition. Depending on the program level and residency category, the total may include student services, financial aid, capital improvement, technology, and distance learning fees. For example, many MDC Online classes include a distance learning fee of $15 per credit. These fees help support online course delivery and student resources. Students should review the tuition table for their specific program type to understand the full published cost per credit.

No. Tuition rates may vary depending on the type of program you choose, such as an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, college credit certificate, career and technical education program, or non-credit option. For example, the published resident cost per credit differs for college credit programs, baccalaureate programs, and career and technical education programs. Residency status can also affect the rate. Students should check the tuition table for their program level before registering, since total costs may change based on credits, fees, and course selection.

While the published cost per credit includes standard tuition and certain required fees, some expenses are not included. Depending on your program and courses, you may need to pay for textbooks, digital learning materials, transcript requests, or application-related fees. Some courses may also have additional requirements that affect total cost. These expenses can vary by student and term. Reviewing the “Other Fees and Common Terms” page and checking your student account each semester can help you understand your full cost before the payment deadline.

Eligible students may use financial aid to help cover tuition and other qualified education costs if they meet the requirements for the aid they receive. A good first step is completing the FAFSA, which helps determine eligibility for many types of student aid. Financial aid does not apply the same way for every student, and awards can vary based on enrollment, program, residency, and other factors. Students should review MDC’s financial aid information and contact Student Support with questions about their account.

Yes. Eligible MDC Online students may qualify for scholarships based on factors such as program of study, academic achievement, campus involvement, residency, or financial need. MDC’s scholarship page notes that one scholarship application can help match students with more than 300 scholarship opportunities. Some scholarships also have credit enrollment requirements, deadlines, and other criteria. Because scholarship availability can change by year and term, students should review current scholarship information early and submit required materials before the listed deadline.

Yes. MDC students may use the Nelnet Payment Plan as an option for tuition and course fees not covered by financial aid or other funding sources. The plan allows eligible students to break a balance into monthly payments and does not require interest, finance charges, or a credit check. Students must be enrolled in classes before signing up, and a new plan is required each term. Enrollment fees, down payments, deadlines, and payment options can vary by term.

To estimate a full-time semester, students can multiply the published total cost per credit by the number of credits they plan to take. The tuition page also provides sample 12-credit term costs by program level, which can help students compare general cost ranges. Your actual total may differ if you take more or fewer credits, qualify for a different residency rate, enroll in a reduced-rate online program, or have course-specific fees. Always confirm your balance in your student account before the payment deadline.

The MDC Online Tuition and Costs page is the best place to find current published tuition rates, cost-per-credit details, program categories, and online course fee information. Students should also review the Other Fees and Common Terms page for possible charges not shown in the main tuition table. Because tuition and fees are subject to change, it is a good idea to check the official pages before each registration period. Students with questions can also contact MDC Online Student Support for help understanding their next steps.