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$4,860Tuition
1,040Students
27%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$35,499Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Montcalm Community College

Montcalm Community College serves 1,040 students in rural Michigan, focusing on practical career preparation and workforce development. The college has built its reputation around hands-on training programs that connect directly to local industries. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention in small classes. The Centurions compete in seven varsity sports through the NCCAA, though athletics take a backseat to academics at this career-focused institution.

Students pay an average net price of $4,352 after financial aid, making this one of the most affordable college options in Michigan. Low-income families pay just $2,230 annually, while even higher-income students rarely pay more than $10,000. Graduates typically carry $16,500 in debt with monthly loan payments of $175. The investment pays off quickly, with median earnings reaching $45,335 just one year after graduation. An impressive 96.7% employment rate shows employers value the practical skills students develop here.

The student body is 64% female and draws entirely from Michigan residents. Only 26.9% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the reality that many attend part-time while working. The college prioritizes getting students into the workforce quickly rather than pushing traditional academic timelines.

Academics & Faculty

Montcalm Community College serves as a gateway institution for students seeking affordable career training and transfer preparation. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes typical of rural community colleges. With a 26.90% six-year graduation rate, the school reflects the challenges many community college students face while juggling work and family responsibilities. MCC focuses heavily on workforce development programs that align with local industry needs in mid-Michigan. The college offers traditional liberal arts transfer courses alongside career-focused programs in areas like manufacturing, healthcare support, and business. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and strong connections to regional employers who actively recruit from the college's programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
61.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
26.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,499

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $56,022
Accounting and Related Services. Associate $29,141
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Certificate $25,194
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. Certificate $21,508
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $20,921
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $16,169

View all 58 programs →

Campus Life

Montcalm Community College sits in Sidney, a small Michigan town about 50 miles northeast of Grand Rapids. Women make up 64.13% of the 1,040-student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. You'll definitely need a winter coat here - Michigan's rural areas see heavy snow and freezing temperatures from December through March.

The campus serves as a local center in this farming community. With 100% of students coming from in-state and most commuting from nearby towns, parking lots fill up by 8 AM and empty by late afternoon. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely. Only 45 students participate in the seven varsity sports programs, so athletic culture stays low-key.

Weekends tend to be quiet since most students head home or work part-time jobs. The nearest major entertainment lies in Grand Rapids, requiring a drive through rural farmland. Students often gather at local diners or attend community events. With a 96.7% employment rate after graduation, many students balance classes with jobs at local businesses or healthcare facilities.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1965

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
12°–31°F
July Avg
56°–84°F
Annual Precipitation
36.7"
Annual Snowfall
72.9"

Student Demographics

Montcalm serves the rural farming communities of central Michigan, drawing students who want to stay close to home while building practical skills. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting strong programs in healthcare, education, and human services that traditionally attract female students. The college serves as an economic ladder for working-class families in this agricultural region. Nearly 30% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making higher education accessible to lower-income residents. The entirely in-state student body demonstrates Montcalm's deep roots in local workforce development.
Men
35.9%
Women
64.1%
White
72.9%
Black
0.9%
Hispanic
3.8%
Asian
0.5%
In-State Students
100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.4%

Location

Montcalm Community College sits in Sidney, Michigan, about 30 miles northeast of Grand Rapids. The campus serves a rural area in the heart of Michigan's lower peninsula. With 100% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from local farming and small-town communities. Sidney itself has fewer than 1,000 residents and represents the kind of close-knit rural setting where agriculture and small manufacturing drive the economy. The surrounding Montcalm County landscape features rolling farmland, woodlots, and small lakes typical of central Michigan. Students get a genuine small-town college experience with the practical benefits of staying close to home. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Montcalm Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Sidney, Michigan 48885-9723

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$35,499
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,840
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$26,500
Loan Repayment Rate
45.9%
Monthly Loan Payment
$175/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Montcalm Community College?

As a community college, Montcalm maintains open enrollment for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 1,040 students in Sidney, Michigan's rural setting. This accessibility makes it a popular starting point for students seeking affordable higher education in mid-Michigan.

How much does Montcalm Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,352 after aid, with in-state tuition listed at $4,860. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,230 net price. The school keeps costs manageable for working-class families in this rural Michigan community.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Montcalm Community College?

The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. This close-knit academic environment helps students who need extra support in their studies. The intimate setting reflects the school's commitment to hands-on learning in technical and transfer programs.

What are employment outcomes like for Montcalm Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 96.7% employment rate, showing strong job market success in the region. However, the median earnings of $35,499 ten years after enrollment reflect the rural economy and technical focus. Many students use Montcalm as a stepping stone to four-year universities or local workforce opportunities.

Where is Montcalm Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Sidney, Michigan, a rural-distant setting that creates a tight community feel. With 64.13% female enrollment and seven varsity sports teams, the Centurions compete in NCCAA athletics. The small-town atmosphere appeals to students who prefer personal connections over big-city anonymity.

Does Montcalm Community College have a high graduation rate?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 26.90%, which is typical for community colleges where many students transfer before completing degrees. Students often use Montcalm to earn credits affordably before transferring to four-year institutions. The college founded in 1965 has built strong transfer partnerships throughout Michigan.