Best Community Colleges in Michigan

Michigan is best known for its agriculture and automobile industries, but it also has outstanding higher education opportunities. Michigan is known for its hard working residents, and a large chunk of that workforce consists of students graduating from the best community colleges in Michigan.

Whether you’re looking for a pathway to a four-year institution, hands-on training to enter a technical job, or just an affordable education after high school, there’s a school in Michigan for you. This article highlights the top 10 community colleges in the state, including the best online community colleges in Michigan and the best accounting programs.

How We Defined Michigan Community College Rankings

A good community college lays a foundation for higher learning or access to the professional sector. We ranked the schools below based on the opportunities to academic excellence they provide and other factors that contribute to an amazing college experience. These include affordable and even free tuition, transfer options, career services, programs of study, scheduling options, and graduation rate.

The Top 10 Community Colleges in Michigan

1. Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC)
2. Washtenaw Community College (WCC)
3. Delta College
4. North Central Michigan College (NCMC)
5.  Kellogg Community College (KCC)
6. Montcalm Community College (MCC)
7. Lansing Community College (LCC)
8. Gogebic Community College (GCC)
9. Glen Oaks Community College (GOCC)
10. Bay College

The Best Community Colleges in Michigan: Explained

1. Kalamazoo Valley Community College

KVCC is an accredited, two-year college offering more than 50 academic degree programs to over 10,000 students. KVCC has four campuses in the Kalamazoo area. The college has a 53% transfer rate for students who choose to head to a four-year school, a 1:23 teacher-student ratio, affordable tuition rates, and many extracurricular student groups.

Best Kalamazoo Valley Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in Accounting
• Associate Degree in Elementary Education, Transfer
• Associate Degree in Health Sciences and General Studies
• Associate Degree in Chemical Technology
• Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, Transfer

2. Washtenaw Community College

WCC is a premier public college that enrolls over 18,000 students annually in credit and noncredit courses. WCC is located in the cultural hub of Ann Arbor, which is known for its education system. The college sits on a 285-acre compound with state-of-the-art buildings and technology-enabled facilities. The school prides itself on a diverse student body, with students coming from more than 100 countries.

Best Washtenaw Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in Construction Technology
• Associate Degree in Health Administration
• Associate Degree in Nursing, Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse
• Associate Degree in Accounting
• Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity Operations

3. Delta College

Located in University Center, Delta College is a two-year college known for its innovative teaching and skilled faculty. It also has outstanding retention, transfer, and graduation rates. Prospective students can select from dozens of degree options. Plus, the school boasts excellent student services like counseling, career assistance, learning resources, and tutoring.

Best Delta College Programs

• Fast Track Certificate in Accounting
• Associate Degree in Automotive
• Associate Degree in Agricultural Technology
•  Associate Degree in Engineering, Transfer
• Associate Degree in Nursing – LPN to RN

4. North Central Michigan College

NCMC is renowned for its nursing and athletic programs. The school has 24 associate degree options and 39 certificate courses. It provides financial aid to 96 percent of freshman students with the help of the Michigan Reconnect program. Students also have the opportunity to transfer to Central Michigan University, Lake Superior State University, and Spring Arbor University.

Best North Central Michigan College Programs

• Associate Degree in Accounting
• Associate Degree in Business Management
• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Certificate in Manufacturing Technology

5. Kellogg Community College

Located in Battle Creek, KCC serves over 6,900 students in the towns of Albion, Coldwater, Hastings, and Battle Creek. Students can select from among 37 associate degrees, 25 certificate programs, 60 transfer degrees, and other noncredit classes. KCC’s vision prioritizes student success, innovation, and diversity.

Best Kellogg Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in Computer Programming
• Associate Degree in Accounting
• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Associate Degree in Law Enforcement

6. Montcalm Community College

Montcalm provides educational opportunities for students in any age bracket. At MCC, students  have access to occupational programs, transfer programs, dual enrollment high school programs, and technical degrees. The two-year college facilitates thousands of transfers to four-year schools through the Michigan Transfer Agreement.

Best Montcalm Community College Programs

• Associate Degree in Accounting
• Associate Degree in Education Support
• Associate Degree in Business Administration, Transfer
•  Associate Degree in Nursing, Transfer
• Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

7. Lansing Community College

Located at the heart of Michigan, LCC serves 23,000 students annually and offers a wide range of programs, along with career and workforce development education options. You can attend classes at one of five campuses, or enroll in online degree programs. LCC partners with Michigan’s Career Pathways program to connect high school students with higher learning opportunities.

