Best Community Colleges in Michigan

Michigan is the 10th-most populous and the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the nation. Community colleges in Michigan offer affordable and flexible programs in both part-time and full-time settings. Manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture are three of Michigan’s major industries, and the state is home to automobile giants like General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford. Michigan also boasts the largest state forest system in the U.S. and offers plenty of natural, recreational, and social opportunities to its citizens.

This guide highlights some of the best community colleges in Michigan in terms of education quality, affordability, and other important factors.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Thirty-one community colleges in Michigan offer two-year associate degrees. Three of those schools also operate as four-year institutions. The majority of the students who attend these community colleges take classes on a part-time basis.

As of 2018, approximately 58% of public community college students in Michigan received financial aid, while 34% received federal grants and 24% received state allowances. Prospective students looking to reduce out-of-pocket expenses can apply for various types of financial assistance.

Unfortunately, Michigan was among the most adversely impacted states at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the state’s economy rebounded, showing the third-highest GDP growth out of all 50 states during the second fiscal quarter of 2021.

Michigan is one of the more affordable places to live in the U.S., with an average cost of living roughly 9% below the national average. Additionally, by some metrics, the average housing costs in Michigan are only 65% of the national average. However, housing costs can vary widely by location. For example, renting a house in the suburbs can cost half as much as renting a home in downtown Ann Arbor. In contrast, transportation costs in Michigan are roughly 15% higher than the national average.

Michigan features the world’s largest open art competition and various cultural festivals. The state houses lively urban districts and plenty of natural wonders to explore. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan is known for recreational activities like swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and diving.

Michigan residents experience a continental climate, although the Upper Peninsula is cooler. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 20-83 degrees. The weather is often partly cloudy. The hottest month is July, while the wettest and coldest months are May and January, respectively.

Although the unemployment rate in Michigan improved significantly in recent months, it still lags behind the national average (5.9% vs. 4.2%, as of November 2021). Some industries have been slow to recover, although short-term projections from the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiativespoint to healthcare, construction, and transportation as fields that should see growth in the coming months.

These professionals help lawyers prepare for cases by conducting research and gathering facts. They may also help prepare courtroom documents and keep legal materials organized. Paralegals and legal assistants must have a good eye for detail and communicate clearly.

These assistants help patients carry out treatment plans. They may be responsible for recording vitals and keeping certain medical records up to date. An associate degree is the most common academic requirement for this career. Workers may also need to be licensed, depending on their state.

Diagnostic medical sonographers use soundwaves and imaging equipment to create images of the body’s internal organs and tissues. Sonographers primarily work in hospitals and diagnostic labs. They help doctors and physicians assess and treat various medical conditions.

These technicians work in the dental field, primarily making and repairing dental appliances, such as dentures. Although some of these positions may be available without a postsecondary education, earning an associate degree can improve a worker’s job prospects. Depending on where they work, dental laboratory technicians may also need an occupational license.

Respiratory therapists examine and assist patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary problems. These therapists work with patients of all ages. Creating effective therapy plans is another key task for these professionals.