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$2,736Tuition
7,736Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$39,449Earnings
Public2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Washtenaw Community College

The Wolves serve 7,736 students in Michigan's college town, making this one of the state's larger community colleges. Washtenaw has built a solid reputation for transfer programs that feed into University of Michigan and other four-year schools, plus career training that connects directly to southeastern Michigan's job market. The college operates on a trimester system, allowing students to accelerate their progress or spread coursework across the year.

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,431 after aid, while those from higher-income families face steeper costs up to $11,161. Graduates earn a median of $39,449 ten years out, which provides solid returns on the typical debt load of $13,310. Monthly loan payments average $141, making this an affordable path to career training or university transfer. Only 16.57% of students take federal loans, suggesting many pay as they go.

The student body reflects the area's diversity, with 17.90% Black students and strong representation across racial groups. Nearly all students come from in-state, creating a local community feel. The 30.30% six-year completion rate is typical for community colleges, where many students transfer before finishing or attend part-time while working.

Academics & Faculty

Washtenaw Community College serves as a major academic gateway in southeastern Michigan, with nearly 7,800 students pursuing both transfer degrees and career certifications. The college operates on a trimester system that allows students to accelerate their progress. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, classes remain manageable despite the large enrollment. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer to four-year universities before completing associate degrees. WCC is particularly known for its strong partnerships with the University of Michigan and other state universities, making it a popular stepping stone for students seeking affordable college credits. The college also offers robust career training programs in healthcare, automotive technology, and skilled trades.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
27.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.3%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,449

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection. Associate $64,493
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $54,331
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Certificate $51,792
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $42,682
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Associate $41,565
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $40,896
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $40,467
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Certificate $36,131
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Associate $33,281
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. Associate $32,925

View all 91 programs →

Campus Life

Washtenaw Community College sits in Ann Arbor, just minutes from the University of Michigan campus. The 234-acre suburban campus serves 7,736 students who commute from across southeastern Michigan. Nearly all students (97.33%) come from in-state, creating a tight-knit local community feel.

Students bundle up for Michigan winters that stretch into March, with snow boots as essential as textbooks. The trimester system keeps momentum high year-round. With no on-campus housing, campus life revolves around classes, study groups, and club activities during weekday hours. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally.

Weekends often mean heading home or exploring Ann Arbor's college town atmosphere. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, contributing to the 92.5% employment rate. The campus culture emphasizes practical goals over traditional college traditions. Students here are focused on either transferring to four-year universities or jumping into careers with their two-year degrees. Social connections happen more in classrooms and hallways than at big campus events.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Trimester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1965

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
17°–31°F
July Avg
62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
37.6"
Annual Snowfall
-720.4"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at Washtenaw Community College come from Michigan, drawing heavily from the Detroit metro area and surrounding counties. The student body reflects the working-class communities it serves, with over a quarter receiving Pell Grants for financial need. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and business programs. The diverse racial makeup mirrors southeastern Michigan's demographics. Most students work while attending classes, balancing education with family and job responsibilities as they pursue either career certificates or transfer preparation to four-year universities.
Men
45.2%
Women
54.9%
White
59.2%
Black
17.9%
Hispanic
8.0%
Asian
3.2%
In-State Students
97.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
26.9%

Location

Washtenaw Community College sits in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sharing the city with the University of Michigan. The college serves 7,736 students in one of the Midwest's top college towns. Ann Arbor lies about 45 miles west of Detroit, placing students within reach of internships and job opportunities in the automotive capital. The area combines small-town charm with big university energy. Nearly 98% of students come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local educational center. The trimester calendar system keeps students engaged year-round in this active academic community. Tree-lined streets and numerous coffee shops create the classic college town atmosphere that defines southeastern Michigan. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Washtenaw Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105-4800
Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College Health & Fitness Center
Washtenaw Community College Health & Fitness Center
Washtenaw Community College campus
Washtenaw Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$39,449
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,863
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,900
Loan Repayment Rate
31.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$141/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,310

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Washtenaw Community College?

Washtenaw Community College operates as an open-enrollment institution, meaning virtually all applicants who meet basic requirements are accepted. The college serves 7,736 students and maintains a 97.33% in-state student population, reflecting its mission as a local educational resource for southeastern Michigan residents.

How much does Washtenaw Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $3,561 after aid, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,431, while those earning over $110,000 pay $11,161, making this one of the most affordable higher education options in Michigan.

What academic programs is Washtenaw Community College known for?

The college operates on a trimester system and maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Known for strong transfer programs and career training, it serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly with technical skills.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Washtenaw Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 30.30%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates achieve a 92.5% employment rate with median earnings of $39,449 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating strong workforce preparation.

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

The college sits in Ann Arbor, a large suburban setting that benefits from the university town atmosphere created by the University of Michigan. With 54.85% women and 45.15% men, the student body reflects the diverse demographics of southeastern Michigan, including 59.15% white and 17.90% Black students.

Does Washtenaw Community College offer good financial aid options?

Only 26.86% of students receive federal financial aid, and just 2.16% receive institutional grants averaging $5,653. The low aid percentage reflects the college's already affordable tuition of $2,736 for in-state students, with typical monthly loan payments of just $141 for those who do borrow.