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$6,990Tuition
2,781Students
31%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$36,549Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Muskegon Community College

Muskegon Community College serves 2,781 students in this Lake Michigan port city, building careers through hands-on training and university transfer programs. The college has operated since 1926, establishing strong connections with local employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades. Students choose between direct workforce entry or seamless transfer to four-year universities. Nearly 98% of students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

The financial picture works strongly in students' favor. After aid, students pay an average net price of $5,196, with low-income families paying just $3,903. Graduates earn a median of $36,549 ten years after starting, while carrying only $9,125 in debt with monthly payments of $97. The employment rate hits 95.4%, reflecting strong job placement in the region's diverse economy.

The Jayhawks compete in 19 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 201 total athletes. Women make up 59% of enrollment, and the student-faculty ratio of 17:1 allows for personal attention. Only 6% of students take federal loans, and the 35% loan repayment rate suggests graduates can handle their modest debt loads while launching careers in this practical, workforce-focused environment.

Academics & Faculty

Muskegon Community College serves as a career training center and transfer gateway for students seeking affordable pathways to four-year degrees. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to instructors, though the 30.70% graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and studies. Students benefit from strong employment outcomes, with 95.4% finding work after completing programs. The college offers robust career-focused training in healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades that align with West Michigan's industrial economy. Transfer students can complete general education requirements at a fraction of university costs before moving to four-year institutions, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious families.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,549

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $55,625
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $39,369
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $19,929

View all 55 programs →

Campus Life

Muskegon sits along Lake Michigan's eastern shore, about 40 miles northwest of Grand Rapids. With 2,781 students and a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, the campus feels intimate but not cramped. Nearly 98% of students come from Michigan, creating a tight-knit community where you'll likely know faces across campus.

Winter coats are essential here. Lake-effect snow can dump several feet between November and March, while summers bring perfect beach weather. Since this is a commuter campus with no residence halls, most students drive to classes and head home afterward. The 59% female student body reflects the college's strong nursing and allied health programs.

Weekends often revolve around the lake. Students hit the beaches, dunes, and trails when weather permits. The Jayhawks field 19 varsity sports with 201 total athletes, drawing modest but loyal crowds. Downtown Muskegon offers breweries, restaurants, and the historic Frauenthal Theater. Many students work part-time jobs around the area, with the 95.4% employment rate reflecting strong local connections. The monthly loan payment averages just $97, keeping debt manageable for working students.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1926

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–32°F
July Avg
62°–81°F
Annual Precipitation
35.1"
Annual Snowfall
87.2"

Student Demographics

Muskegon Community College draws almost entirely from Michigan, with 98% of students staying close to home. This reflects the school's role as a local workforce pipeline and transfer center for west Michigan residents. Women make up 59% of enrollment, likely drawn to the college's strong healthcare and education programs. The student body is predominantly white at 73%, with growing Black and Hispanic populations each representing about 9% of campus. Nearly three in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training and university transfer options.
Men
40.9%
Women
59.1%
White
72.5%
Black
9.2%
Hispanic
9.4%
Asian
1.3%
In-State Students
97.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
28.3%

Location

Muskegon Community College sits in Muskegon, Michigan, a small lakefront city of about 38,000 people along Lake Michigan's eastern shore. The campus is roughly 40 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, the state's second-largest city. Muskegon built its identity around lumber and manufacturing but has evolved into a recreational center with miles of sandy beaches and dune parks. The college draws 97.85% of its 2,781 students from within Michigan, reflecting its role as a local institution serving the greater Muskegon area. The lakefront setting provides outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, from summer beach activities to winter sports. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Muskegon Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Muskegon, Michigan 49442-1432
Muskegoncommunitycollege
Muskegoncommunitycollege

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$36,549
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,371
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$27,100
Loan Repayment Rate
35.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$97/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,125

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Muskegon Community College?

Muskegon Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 2,781 students and focuses on providing accessible education to the local community. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center.

How much does Muskegon Community College cost after financial aid?

Students at Muskegon Community College pay an average net price of $5,196 after financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,903 on average, while in-state tuition runs $6,990 before aid. The college keeps costs manageable with graduates carrying a median debt of only $9,125.

What academic programs is Muskegon Community College known for?

Muskegon Community College specializes in career training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in both technical programs and general education courses. Students can choose from programs designed either for immediate workforce entry or seamless transfer to complete bachelor's degrees.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Muskegon Community College?

Graduates of Muskegon Community College achieve a 95.4% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. The median earnings reach $36,549 ten years after enrollment, with graduates making monthly loan payments of just $97. The college's focus on practical career training helps students enter the job market quickly and with manageable debt.

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

The college sits in Muskegon, Michigan, a small city setting along Lake Michigan's eastern shore. With 59% women and 41% men among the 2,781 students, the campus maintains a close-knit community feel. The Jayhawks compete in 19 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 201 total athletes receiving $168,400 in athletic scholarships.

How long does it take to complete a degree at Muskegon Community College?

The six-year graduation rate at Muskegon Community College stands at 30.7%, which reflects the diverse paths students take through their programs. Many students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing their associate degrees. Founded in 1926, the college has long served students who balance education with work and family responsibilities.