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Rural Colleges in Michigan

14 schools in Michigan. See our methodology.

Rural Michigan colleges serve 22,000 students across 14 institutions with net prices spanning from $529 to $21,158 annually. Spring Arbor University stands out with its 59.9% graduation rate and $51,732 median earnings, while community colleges dominate the market with more affordable options. Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College offers the lowest net cost at $529 but faces challenges with a 9.1% completion rate. These schools prepare students for Michigan's evolving economy, where traditional automotive manufacturing meets growing healthcare and technology sectors. Delta College enrolls the most students at 6,061, reflecting strong demand for workforce training programs. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship helps reduce costs for qualifying students attending these institutions. Community colleges like Monroe County and West Shore maintain solid graduation rates above 30% while keeping net prices under $8,000. Many programs align with regional employers including Ford, General Motors, and emerging tech companies establishing operations throughout the state.
14
Schools
$8,239
Avg. Net Price
$37,316
Avg. Earnings
27.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in Michigan

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Fringe 990 $20,899 59.9%
2 Rural-Distant 577 $7,930 36.6%
3 Rural-Fringe 1,484 $5,261 31.4%
4 Rural-Distant 651 $1,335 30.3%
5 Rural-Fringe 1,396 $6,463 27.3%
6 Rural-Distant 1,040 $4,352 26.9%
7 Rural-Distant 531 $4,282 30.4%
8 Rural-Distant 965 $9,615 25.9%
9 Rural-Fringe 1,811 $11,209 22.2%
10 Rural-Fringe 6,061 $4,550 16.8%
11 Rural-Fringe 2,002 $10,100 17.9%
12 Rural-Fringe 3,563 $7,657 17.4%
13 Rural-Remote 147 $529 9.1%
14 Rural-Distant 918 $21,158 37.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Spring Arbor University different from other rural Michigan colleges?

Spring Arbor University achieves a 59.9% graduation rate and $51,732 median earnings, significantly higher than other rural options. With 990 students and a 47.3% acceptance rate, it offers a more selective experience while maintaining relatively small class sizes compared to community colleges in the region.

How affordable are Michigan's rural community colleges?

Net prices range from $529 at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College to $11,209 at Lake Michigan College. Most community colleges cost under $8,000 annually, with West Shore Community College at $1,335 and Delta College at $4,550 representing strong value options.

Where do graduates from these schools typically work?

Median earnings range from $22,340 to $51,732 across the 14 institutions. Many graduates join Michigan's automotive sector with companies like GM and Ford, while others enter growing healthcare and technology fields. Community college programs often lead directly to local employment opportunities.

Is the graduation rate concerning at rural Michigan colleges?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 9.1% to 59.9%. Community colleges typically see rates between 16% and 37%, which reflects their open-access mission and part-time student populations. Spring Arbor University's 59.9% rate demonstrates what's possible with more traditional full-time students.

Does enrollment size affect student outcomes at these schools?

Delta College enrolls 6,061 students with a 16.8% graduation rate, while smaller institutions like Glen Oaks Community College serve 577 students with a 36.6% completion rate. Smaller colleges often achieve better graduation rates, though large institutions may offer more program variety.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.