About Grand Rapids Community College
The financial picture looks promising for students willing to complete their programs. Average net price sits at $11,153, but students from lower-income families pay just $9,228 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $38,377 ten years after starting, while carrying only $9,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments average just $95, making this education highly affordable. The employment rate reaches 93.9%, reflecting strong connections to regional employers.
The Raiders compete in 10 varsity sports with 152 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics and job training. The student-faculty ratio of 20:1 means larger classes but lower costs. The 18.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality of community college students who often work while studying or transfer before completing degrees. What matters more here is job placement and skill development.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 40.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 18.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,377
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,732 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $53,358 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Certificate | $53,358 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,025 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $39,369 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). | Certificate | $38,289 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $37,671 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $36,674 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $36,042 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $33,779 |
Campus Life
With 10,530 students spread across multiple buildings, GRCC feels more like a small university than a typical community college. The student body is 54.83% female and surprisingly diverse for Michigan, with 18.54% Hispanic students. Nearly all students (99.33%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit feel among locals.
The Raiders compete in 10 varsity sports with 152 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to academics and work schedules. Most students commute from nearby neighborhoods or suburbs, balancing classes with jobs and family responsibilities. Weekends often mean studying in the library or grabbing coffee at one of Grand Rapids' many downtown cafes. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, unusual for a school this size.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1914
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–30°F
- July Avg
- 60°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 74.9"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 45.2%
- Women
- 54.8%
- White
- 58.4%
- Black
- 10.8%
- Hispanic
- 18.5%
- Asian
- 3.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.6%
Location
- Address
- Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503-3295
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,377
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $44,271
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Grand Rapids Community College?
Grand Rapids Community College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, accepting 99.33% of students from Michigan. The school serves over 10,530 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the local community rather than selective admissions.
How much does Grand Rapids Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,153 annually, with lower-income families paying as little as $9,228. In-state tuition runs $4,059 while the median debt upon completion is just $9,000, making it one of the more affordable pathways to higher education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Grand Rapids Community College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 20:1 across the campus's varied academic programs. Grand Rapids Community College operates on a semester system and has built a reputation for career-focused training and transfer preparation since its founding in 1914.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Grand Rapids Community College?
Graduates achieve a 93.9% employment rate with median earnings of $38,377 ten years after enrollment. The college excels at preparing students for immediate workforce entry, though the 18.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face in completing their programs.
Where is Grand Rapids Community College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a mid-sized city known for its active arts scene and business community. With 54.83% women and a diverse student body that includes 18.54% Hispanic and 10.78% Black students, the campus reflects the changing demographics of western Michigan.
Does Grand Rapids Community College offer athletic programs?
The Raiders compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 152 total student-athletes. The athletic program distributes $105,742 in scholarships annually, providing opportunities for student-athletes to continue their sports while pursuing their education.
