Gogebic Community College: $5,590 Tuition

$5,590Tuition

508Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,950Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Gogebic Community College

Gogebic Community College serves the rugged mining communities of Michigan's Upper Peninsula with just 508 students. The Samsons have deep roots in Ironwood, operating since 1932 in a town-remote setting where everyone knows your name. This small community college specializes in career-focused programs that prepare students for the workforce in mining, healthcare, and trades that keep rural communities running.

Students pay an average net price of $5,216 after aid, making it one of the most affordable options in higher education. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,687 per year. Graduates earn a median of $40,950 ten years after enrollment, while carrying only $10,925 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $116, and 95.4% of graduates find employment. The math works for students seeking practical skills without crushing debt.

Women make up 61.6% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in nursing and allied health programs. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors actually know their students personally. Five varsity sports teams compete in the NCCAA, though athletics take a backseat to academics at this no-frills institution. The 32.2% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer or enter the workforce before completing their degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Gogebic Community College serves the rural Upper Peninsula with practical programs designed for local workforce needs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where instructors know every student personally. The college focuses heavily on trades and technical training, reflecting the region's mining and forestry heritage. With a 32% graduation rate, many students transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly after completing certificates. The school offers strong programs in natural resources, welding, and healthcare support fields. Students get hands-on training in well-equipped labs. The college also provides essential college preparatory courses for first-generation college students from remote mining communities across Michigan's northernmost counties.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 97.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,950

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$45,305
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management.	Associate	$30,771
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$26,353
Business/Commerce, General.	Associate	$24,035

View all 54 programs →

Campus Life

Gogebic sits in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, where winters bring heavy snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. You'll need serious winter gear for the long season that stretches into April. With only 96 students living in dorms out of 508 total enrollment, most students commute from nearby towns in the Ironwood area. The 61% female student body reflects strong programs in nursing and allied health.

Campus life revolves around the tight-knit community feel typical of small northern towns. The Samsons compete in five sports with 51 total athletes, creating a family atmosphere where everyone knows the players. Weekends often mean outdoor activities like skiing, snowmobiling, or fishing when weather permits. The nearest major city is Duluth, Minnesota, about 90 miles away, so entertainment stays local. Students gather at campus events or head to nearby restaurants and shops in downtown Ironwood. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and story. Winter dominates the calendar, but students embrace the season rather than endure it.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 96 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1932

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 2°–20°F
July Avg: 55°–76°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.9"
Annual Snowfall: 188.2"

Student Demographics

Gogebic draws heavily from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, with 81% of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the rural mining region it serves, with working-class families making up much of the enrollment. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, likely driven by the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs that appeal to career-changers in a region with limited opportunities. Over a third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's role as an affordable pathway for first-generation college students from small Iron Range communities.

Men: 38.4%
Women: 61.6%
White: 87.2%
Black: 2.0%
Hispanic: 2.2%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 81.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.5%

Location

Gogebic Community College sits in Ironwood, Michigan, a town of roughly 5,000 people near the Wisconsin border in the state's remote Upper Peninsula. The college serves Michigan's historic iron mining region, located about 300 miles from Detroit and 150 miles from Duluth, Minnesota. With 508 students, the school draws primarily from the surrounding rural communities where outdoor recreation dominates the landscape of forests and lakes. The Upper Peninsula's small-town character means most residents know each other, and the college serves as a community center. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Gogebic Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Ironwood, Michigan 49938

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,950
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,896
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $116/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,925

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Gogebic Community College?

Gogebic Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, serving 508 students in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The college focuses on providing accessible education to rural mining communities, with 80.95% of students coming from in-state.

How much does Gogebic Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,216 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,687 after aid, while the sticker price for in-state tuition is $5,590.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Gogebic Community College?

The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in this small rural setting. With only 508 total students, the intimate class sizes help support students transitioning into higher education or workforce training.

What are the job prospects for Gogebic Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a strong 95.4% employment rate, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. However, median earnings after 10 years reach $40,950, and the 6-year graduation rate of 32.2% suggests many students transfer or take longer to complete programs.

Where do students live at Gogebic Community College?

The college offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 96 students at $6,500 for room and board. Most of the 508 students commute from the surrounding Ironwood area and rural Upper Peninsula communities.

Does Gogebic Community College have sports teams?

The Samsons compete in 5 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 51 total student-athletes. The college provides $94,269 in athletic scholarships, offering opportunities for student-athletes in this remote northern Michigan location.