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$3,460Tuition
8,695Students
11%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$34,795Earnings
Public4-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Henry Ford College

Henry Ford College draws 8,695 students to its Dearborn campus, serving as a stepping stone for students throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. The Hawks specialize in transfer programs that prepare students for four-year universities and workforce training that connects directly to local industry needs. Nearly all students come from Michigan, with 99.66% holding in-state residency status.

Students from low-income families pay just $55 net price annually, making this one of the most affordable college options in the state. Even families earning up to $75,000 pay only $2,491 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $34,795 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of $14,250. The monthly loan payment of $151 remains manageable given the employment rate of 89.5% among graduates.

The student body leans female at 56.55%, with a diverse mix that reflects the Detroit area's demographics. Only 45.48% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low $3,460 in-state tuition without assistance. The graduation rates of 10.60% over six years reflect the community college model where many students transfer before completing degrees or attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Henry Ford College serves the Detroit metro area as a community college focused on transfer preparation and workforce training. The college operates with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes typical of community colleges. Only 11% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the reality that many attend part-time while working or take longer to complete their programs. The school specializes in career and technical education programs that connect directly to Michigan's automotive and manufacturing industries. Students often use HFC as an affordable stepping stone to four-year universities or to gain practical skills for immediate employment. Nearly all students are Michigan residents seeking local educational options.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
11.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
10.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,795

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $61,020
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $52,107
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $46,282
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $44,170
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $43,798
Computer Programming. Associate $42,682
Legal Support Services. Associate $35,600
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $33,993
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $29,141
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $28,960

View all 125 programs →

Campus Life

Henry Ford College sits in Dearborn, just outside Detroit's city limits. Students bundle up for Michigan winters that stretch from November through March, with snow and temperatures often dropping below freezing. The campus serves as a commuter school where 99.66% of students come from in-state, mostly from the surrounding metro area.

With 8,695 students spread across a midsize city campus, you'll find a diverse student body that's 54.25% white and 16.10% Black. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes are common. Most students work part-time jobs while attending classes, as the $576 average net price makes this one of the most affordable college options in Michigan.

Weekends typically involve students heading home or to jobs rather than campus activities. The Hawks compete in 6 varsity sports with just 90 total athletes, so athletic events draw modest crowds. Students often transfer to four-year universities after completing their associate degrees, as the college has built strong pathway programs with state universities. The surrounding Dearborn area offers Middle Eastern restaurants and cultural attractions.
Setting
City-Midsize
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1938

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–33°F
July Avg
62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
33.9"
Annual Snowfall
31.4"

Student Demographics

Henry Ford College draws overwhelmingly from Michigan, with 99.66% of students coming from in-state. The student body skews female at 56.55%, reflecting strong programs in healthcare and education that traditionally attract more women. Nearly half of all students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in the Detroit area. The racial composition mirrors Dearborn's diverse population, with significant representation from white, Black, and Arab American communities. Students typically come from families earning under $75,000 annually, making this an accessible pathway to four-year degrees or immediate employment.
Men
43.5%
Women
56.6%
White
54.3%
Black
16.1%
Hispanic
2.1%
Asian
3.0%
In-State Students
99.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
45.5%

Location

Henry Ford College sits in Dearborn, Michigan, just 10 miles west of downtown Detroit. The campus serves the heart of the Detroit metropolitan area, where automotive history runs deep. Dearborn houses Ford Motor Company's global headquarters and the Henry Ford Museum, making it a center for engineering and manufacturing careers. Nearly 100% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's strong ties to local communities. The urban setting provides access to internships and jobs in Michigan's recovering economy, while still maintaining a manageable city atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Henry Ford College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1495
Henry ford cc
Henry ford cc
Henry Ford Community College
Henry Ford Community College
Henry Ford Community College Technology Building
Henry Ford Community College Technology Building

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$34,795
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,057
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,600
Loan Repayment Rate
19.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$151/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,250

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is admission to Henry Ford College?

Henry Ford College maintains open admission as a community college, meaning students don't need to meet specific GPA or test score requirements. The college serves 8,695 students primarily from Michigan, with 99.66% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students in the Detroit metro area.

What does Henry Ford College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of just $576 after financial aid, making it one of the most affordable college options in Michigan. In-state tuition runs $3,460 annually, and 45.48% of students receive Pell Grants. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $55 net price.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Henry Ford College?

Henry Ford College has a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, which is typical for community colleges. The school focuses on workforce training and transfer programs to four-year universities. With its semester calendar system, students can efficiently complete prerequisites or earn associate degrees.

How much do Henry Ford College graduates earn?

Graduates earn a median of $34,795 ten years after starting college, reflecting the school's role as a stepping stone institution. The employment rate reaches 89.5% for completers. Many students transfer to four-year schools rather than entering the workforce immediately with their associate degree.

Where is Henry Ford College located and what's campus life like?

The college sits in Dearborn, Michigan, a midsize city in the Detroit metropolitan area. With 56.55% women and 43.45% men, the student body reflects the diverse local community. The Hawks compete in 6 varsity sports with 90 total athletes in the NCCAA.

What is Henry Ford College's graduation rate?

Henry Ford College has a 10.60% six-year graduation rate, which reflects its mission as a community college where many students transfer before completing degrees. The 4-year rate stands at 11.03%. This pattern is common for community colleges that serve as affordable pathways to bachelor's degrees at other institutions.