Jackson College: $7,040 Tuition

$7,040Tuition

3,563Students

17%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$36,898Earnings

Public4-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Jackson College

Jackson College serves 3,563 students in Michigan's rural countryside, about an hour from Detroit. This community college has grown into a four-year institution that focuses on practical career training and transfer programs. The school attracts students who want small classes (15:1 student-faculty ratio) and professors who actually know their names. Most students are Michigan residents (96%) looking for an affordable way to start their college journey or complete a bachelor's degree close to home.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,242 per year after aid, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) still pay only $13,286. Graduates carry relatively light debt loads at $13,875, with monthly payments around $147. However, the earnings data shows mixed results. Recent graduates earn about $36,400 in their first year, climbing to $54,742 after five years. The 17% six-year graduation rate suggests many students transfer elsewhere or take longer to finish.

Women make up 59% of the student body, and the campus houses just 398 students in dorms. The Jets compete in 13 sports through the NCCAA with 162 total athletes. For students seeking a small, affordable start to their college experience, Jackson offers low-pressure academics with real financial benefits.

Academics & Faculty

Jackson College operates as a community college with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, giving students access to professors in smaller class settings. The college offers transfer programs for students planning to move to four-year universities, plus career-focused programs in fields like nursing, business, and skilled trades. However, the 17% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or face financial challenges that interrupt their studies. The college serves a practical role for students who need flexible scheduling or want to complete general education requirements at a lower cost before transferring. Most students stay close to home, with 96% coming from Michigan.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 16.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 17.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $36,898

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$60,689

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Jackson College sits on 500 acres of farmland about 40 miles west of Detroit, where students can expect snow boots and winter coats from November through March. Only 398 students can live on campus out of 3,563 total enrollment, so most commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in Jackson. The small housing capacity means dorm life feels tight-knit, but campus empties on weekends as students head home.

With 96% of students from Michigan, this community college draws heavily from local high schools and working adults returning to school. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know your name. Students often work part-time jobs in Jackson's mix of manufacturing and service businesses. Weekend activities center around the 13 varsity sports teams (the Jets compete in NCCAA), though with only 162 total athletes, games feel more like community gatherings than major events. Many students use Jackson as a stepping stone, transferring to four-year universities after completing general education requirements at a fraction of the cost.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 398 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1928

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Dating Violence	4	4	0
Fondling	0	0	8
Aggravated Assault	1	1	4
Stalking	2	1	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 17°–31°F
July Avg: 60°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 32.2"
Annual Snowfall: 40.4"

Student Demographics

Jackson College draws mostly Michigan residents (96% are in-state) who want affordable education close to home. The student body is 59% women, which reflects the school's strong programs in health sciences, education, and social services that traditionally attract more female students. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families who need budget-friendly options. The racial mix includes 64% white students and 16% Black students, making it more diverse than many rural Michigan colleges. These are typically first-generation college students looking for practical career training.

Men: 41.0%
Women: 59.1%
White: 64.1%
Black: 16.0%
Hispanic: 6.7%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 96.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.4%

Location

Jackson College sits in Jackson, Michigan, about 75 miles west of Detroit and 40 miles south of Lansing. The campus serves 3,563 students in a rural-fringe setting that blends small-town charm with access to larger cities. Jackson itself has about 33,000 residents and offers the feel of a traditional Midwest community without being completely isolated. The area provides affordable living costs, which helps explain why 96.05% of students come from in-state. Students get outdoor recreation opportunities with several lakes and parks nearby, plus easy highway access to Michigan's major job markets. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Jackson College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Jackson, Michigan 49201-8399

Jackson Community College George L. Potter Center

Jackson Community College Clyde LeTarte Center, Hillsdale

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $36,898
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,742
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $147/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $13,875

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Jackson College?

Jackson College operates with an open admission policy as a community college, meaning qualified applicants are generally accepted. The school serves 3,563 students with 96% coming from Michigan, making it highly accessible to local residents seeking affordable higher education.

How much does Jackson College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Jackson College is $7,657 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,242 after aid, while the median debt load of $13,875 keeps borrowing manageable for graduates.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Jackson College?

Jackson College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors. The school operates on a semester calendar system and focuses on career preparation and transfer pathways for its predominantly local student body.

What are the graduation rates at Jackson College?

Jackson College has a 17% six-year graduation rate and 16.79% four-year graduation rate. These rates reflect the school's role as a community college serving many part-time students, working adults, and those transferring to four-year institutions before completing degrees.

Where do students live at Jackson College?

Jackson College offers on-campus housing for 398 students in this rural-fringe Michigan setting. With room and board costing $11,310, most of the 3,563 enrolled students likely commute from the surrounding Jackson area.

Does Jackson College offer athletic scholarships?

Jackson College provides $280,349 in athletic scholarships across 13 varsity sports for 162 total athletes competing as the Jets. The school participates in NCCAA athletics, giving student-athletes opportunities to compete while pursuing their education at this accessible Michigan institution.