Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids Community College is a public university in Grand Rapids, MI earning an overall grade of Unranked, and enrolling about 10,530 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Criminal Justice and Corrections and Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 20:1 student-faculty ratio. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $11,153, about $5,845 less than the national median. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $35,623. That's about $8,065 below national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Grand Rapids Community College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Grand Rapids Community College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Program Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $4,059 |
| Books and Supplies | $616 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $16,255 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 26.6% of Grand Rapids Community College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $9,228 to $15,347 depending on family income. Use Grand Rapids Community College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,418/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,347/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $35,623
- 10-Year Median Earnings $38,377
- Average Years to Graduate 2.0 years
- Average Student Debt $5,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 36.5%
- Employment Rate Not reported
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Grand Rapids Community College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Grand Rapids Community College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Grand Rapids Community College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Grand Rapids Community College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 10,530
- Full-Time Students 32.7%
- Part-Time Students 67.3%
- Retention Rate Not reported
- Graduation Rate Not reported
- Student-Faculty Ratio 20:1
How to Get Into Grand Rapids Community College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Grand Rapids Community College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Grand Rapids Community College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Grand Rapids Community College undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 53.4%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.5%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 5.3%
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians 3.4%
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions 3.1%
- Culinary Arts and Related Services 2.6%
See more majors
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing 2.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 2.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Associate Degree Programs
- 1. Criminal Justice and Corrections $72,220
- 2. Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians $70,622
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $70,523
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $60,462
- 5. Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants $55,029
- 6. Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications $54,214
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $50,096
- 8. Precision Metal Working $50,089
- 9. Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians $49,865
- 10. Electrical and Power Transmission Installers $48,229
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Criminal Justice and Corrections grads earn $72,220—50% more than Electrical and Power Transmission Installers ($48,229). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Grand Rapids Community College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 96 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degree, 89 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degree, 46 graduates)
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 45 graduates)
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 44 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (20 programs)▼
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
- Precision Metal Working
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies
- Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies
- Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians
- Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Physical Science Technologies/Technicians
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 10,530
- Full-Time Students 32.7%
- Part-Time Students 67.3%
- Male Students 45.2%
- Female Students 54.8%
- Caucasian 58.4%
- Asian 3.6%
- Hispanic 18.5%
- Black 10.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 26.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Grand Rapids Community College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Grand Rapids Community College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Our Take
Grand Rapids Community College serves as an affordable community college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Unranked with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $11,153 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $35,623 median earnings. Graduation rate data is not reported for this community college. Retention data is not available.
Community College Value: Grand Rapids Community College's Strengths
Unranked with a Unranked grade, Grand Rapids Community College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Community Colleges like Grand Rapids Community College excel at providing affordable education ($11,153 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Available data trail elite universities but align with typical community college performance. Career outcomes ($35,623 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Grand Rapids Community College and $11,153 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- Median earnings of $35,623 run about 18% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $11,153 is roughly $5,965 lower than the national median of $17,118.
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps advising personal and discussion-sized.
Helpfulness for Students
- 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Career coaching and alumni mentoring help learners convert classes into early job offers.
- Pell participation at 26.6% trails the national share by 12.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Grand Rapids Community College is a public university based in Grand Rapids, MI and earns a Unranked overall grade. Category results include Completion (Unranked), Support (Unranked), Career Outcomes (Unranked), and Affordability (Unranked).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $11,153 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $16,255.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $5,102 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $5,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 26.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $35,623 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 18% lower.
Employment figures are not reported, so explore departmental job placement stories.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Grand Rapids Community College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address 143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295
- Website www.grcc.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$14.9M