About Bay de Noc Community College
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $7,835 after financial aid, while those from higher-income families face costs around $15,000. Graduates earn a median of $35,090 ten years after leaving, which provides reasonable returns given the median debt load of $12,618. The monthly loan payment of $134 remains manageable for most graduates entering technical fields or continuing their education elsewhere.
The college maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows for hands-on learning in trade programs and clinical settings. With an employment rate of 92.2%, graduates find work quickly in the Upper Peninsula's mining, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. Only about one-quarter of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many attend part-time while working or have family support for their education.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 21.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,090
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,630 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $33,993 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $32,711 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $31,907 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,121 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $16,478 |
Campus Life
Winter dominates the academic calendar here. Students bundle up for months of snow and sub-freezing temperatures that can stretch from November through April. The campus centers around a few main buildings connected by covered walkways that become essential during blizzards. With 63% women and strong nursing and business programs, study groups often form around these career-focused tracks. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities when weather permits - fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling are campus staples. The Norse compete in seven NCCAA sports with 93 total athletes. Most social life happens off-campus since the majority of students live at home and work part-time jobs.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 100 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1962
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 6°–26°F
- July Avg
- 55°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 28.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- -728.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.4%
- Women
- 63.6%
- White
- 84.5%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 3.4%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 90.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.4%
Location
- Address
- Escanaba, Michigan 49829-2511
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,090
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,301
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $134/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $12,618
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Bay de Noc Community College?
Bay de Noc Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 1,100 students primarily from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with 90% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it an ideal starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in the region.
How much does Bay de Noc Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,766 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,835 after aid, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $6,819. With median student debt of only $12,618 and monthly loan payments around $134, the college keeps education affordable for working-class families.
What academic programs is Bay de Noc Community College known for?
The college operates on a semester system with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, offering strong programs in nursing, business, and skilled trades. These practical programs align with regional job markets in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The school's focus on career preparation shows in its impressive 92.2% employment rate for graduates.
What are the graduation and earnings outcomes at Bay de Noc Community College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 21.4%, which reflects the typical pattern of community college students who often transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $35,090 ten years after enrollment, with strong immediate employment prospects. The 92.2% employment rate demonstrates the college's success in preparing students for regional job markets.
Does Bay de Noc Community College offer on-campus housing?
The college provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 100 students, reflecting its role as a commuter school. Room and board costs $10,044 annually for those who do live on campus. The student body is 63.6% female and 84.4% white, typical of rural Upper Peninsula demographics.
What athletic opportunities does Bay de Noc Community College provide?
The college competes in the NJCAA with seven varsity sports programs involving 93 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total $252,853, providing meaningful support for student-athletes in this small college setting. Sports programs help build community connections in Escanaba while keeping talented local students in the region.
