Southwestern Michigan College
About Southwestern Michigan College
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Southwestern Michigan College teaches in Dowagiac, in the southwestern corner of the state, and keeps dormitories, which few community colleges do. Nursing and business are its largest programs.
Founded
1964
Location
Dowagiac, Michigan
Students
1,431
Institution
Community College
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
37.7%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$6,417
Out-of-state: $8,394
Avg Net Price
$5,978
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$37,303
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
37.7% complete their degree within three years
Retention
57%
Transfer Out
18%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
32.1%
$/Student
$7.4K
Class Size
Medium
The 37.7% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$6,417
In-State
$8,394
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,825
Books & Supplies
$1,659
Total Cost of Attendance
$15,589
After Financial Aid
$5,978
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$5,134
Receive Grants
38.5%
Take Loans
16.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $15,589/yr, including $10,825 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $5,978.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Southwestern Michigan College fund their education.
While in School
38.5%
Get Grants
Free money
16.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$29,285
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$10,959
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$116/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The median debt is just $10,959, and less than 0% of graduates default on their loans. Students here leave with very manageable financial obligations.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Southwestern Michigan College.
Gender
61.6%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,431
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
N/A
Graduates
41.4%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
21%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 41.4% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Rural: Fringe
Campus Quick Facts
1,431
Students
community
Institution
Small
Campus Size
N/A
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
No
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
No
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Southwestern Michigan College fields 4 varsity teams with 85 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NJCAA
Division II
Conference
Not reported
Only collected for NCAA and NAIA teams
Varsity Sports
4
Biggest: Wrestling
Student Athletes
85
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
50
Men
35
Women
3
Men's Teams
3
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Southwestern Michigan Collegeearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$37,303
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$22K
69 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$64K
40 grads
1yr Earnings
Business/Commerce, General
—
18 grads
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
15 grads
Psychology, General
—
9 grads
Design and Applied Arts
—
8 grads
Median earnings are $37K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Southwestern Michigan College
How much does Southwestern Michigan College cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Southwestern Michigan College?▾
How much do Southwestern Michigan College graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.