- 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 1,756 students (41% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the state community college average of 14:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the state average of 86%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 1,756 students
- In-state tuition: $5,866
- Out-state tuition: $6,263
- Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
- Minority enrollment: 96%
- 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
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
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 declined by 17% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 has decreased from 11:1 over five years.
The Southwestern Michigan College diversity score of 0.52 is less than the state average of 0.64. The school's diversity has grown by 6% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,756 students
2,074 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
14:1
# Full-Time Students
726 students
726 students
# Part-Time Students
1,030 students
1,348 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
142 students
298 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
726 students
737 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,030 students
1,287 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
390 students
178 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
3%
% Asian
11%
14%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
6%
6%
% White
4%
14%
% Hawaiian
67%
56%
% Two or more races
10%
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
n/a
% Unknown races
n/a
2%
Diversity Score
0.52
0.64
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2861%
0.2325%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2287%
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 6% 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 6% 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: 2023 (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.
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