About Lake Michigan College
Students pay an average net price of $11,209, with lower-income families paying less at $8,727. Graduates earn a median of $34,466 ten years after enrollment, while those who complete their programs quickly can earn $44,772 within one year. Most students graduate with manageable debt of $9,000 median, requiring monthly payments of just $95. The employment rate of 94.1% shows strong job placement success for graduates.
Women make up 60.41% of the student body at this Red Hawks campus. The college fields 9 varsity sports with 125 total athletes competing in NCCAA athletics. Only 17.85% of students receive federal aid, reflecting the college's affordability for working families. Campus housing accommodates 188 students, creating a close-knit residential experience for those who choose to live on campus.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 96.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,466
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,154 |
Campus Life
Winter coats are essential here. Lake Michigan creates heavy snow and bitter winds from November through March, while summers bring humid heat perfect for beach trips to nearby Warren Dunes. Students often work jobs alongside classes since 94.1% find employment. The Red Hawks compete in 9 varsity sports with 125 total athletes, giving the small campus some school spirit. With 94.62% of students from Michigan, most already know the area's rhythm of lake-effect weather and seasonal tourism. Weekend activities center around outdoor recreation when weather permits, though many students use the time for work or family commitments back home.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 188 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1946
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–33°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 84.5"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.6%
- Women
- 60.4%
- White
- 58.9%
- Black
- 13.6%
- Hispanic
- 13.3%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 94.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 17.9%
Location
- Address
- Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022-1899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,466
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,881
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 29.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $95/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lake Michigan College?
Lake Michigan College has open enrollment as a community college, meaning any student with a high school diploma or equivalent can be admitted. The school serves 1,811 students with a focus on providing accessible higher education to the southwestern Michigan region. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center.
How much does Lake Michigan College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,209 after aid, though this varies by income level. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,727 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $16,137. The relatively low debt burden shows in graduates' median debt of only $9,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lake Michigan College?
Lake Michigan College maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and workforce preparation through its various career and technical programs. Students benefit from direct access to instructors in this intimate learning environment.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Lake Michigan College?
Graduates achieve a strong 94.1% employment rate, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in workforce preparation. However, median earnings of $34,466 after 10 years reflect the reality of many two-year degree career paths. The college's focus on practical skills training helps students enter the job market quickly in southwestern Michigan.
Does Lake Michigan College offer on-campus housing?
The college provides limited on-campus housing with capacity for just 188 students out of its 1,811 total enrollment. Room and board costs $7,680 annually for those who live on campus. Most students commute from the surrounding Benton Harbor area and broader southwestern Michigan region.
What athletic programs does Lake Michigan College offer?
The Red Hawks compete in 9 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 125 total student-athletes participating. The college awards $229,320 in athletic scholarships annually, providing opportunities for student-athletes to reduce their education costs. Athletics serves as both a recruitment tool and community connection point for this rural-fringe institution.
