- The mission of Southwestern Michigan College is to be the college of first choice for students who have a choice, the college that provides the programs and services to meet the needs of students with limited choices, and the college that serves our community.
School Highlights
Southwestern Michigan College serves 2,162 students (41% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the state community college average of 19:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 40%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 2,162 students
- In-state tuition: $5,866
- Out-state tuition: $6,263
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 31%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 192 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Southwestern Michigan College
(MI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
192 staff
224 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Southwestern Michigan College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The Southwestern Michigan College diversity score of 0.50 is less than the state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,162 students
2,154 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
19:1
# Full-Time Students
878 students
878 students
# Part-Time Students
1,284 students
1,714 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
216 students
225 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
878 students
889 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,284 students
1,714 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
390 students
178 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
1%
4%
% Hispanic
2%
7%
% Black
12%
16%
% White
69%
60%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
7%
4%
% Non Resident races
n/a
2%
% Unknown races
7%
6%
Diversity Score
0.50
0.60
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.3208%
0.2881%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2071%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,700
$30,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,866 is more than the state average of $4,952. The in-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,263 is less than the state average of $6,896. The out-state tuition has declined by 12% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,866
$4,952
Out-State Tuition Fees
$6,263
$6,896
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
88%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,075
$11,704
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
98%
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- We offer small class sizes, ensuring you will receive significant personalized attention from your instructors. We have campuses conveniently located in Dowagiac and Niles - close to home and work. We also have academic support services that offer assistance every step of the way from the time you apply for admission to SMC to the completion of your degree and beyond. We have high quality transfer courses and curricula for students who wish to pursue their first two years of a four-year degree at SMC before transferring to a four-year college or university. Plus, SMC is committed to offering the highest quality academic experience at less than half the cost of most four-year colleges and universities. Southwestern Michigan College offers two-year transfer programs (Associate in Arts and Associate in Sciences degrees) and professional technical programs. In addition, students can now complete a bachelor's degree in one of six areas right on our campuses. Southwestern Michigan College offers many scholarships, including generous awards for academically talented students in the most recent high school class. Southwestern Michigan College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwestern Michigan College cost?
Southwestern Michigan College's tuition is approximately $5,866 for In-State students and $6,263 for Out-State students.
Recent Articles
Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.
A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
