Mid-Continent University (MCU) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Founded in 1949, Mid-Continent University is a a private Christian college located in Mayfield, KY. The university’s Advantage program offers classes that are held throughout Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois. The university’s classes are designed to accommodate working adults who may have trouble taking traditional classes. Affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, Mid-Continent University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Bachelor’s degree programs at Mid-Continent University include Business Management, Psychology & Counseling, and Christian Ministry. Business Management is the school’s most popular major. All full-time students are offered the opportunity to participate in unique travel study courses. The Christian worldview is incorporated in all of the courses held at this university. The student-faculty ratio at this university is 14:1, and more than 80 percent of the university’s classes have fewer than 20 students. All classes are taught by faculty members, who also serve as personal advisors and mentors.

Information Summary

Ranks 30th in Kentucky and 1943rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	64.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$26,041
Admission Success rate	70%
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	24 / 1000
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	39 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	62% / 35%
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,251

Admissions

Students who wish to apply to Mid-Continent University must complete the online or print application form. There is a nonrefundable application fee to apply to this college. Each applicant must also submit an official high school transcript or GED score report, an official SAT or ACT score report, and any AP or college credit transcripts (if applicable). A letter of recommendation from a personal reference such as a pastor, minister, government official, teacher, principal, or other non-family member who has known the candidate for more than two years is required. Each student must also submit a personal statement, and a health and insurance form. Certain programs also have additional requirements. While students are admitted to the college all year long, prospective students should contact the school for specific deadline dates.

Adult students, non-degree seeking students, transfer students, home-schooled students, and international students may need to use different procedures, so they should refer to the university’s website or contact the Office of Admission for more information about the admissions process and application requirements. Useful statistics and dates are listed on the college’s website.

Financial Aid

Although the university’s tuition rate is one of the lowest in the state, close to 95 percent of the students at Mid-Continent University receive some form of state, federal, private or institutional financial assistance. Most of the students who applied for financial aid were awarded some form of need-based financial assistance. The average need-based scholarship or grant award is about $6,000. Forms of aid that are available for students at Mid-Continent University include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. The college also offers scholarships and grants for students. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1st each year. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet and/or submit additional documents.

Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process. Students should also note that financial aid applications must be renewed each year. Mid-Continent University also offers a deferred payment plan to help students pay any tuition charges that are not covered by financial aid.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6348th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Kentucky.

Students

Mid-Continent University has a fairly diverse student body with students from more than 20 different countries and fifteen states. Many of the students who attend Mid-Continent University live on campus in one of the college’s fully furnished residence halls, as it is required of most students. Students with special circumstances may apply to be exempt from the on-campus housing requirement. All of the dorms include optional Internet access, shared telephone service, air conditioning, study rooms, lounges with televisions, and laundry facilities. The college provides separate housing facilities for male and female students, and offers handicapped accessible housing for students with disabilities. The dorms have a suggested curfew time. All resident students are required to choose one of the college’s meal plans.

The Loft features a 55” HD TV, a ping pong table, billiard tables, games, wireless Internet access, a Student Lounge and a newly renovated Study Lounge that has a kitchen where students can prepare snacks and meals. Students can also enjoy pick-up basketball games in the Cougar Center gym or use the outside basketball courts, the tennis court, and the volleyball court. Students can also visit the Anne P. Markham Library, which provides numerous and diverse learning resources, services, and help with using the library’s materials and facilities.

At Mid-Continent University, there are numerous clubs, organizations, and activities that include academic, professional, political, social, talent, athletic, student government, media, religious, service, multicultural, special interest, and honor groups. Some popular clubs include the Psychology Club and the International Student Fellowship. Special events that are held on campus include Movie Night, Karaoke Night, late-night bonfires, and the GoodWill Ball, where students get dressed up in the tackiest clothes possible. Students can also attend Homecoming events, the Spring Fling, and the annual Crosswalk, where students can pray for loved ones. Students can check the college’s website for a complete list of clubs and events.

The university also offers chapel services, with a campus worship band, on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the semester. Students can also participate in weekly Bible Study sessions and the Ministerial Student Association.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Known as the Cougars and Lady Cougars, Mid-Continent University’s 17 intercollegiate athletic teams participate in the NCCAA, the KIAC, the TSAC, and the NAIA. The school’s colors are navy and gold. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, and soccer. Women’s sports include softball, basketball, and volleyball. There is a co-ed cheerleading team. The men’s soccer has won an NCCAA National Championship, a number of Mideast Regional Championships, and an NAIA regional championship. It has had two NAIA national tournament appearances. The men’s basketball team has also won a number of NCCAA Mideast regional championships.

Bibliography

“Mid-Continent University.” Education. U.S. News & World Report, 2011. Web. 15 May 2011.

Mid-Continent University. Mid-Continent University. 2011. Web. 23 May 2011.

Snider, Mark. How to Get Money for College 2011: Financing Your Future Beyond Federal Aid. Lawrenceville: Peterson’s, 2010.

Mid-Continent University