The findings of focus groups surprised school officials as to why students attend MHCC.

The popular theory said the main reason students go here is low tuition but the study showed tuition was third on the list with programs and location at first and second. The study concluded that it is mostly part-time students who drop out due to tuition and most full-time students are attracted because of the programs offered on campus.

Another unexpected finding was that most students attending MHCC are doing so to learn in a certain field and not simply to get a degree or transfer.

The results of the study are still being analyzed by school officials and presentations have yet to be made to the Joint Leadership Council or the MHCC District Board. But according to College President Robert Silverman, the results of the study go against popular belief, showing students need to be a bigger part of the decision-making process.

“I want to hear what the students want, what the students are interested in,” Silverman said. “Anybody who has an idea, I’d love to hear it. I just want to figure out what it is that we can be, what sets us apart from other community colleges.”