Dear Peers,
As you may already know, college is expensive—like, really expensive. Between tuition, textbooks, rent, and the occasional “I can’t cook tonight” takeout splurge, it can feel like your bank account is constantly screaming for mercy. But here’s the thing: some of the best resources we have at Morton College are already covered by your tuition check. And most students don’t even know about them!
Yep, your tuition isn’t just funding your classes. Morton College offers a bunch of perks that can help you stay healthy, focused, and stress-free—without spending an extra dime. Here’s what you need to know.
The Fitness Center is Your Free Gym Membership
That’s right. Building E? The one with the treadmills, weights, and machines? That’s your gym. Your Panther ID gets you in, at no extra cost, with no contracts. You can do a full workout, take a spin, or just alleviate stress by releasing endorphins. It will in turn give you that “feel good” vibe and boost your mood, which is something we all need every now and then! Studies have shown that exercising helps with memory retention, so utilizing MC’s gym will benefit you in many ways. Not to mention the savings. An average gym membership costs $50 per month; that’s $600 per year that you get for free!
Counseling Services – In Person or Online
The educators at Morton College know that life can be overwhelming. Deadlines pile up, relationships get messy, and stress hits hard. Luckily, the Counseling Center has licensed mental health professionals ready to help—completely free. You can schedule sessions in person or use the free online counseling service if you can’t make it to campus or prefer a virtual session.
Talking to someone isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. You’re not broken; you’re building. That’s why you’re in school! Whether you need help managing stress, navigating college life, or just need someone to listen to you vent, this service is yours. It’s anonymous, and there are never consequences for reaching out. Don’t suffer in silence!
Panther Pantry is Open to Morton College Students
The Panther Pantry was started in order to meet the nutritional needs of our community. The Panther Pantry now teams with the Greater Chicago Food Depository but would also appreciate donations from anyone in the neighborhood. It’s simple. All students with a college ID can register with the Pantry for free supplemental food. The Pantry has milk, eggs, pasta, hygiene products, covid tests, and much more.
Many students in our community come from hard-working families who have struggled to make ends meet. There are many big, beautiful families in our community with many mouths to feed. There are many families blessed with people with disabilities. Many Morton College students have children of their own. You’re at school to make a better life for yourself and your family, and it starts with eating something!
STEM Tutoring & Writing Help at the Tutoring Center
I personally utilize the Tutoring Center. I was always shy when it came to Math assignments and wouldn’t dare to step foot into a Math tutoring session. I thought I’d embarrass myself and expose my Math insecurities. I just walked past the big glass box above Paisan’s a million times, until, one day, I tried it. Now I see why people pay as much as $100 PER HOUR for private tutoring! The Tutoring Center is free for Morton College students!
It’s not just for students struggling in Math. The Writing tutors there are also amazing. They will help you compose anything, not just English and Rhetoric papers and essays. They will help you write your resume and cover letter for work. They will help you make outlines and brainstorm Sociology, Psychology, and Philosophy. There are also fantastic Bilingual Writing tutors who can not only help Spanish-speaking students write in English but can help English-speaking students express themselves in Spanish as well.
Free (or Discounted) Fun – Keep Your Social Life Alive
College isn’t all studying. Pro tip: some local movie theaters will give a discount. All you have to do is present your Morton College ID. So next time you plan a night out with friends, you can save a few dollars for snacks. Keep an eye on the student events calendar—you’d be surprised at all the opportunities to have fun without spending extra.
The Bottom Line
You’re already paying for these perks in tuition, so why not use them? Next time you think about paying for a private gym, a tutor, or even therapy, check Morton first. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t pay for a buffet and only eat a bread roll. These resources are the rest of the spread—ready for you to enjoy. Don’t let them go to waste.