College of Micronesia-FSM: 79.0% Acceptance Rate

79.0%Acceptance

$5,050Tuition

1,740Students

30%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$24,651Earnings

#1 in FMPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindData: 2023-24

About College of Micronesia-FSM

The College of Micronesia serves as the national public institution for the Federated States of Micronesia, connecting students across four scattered island states in the Pacific. With 1,740 students enrolled, this community college operates as the educational backbone for Micronesian youth seeking higher education close to home. The campus sits on Pohnpei, one of the federation's main islands, where tropical settings meet academic opportunity.

Students pay an average net price of $7,012 after financial aid, with 63% receiving Pell Grants to help cover costs. The same tuition rate of $5,050 applies whether you're from Pohnpei or the outer atolls, since all students are considered in-state. Room and board adds just $4,263 for on-campus housing that accommodates 212 students. Graduates earn a median of $24,651 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the local economy but provides decent returns given the low educational investment and limited alternatives in this remote Pacific region.

The student body skews 61% female, and nearly everyone stays within the Micronesian islands after graduation. The 66% retention rate shows many students struggle with the transition to college life, while the 30% six-year graduation rate reflects both academic challenges and economic pressures that pull students back to their home communities.

Academics & Faculty

College of Micronesia-FSM serves as the primary higher education institution across the four island states of Micronesia, offering foundational college programs to its 1,740 students. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides relatively personal attention in this community college setting. However, academic success proves challenging with only 28% of students graduating within four years and 30% completing degrees within six years. The college focuses on practical programs that serve local workforce needs, including education, business, and marine science given its Pacific island location. About 31% of students receive institutional grants averaging $6,282 to help make education accessible across the scattered island communities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.5%
Retention Rate: 66.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $24,651

Campus Life

The College of Micronesia sits on the tropical island of Pohnpei, thousands of miles from any major city in the vast Pacific Ocean. With housing for just 212 students and an enrollment of 1,740, only about 12% of students live on campus. The rest commute from villages across the island or stay with local families. You'll need sunscreen year-round as temperatures hover in the 80s with high humidity and frequent rain showers.

Campus life revolves around the tight-knit island community where everyone knows each other. With 61% of students being women, the gender balance leans female. Weekend activities center on local beaches, traditional cultural events, and community gatherings rather than typical college parties. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and often serve as mentors beyond academics. Students frequently participate in traditional Micronesian customs and learn alongside peers from Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, and Kosrae. The isolation creates a unique college experience where academic life blends seamlessly with Pacific island culture and community service becomes a natural part of student life.

Housing Capacity: 212 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	1	7
Burglary	1	0
Robbery	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 74°–86°F
July Avg: 73°–88°F
Annual Precipitation: 183.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Students come from across all four island states of Micronesia, creating the nation's only truly pan-Micronesian campus. Women make up 61% of enrollment, reflecting strong participation in the college's education and health science programs that serve critical workforce needs across the islands. Nearly two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the school's role as an accessible pathway for families throughout the Federated States. The 1,740 students represent every corner of this scattered Pacific nation, from Pohnpei to Yap to Chuuk to Kosrae.

Men: 39.4%
Women: 60.6%
White: 0.0%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 0.0%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 63.5%

Location

College of Micronesia-FSM sits on Pohnpei, one of four island states in the Federated States of Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. The campus serves as the educational center for a nation scattered across 607 islands spanning over one million square miles of ocean. Pohnpei itself covers 133 square miles and features lush rainforests, ancient stone ruins, and some of the world's most pristine coral reefs. The nearest major population centers lie over 2,000 miles away in Guam or the Philippines. With 100% of students coming from within the FSM, the college creates a uniquely Micronesian academic environment surrounded by tropical landscapes and traditional island culture. Students considering colleges in Micronesia may also compare College of Micronesia-FSM with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pohnpei, FM 96941

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $24,651
Median Earnings (5 years): $24,965
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $19,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at College of Micronesia-FSM?

The acceptance rate is 78.97%, making admission fairly accessible for students across the four island states of Micronesia. As the national public college serving the entire Federated States of Micronesia, the institution prioritizes providing educational opportunities to local students who might otherwise lack access to higher education.

How much does College of Micronesia-FSM cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $7,012, with 63.48% of students receiving financial aid. Room and board adds just $4,263, making the total cost of attendance $10,913, which reflects the college's mission to serve island communities where students have limited economic resources.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Micronesia-FSM?

The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 among the 1,740 enrolled students. This relatively small ratio allows for personalized attention in a setting where many students are first-generation college attendees from remote Pacific islands.

What are the graduation rates at College of Micronesia-FSM?

The 4-year graduation rate is 27.52% and the 6-year rate reaches 29.50%. These rates reflect the unique challenges faced by students from isolated island communities who often balance family responsibilities and limited resources while pursuing their education.

Where do students live at College of Micronesia-FSM?

Housing capacity is limited to 212 students on the Pohnpei campus. With 100% of students classified as in-state residents, many commute from nearby areas or stay with family while attending this community-focused institution.

Does College of Micronesia-FSM serve a diverse student population?

The student body is 60.63% women and 39.37% men, representing the indigenous populations of Micronesia's four island states. As the only public four-year institution in the Federated States of Micronesia, it serves as a cultural bridge connecting traditional Pacific Island communities with higher education opportunities.