Great Lakes Christian College: $19,990 Tuition

$19,990Tuition

130Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,053Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearOtherData: 2023-24Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

About Great Lakes Christian College

Great Lakes Christian College trains students for ministry and biblical vocations in a tight-knit community of just 130 students. The college sits in suburban Lansing and draws heavily from Michigan, with 63% of students coming from in-state. Founded in 1949, it maintains strong ties to the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ denomination and focuses on practical ministry preparation alongside traditional liberal arts education.

Students pay an average of $18,700 after financial aid, with 62% receiving some form of assistance. The median debt load of $18,779 is manageable, but graduates face challenging economics with median earnings of just $31,053 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average $199, which represents a significant portion of typical graduate income. The low loan repayment rate of 36% reflects these financial pressures.

The school's biggest challenge shows in its retention numbers. Only 39% of students return for their second year, and just 26% graduate within six years. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention, but the small size limits program variety. The Crusaders field five varsity sports teams with 79 total athletes, creating opportunities for involvement in a close community where everyone knows each other.

Academics & Faculty

Great Lakes Christian College centers its academics around ministry preparation and biblical studies. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know each student personally in this intimate learning environment of just 130 students. However, the 25.90% six-year graduation rate and 39.47% retention rate suggest many students struggle to complete their programs. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on practical ministry training alongside traditional biblical education. Students prepare for careers in pastoral ministry, youth work, and Christian education through hands-on learning opportunities. The small class sizes allow for intensive mentoring relationships, though academic support systems may need strengthening given the completion rates.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 28.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 25.9%
Retention Rate: 39.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,053
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

Great Lakes Christian College sits in suburban Lansing, just minutes from Michigan's state capital and about 90 miles from Detroit. With only 130 students total, this creates an intimate campus where everyone knows each other. The housing capacity of 181 beds means most students live on campus, fostering a tight-knit residential community. Michigan winters are harsh, so students need heavy coats from November through March, while spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often eat meals with them in the dining hall. With 79 student athletes across 5 varsity sports, games become campus-wide events where the entire student body shows up to cheer on the Crusaders. Weekends typically center around campus ministry activities, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Lansing for shopping or restaurants. The Christian Churches and Churches of Christ affiliation shapes daily life through required chapel services and Bible study groups. Students often describe the atmosphere as similar to a large extended family rather than a traditional college campus.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 181 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1949

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–30°F
July Avg: 60°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 33.3"
Annual Snowfall: 50.2"

Student Demographics

Great Lakes Christian College draws students committed to ministry and biblical studies, with enrollment split 55% male and 44% female reflecting the school's focus on pastoral preparation. The student body of 130 comes primarily from Michigan, showing strong regional ties to local Christian communities. With 62% receiving Pell Grants, the college serves families of modest means who prioritize faith-based education. The diverse racial composition includes 61% white students, 24% Black students, and 6% Hispanic students, creating a multicultural Christian community in suburban Lansing.

Men: 55.4%
Women: 44.6%
White: 60.8%
Black: 23.9%
Hispanic: 6.2%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 63.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 62.4%

Location

Great Lakes Christian College sits in Lansing, Michigan's capital city of 112,000 residents. The campus is located about 90 miles northwest of Detroit and 65 miles east of Grand Rapids. Lansing serves as both the state capital and home to Michigan State University, creating a college-friendly environment with government and education as major employers. The city offers urban amenities while maintaining a manageable size for students. With 130 students enrolled, Great Lakes Christian College operates as a small institution within this larger educational center. The surrounding mid-Michigan region features rolling farmland and numerous lakes typical of the Great Lakes state. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Great Lakes Christian College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lansing, Michigan 48917-1299

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,053
Median Earnings (5 years): $34,660
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $20,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $199/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,779

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Great Lakes Christian College?

Great Lakes Christian College maintains a 39.47% retention rate, suggesting selective but accessible admissions for students committed to Christian ministry preparation. The college focuses on biblical education and requires students to demonstrate alignment with its Christian Churches and Churches of Christ mission. With only 130 students enrolled, the admissions process emphasizes personal fit over standardized test scores.

How much does Great Lakes Christian College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $18,700 annually, with 62.41% receiving financial aid. The total cost of attendance reaches $31,090 including room and board of $10,000. Graduates typically leave with $18,779 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $199.

What is the academic experience like at Great Lakes Christian College?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in ministry-focused coursework. With just 130 students total, classes remain intimate and discussion-based. The curriculum emphasizes biblical studies and practical ministry training for Christian Churches and Churches of Christ congregations.

What are the career outcomes for Great Lakes Christian College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $31,053 ten years after graduation, reflecting the service-oriented nature of ministry careers. The employment rate reaches 92.0%, though only 25.90% complete their degree within six years. Many graduates pursue pastoral roles, youth ministry, or Christian education positions.

What is campus life like at Great Lakes Christian College?

The campus houses 181 students in a tight-knit community where 55.38% are men and 44.62% are women. Five varsity sports teams engage 79 total athletes who compete as the Crusaders. The suburban Lansing setting provides both community feel and access to Michigan's capital city resources.

How diverse is the student body at Great Lakes Christian College?

The student body is 60.77% White and 23.85% Black, creating notable racial diversity for a small Christian college. Students come primarily from Michigan with 63.41% being in-state residents. The college serves a significant population of first-generation college students, with 62.41% qualifying for Pell Grants.