HD 100, a college success course at MHCC, could be free for students taking the class next year.

The MHCCD board voted Wednesday to extend tuition waivers to a maximum of $75,000, the same amount as the ‘04-05 school year.

The fall class was tracked to test the waiver’s effectiveness, and showed an increase in student retention from fall to winter, up by 30 percent, President Robert Silverman said. “The waiver helps students reach their goals.”

There were 33 sections of HD 100 in fall term, with 523 students. Winter term saw 68 more students.

The program has cost $45,730 so far this year, and next year’s cost is estimated to be $44,100. Next year’s estimated enrollment, according to Silverman, is expected to be between 400 and 500 students. He said, “The investment of the money now, if this data holds up... [then the college] would have a very big success in retention.”

Silverman also said, “It is critical we get students.”