About Alpena Community College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $1,336 after aid, while even middle-income families face net costs under $8,000. Graduates earn a median of $36,442 ten years out, which easily covers the typical monthly loan payment of $96. With median debt of only $9,024, most students avoid the crushing loan burdens common at four-year universities. The 94% employment rate shows that local employers value the practical skills students develop here.
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that larger institutions cannot match. About half of students graduate within four years, though many attend part-time while working. The small housing capacity of 64 beds reflects the commuter-focused culture, where most students live locally and treat college as an extension of their community ties.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 48.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.2%
- Retention Rate
- 75.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,442
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $49,214 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $46,478 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $44,933 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $44,649 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,038 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $27,440 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $22,578 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,489 |
Campus Life
Northern Michigan winters demand serious preparation - expect snow from November through March and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. The lake effect can dump significant snow, so a heavy winter coat is essential gear. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in the small classrooms scattered across the modest campus.
Weekends revolve around outdoor activities when weather permits - fishing, hunting, and boating on Lake Huron are popular. The Lumberjacks compete in six NCCAA sports with 72 total athletes, though school spirit centers more on community connections than athletic rivalries. Students often work part-time jobs in town, which helps explain the 93.8% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 64 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1952
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–26°F
- July Avg
- 55°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 65.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.4%
- Women
- 51.6%
- White
- 88.5%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 2.7%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 98.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.8%
Location
- Address
- Alpena, Michigan 49707
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,442
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,089
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $28,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $96/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Alpena Community College?
Alpena Community College operates with open enrollment as a community college, meaning students can register for classes without a competitive admissions process. The school maintains a 75.13% retention rate, showing that most students who start continue their education. This northern Michigan college primarily serves local students with 98.50% coming from in-state.
How much does Alpena Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,067 after financial aid, making it highly affordable. Low-income students with family incomes under $30,000 pay just $1,336 on average. With in-state tuition at $5,130, the school keeps costs accessible for the working-class families it serves in northern Michigan.
What academic programs is Alpena Community College known for?
The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its career training and transfer programs. With only 715 students enrolled, classes stay small and focused on practical skills. The school operates on a semester system and emphasizes hands-on learning for students planning to enter the workforce or transfer to four-year universities.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Alpena Community College?
Graduates achieve a 93.8% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for their skills in the region. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $36,442, which aligns with northern Michigan's economy. The college keeps student debt manageable with graduates owing a median of $9,024 and monthly loan payments of just $96.
Where do students live at Alpena Community College?
The campus houses only 64 students in on-campus facilities, reflecting its role as a commuter school. Room and board costs $7,019 for those who do live on campus. Most of the 715 students commute from the surrounding area, as nearly all students come from within Michigan.
Does Alpena Community College have sports teams?
The Lumberjacks compete in 6 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 72 total student-athletes. The school awards $139,126 in athletic scholarships to support its teams. The Lumberjacks nickname reflects the region's logging heritage and northern Michigan's outdoor culture.
