Bay Mills Community College: $3,320 Tuition

$3,320Tuition

531Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,048Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Bay Mills Community College

Bay Mills Community College serves the Ojibwe community with career-focused programs in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This tribal college enrolls 531 students in a rural setting that emphasizes traditional values alongside modern education. The school maintains deep connections to Native American culture while preparing students for practical careers. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small and personal.

Students pay an average net price of $4,282 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable options in Michigan. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's mission to serve low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $30,048 ten years after enrollment, which provides a reasonable return given the low cost of attendance. The same tuition rate applies to all students regardless of residency status at $3,320 annually.

Women make up nearly 80% of the student body, reflecting strong participation in the college's health and human services programs. The employment rate reaches 91.2%, showing that graduates find work even if they don't complete degrees. About 81% of students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community where cultural heritage and academic achievement intersect.

Academics & Faculty

Bay Mills Community College focuses on career preparation and cultural preservation as a tribal institution serving the Ojibwe community. Students benefit from small classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention and mentoring. The college emphasizes practical skills training in areas like natural resources, business, and early childhood education. However, the 28% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing education with work and family responsibilities common in rural communities. Programs often incorporate Native American perspectives and values into the curriculum. Women comprise 80% of the student body, reflecting the college's strength in fields like education and social services that traditionally attract female students.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 20.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 28.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 30.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,048
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

Bay Mills sits on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, about 20 miles from Sault Ste. Marie and roughly 350 miles from Detroit. Students need heavy winter coats for temperatures that regularly drop below zero and snow that can last from November through April. The rural-distant setting means you're surrounded by forests, lakes, and tribal land rather than shopping centers or entertainment districts.

With just 531 students enrolled, everyone knows each other on this small tribal college campus. Women make up nearly 80% of the student body, creating a tight-knit community focused on academic and cultural support. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know your name and academic goals. Most students commute from the local Ojibwe community, with 81% coming from in-state. Weekends often revolve around outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, or participating in cultural events that honor Anishinaabe traditions. The employment rate of 91.2% reflects the college's practical approach to preparing students for careers that serve their community and beyond.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1981

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–25°F
July Avg: 53°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.6"
Annual Snowfall: 94.1"

Student Demographics

Bay Mills draws students from across Michigan, with four out of five coming from in-state. The college serves the Ojibwe community as a tribal institution, creating a culturally centered learning environment. Women make up nearly 80% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong programs in education, health sciences, and human services. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college fulfills its mission of providing accessible higher education. The diverse racial composition includes significant Native American representation alongside other communities. Students typically seek career-focused training in a supportive, culturally responsive setting.

Men: 20.2%
Women: 79.9%
White: 29.6%
Black: 1.9%
Hispanic: 1.1%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 81.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.1%

Location

Brimley sits in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, roughly 20 miles south of Sault Ste. Marie and the Canadian border. The college draws 81% of its students from within Michigan, reflecting its deep roots in the local Ojibwe community. This rural area offers access to pristine wilderness, including nearby Whitefish Bay on Lake Superior and the Hiawatha National Forest. The setting provides a stark contrast to urban campuses, with just 531 students creating an intimate learning environment. The region's economy centers on tourism, forestry, and tribal enterprises. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Bay Mills Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Brimley, Michigan 49715

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,048
Median Earnings (5 years): $38,508
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment size at Bay Mills Community College?

Bay Mills Community College serves 531 students in a rural setting near Lake Superior. This tribal college creates an intimate learning environment with nearly 80% women students. The small size allows for personalized attention in career-focused programs.

How much does Bay Mills Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,282 annually after aid. The college offers the same $3,320 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, making education accessible to low-income families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bay Mills Community College?

Bay Mills maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring close mentorship. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in programs that serve both Ojibwe community needs and regional workforce demands. Faculty can provide individualized support in this small tribal college setting.

What are the graduation rates at Bay Mills Community College?

The college has a 28% four-year graduation rate and 30% six-year completion rate. Despite modest graduation numbers, 91% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. The focus remains on career preparation rather than traditional four-year pathways.

Where is Bay Mills Community College located?

The college sits in Brimley, Michigan, in a rural-distant setting near the Canadian border. About 81% of students come from Michigan, drawn to this remote location along Lake Superior's eastern shore. The setting reflects the college's connection to Ojibwe cultural traditions and natural resources.

How much do Bay Mills Community College graduates earn after completing their programs?

Graduates earn a median of $32,240 one year after completion, rising to $30,048 ten years later. The college serves as a stepping stone for many students continuing their education or entering local workforce sectors. Career-focused training prepares students for immediate employment in the region.