About Kirtland Community College
Kirtland Community College serves 965 students in Michigan's northwoods, drawing from rural communities across the region. The college built its reputation around career and technical programs that prepare students for immediate employment in northern Michigan's outdoor recreation and service industries. All students come from within Michigan, creating a tight-knit community where everyone understands the challenges of rural life.
Students pay an average net price of $9,615 after financial aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $7,115. Graduates earn a median of $35,831 ten years after starting college, while carrying manageable debt loads of $13,067. The monthly loan payment of $139 reflects the college's focus on keeping education affordable for working-class families. With an employment rate of 91.8%, most graduates find work quickly in their chosen fields.
The student body is predominantly female at 66.63%, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health science and human services programs. Only 32 students live on campus, as most commute from nearby towns and rural areas. The college fields seven varsity sports with just 40 total athletes, creating opportunities for students who might not compete at larger schools. The 25.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working.
Students pay an average net price of $9,615 after financial aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $7,115. Graduates earn a median of $35,831 ten years after starting college, while carrying manageable debt loads of $13,067. The monthly loan payment of $139 reflects the college's focus on keeping education affordable for working-class families. With an employment rate of 91.8%, most graduates find work quickly in their chosen fields.
The student body is predominantly female at 66.63%, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's health science and human services programs. Only 32 students live on campus, as most commute from nearby towns and rural areas. The college fields seven varsity sports with just 40 total athletes, creating opportunities for students who might not compete at larger schools. The 25.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working.
Academics & Faculty
Kirtland Community College focuses on career and technical training programs that prepare students for northern Michigan's workforce. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in small classes typical of rural community colleges. However, only 25.90% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face balancing education with other responsibilities. The college serves as a stepping stone for students seeking practical skills in trades, healthcare support, and business. Many programs connect directly to local employment opportunities in tourism, healthcare, and skilled trades. Students benefit from hands-on training designed for immediate job placement rather than transfer to four-year universities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 25.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,831
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $54,894 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Certificate | $39,585 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $39,369 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $29,685 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,822 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $22,710 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $22,329 |
Campus Life
The campus sits in Michigan's north woods, about 200 miles from Detroit and 90 miles south of the Mackinac Bridge. With only 32 housing spots for 965 students, just 3% live on campus. Most commute from small towns across northern Michigan's forested region. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, making heavy coats essential for the long season.
The rural setting means weekends often involve outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling rather than city nightlife. With 17 students per faculty member, classes stay small and personal. The student body is 67% women and entirely in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community feel. Seven varsity sports teams compete in the NCCAA, with just 40 total athletes across all programs. The $9,900 room and board cost reflects the area's low cost of living. Students typically work part-time jobs in Grayling or surrounding communities while pursuing two-year degrees in career-focused programs that prepare them for Michigan's rural economy.
The rural setting means weekends often involve outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling rather than city nightlife. With 17 students per faculty member, classes stay small and personal. The student body is 67% women and entirely in-state residents, creating a tight-knit community feel. Seven varsity sports teams compete in the NCCAA, with just 40 total athletes across all programs. The $9,900 room and board cost reflects the area's low cost of living. Students typically work part-time jobs in Grayling or surrounding communities while pursuing two-year degrees in career-focused programs that prepare them for Michigan's rural economy.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 32 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1966
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–25°F
- July Avg
- 53°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 105.1"
Student Demographics
This small northern Michigan community college draws entirely from in-state students, reflecting its deep roots in the local region. Two-thirds of students are women, largely due to the college's strong nursing and health sciences programs that traditionally attract female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families from rural Michigan communities. The student body is predominantly white at 86%, mirroring the demographics of northern Michigan's small towns and rural areas where many students work in healthcare, trades, and local businesses after graduation.
- Men
- 33.4%
- Women
- 66.6%
- White
- 86.3%
- Black
- 4.0%
- Hispanic
- 3.8%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.4%
Location
Kirtland Community College sits in Grayling, Michigan, about 200 miles north of Detroit in the heart of Michigan's northern wilderness. The college draws 100% of its students from in-state, reflecting its deep roots in the local community. Grayling lies within the Au Sable River valley, surrounded by state forests that make it a center for outdoor recreation and logging industries. The town of roughly 1,800 residents swells with tourists during fishing and hunting seasons. With only 32 students living on campus out of 965 total enrollment, most students commute from surrounding rural areas. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Kirtland Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Grayling, Michigan 49738
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,831
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,325
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $139/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,067
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Kirtland Community College?
Kirtland Community College has an open admission policy typical of community colleges, serving 965 students in rural northern Michigan. The school draws 100% of its students from Michigan, focusing on providing accessible higher education to the local community.
How much does Kirtland Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,615 after aid, with in-state tuition at $4,980 annually. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median debt load is relatively modest at $13,067.
What academic programs is Kirtland Community College known for?
The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and focuses on career and technical programs suited to rural northern Michigan. Students can choose from various two-year programs designed to prepare them for immediate employment or transfer to four-year institutions.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Kirtland Community College?
Graduates have a 91.8% employment rate, though median earnings are $35,831 ten years after enrollment. The 25.9% six-year completion rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities.
Does Kirtland Community College have on-campus housing?
The college offers limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 32 students, reflecting its role as a local commuter school. Most of the 965 students live off-campus in the surrounding Grayling area.
What athletic opportunities are available at Kirtland Community College?
The college competes in the NCCAA with 7 varsity sports programs involving 40 total athletes. Athletic scholarships total $106,250, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small rural community.