Best Lansing Community College Programs

•  Associate Degree in Automotive Technologies
• Associate Degree in Child Development and Early Education
• Associate Degree in Computer Science
• Associate Degree in Agricultural Technology
• Certificate in Emergency Medical Services

8. Gogebic Community College

GCC was founded in 1932 and is among the oldest community colleges in Michigan. The institution is located in Ironwood but it has an extension site in Houghton. Students at the school can choose from a broad range of associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs to a four-year college.

The programs offered are in fields such as social sciences, business, education, liberal arts, and several vocational and technical programs. You can also choose to attend online courses if you’re too busy to travel to campus.

Best Gogebic Community College Programs

• Certificate in Automotive Technology
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Associate Degree in Manufacturing Technology
• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Certificate in Medical Coding/Billing

9. Glen Oaks Community College

Glen Oaks is located in southwest Michigan and offers a wide selection of academic programs, modern technology-enabled facilities, and resources that help foster academic excellence among students. It’s no surprise that the school also has a high retention rate.

Some of GOCC’s campus facilities include the Learning Commons, Tutoring and Testing Center, Distance Learning Center, and a modern Wellness Center.

Best Glen Oaks Community College Programs

• Certificate in Accounting
• Associate Degree in Agricultural Equipment Technology
• Certificate in Mechanized Irrigation
• Associate Degree in Nursing
• Certificate in Coding – Coding Specialist/Physician

10. Bay College

This two-year college dominates Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with its main campus and professional training center in Escanaba. Its second campus is in Iron Mountain, and it also has several clinic sites in the area.

At Bay College, students can choose from dozens of degree and certificate programs in eight career paths. The college offers affordable tuition rates and over 300 scholarships, plus access to Michigan Reconnect. As a bonus, the school also offers internship opportunities, academic advice, free tutoring, and on-campus housing.

Best Bay College Programs

• Certificate in Accounting
• Associate Degree in Automotive Management
• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Associate Degree in Public Administration

Other Michigan Community College Rankings

Michigan community colleges offer unique online courses and hybrid programs that cater to distance learners, working students, and students who prefer remote learning. Career Karma ranked the best online community colleges based on acceptance rate, graduation rate, flexibility, the technology, affordability, and the number of academic programs.

You will also explore the best accounting colleges in Michigan, one of the most sought-after courses in Michigan community colleges.

Best Online Community Colleges in Michigan

1. Washtenaw Community College. WCC is one of the best online community colleges in Michigan. It has 45 online degree programs, 200 courses, and 500 on-demand courses that are all taught 100 percent online.
2. Kirtland Community College. Kirtland Community College is a leading two-year institution for online classes in science. Scientifically-minded students can explore a wide selection of certificate and associate degree programs that include lab study.
3. Mid Michigan College. Mid Michigan College offers virtual students programs that consist of 50 to 100 percent online courses. These are taught via real-time virtual technologies, hybrid, and flexible modes of study. The public school also offers access to online academic advisors, an online store, an online library, and technical support.
4. Grand Rapids Community College. Grand Rapids Community College’s online program is focused on helping students reach their career goals through flexible course schedules, regardless of their location. Students attend online courses that include weekly assignments, discussions, and interactive quizzes.
5. Bay College. Bay College Is an outstanding online college that has over 90 courses and three fully online degrees such as an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Business Administration.

Best Community Colleges for Accounting in Michigan

1. Macomb Community College. Macomb’s accounting program equips students for entry-level positions through courses in business law, accounting principles, managerial accounting, computer accounting, and other accounting skills. These courses are available online and in-person.
2. Lansing Community College. LCC offers professional certificate and associate degrees for credit and noncredit accounting students. Students can sign up for courses in accounting, accounting CPA exam preparation, bookkeeping, and more.
3. Monroe County Community College. Monroe County college has an Associate of Applied Science degree with a concentration in accounting. The curriculum prepares you for careers in accounting departments at any firm. You will gain skills in business communication, accounting functions, and tax calculation.
4. Oakland Community College. Oakland offers two accounting programs. One is an Associate Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting and the other is a Certificate in General Accounting. Upon graduation, you can go on to a career in finance, insurance, bookkeeping, or manufacturing.
5. Alpena Community College. This college offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting, covering general, financial, managerial, and manufacturing accounting, as well as record keeping. The degree takes two years to complete, and the credits can also go toward a four-year degree if you transfer to a public university.

Should You Attend Community College in Michigan?

Yes. Michigan community colleges offer a variety of degrees that are available in all corners of the states, and even online. Plus, the state’s Reconnect Program means you can even attend your local community college for free or at a subsidized rate. Moreover, online programs mean you can attend college on a flexible schedule, including weekend classes, while continuing to work.

Best Michigan Community Colleges FAQ