Grand Rapids Community College

143 Bostwick Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Top-Ranked (2026): View Rankings
  • It is the mission of Grand Rapids Community College to provide the community with learning opportunities that enable people to achieve their goals.

School Highlights

Grand Rapids Community College serves 12,468 students (30% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 39:1 is higher than the state community college average of 33:1.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the state average of 40%.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 12,468 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,931
  • Out-state tuition: $8,571
  • Student-teacher ratio: 39:1
  • Minority enrollment: 40%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

Grand Rapids Community College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size

School Overview

The teacher population of 323 teachers has declined by 60% over five years.
Grand Rapids Community College
(MI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
323 staff
70 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of Grand Rapids Community College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 39:1 has increased from 16:1 over five years.
The Grand Rapids Community College diversity score of 0.59 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 27% over five years.
Total Enrollment
12,468 students
2,149 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
39:1
33:1
# Full-Time Students
3,754 students
889 students
# Part-Time Students
8,714 students
1,584 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
12,468 students
2,151 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,754 students
961 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
8,714 students
1,658 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
4%
3%
% Hispanic
18%
7%
% Black
10%
16%
% White
60%
60%
% Two or more races
4%
4%
% Unknown races
3%
8%
Diversity Score
0.59
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
19%
31%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$32,200
$30,700

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $5,931 is more than the state average of $4,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 24% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $8,571 is more than the state average of $6,808. The out-state tuition has declined by 26% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,931
$4,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$8,571
$6,808
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$9,650
$11,915
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,500
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Raiders
  • Grand Rapids Junior College (GRJC) was founded in 1914 by the Grand Rapids Board of Education after a resolution was passed by the University of Michigan's faculty which encouraged the establishment of junior colleges in Michigan. Today, GRCC's eight-block downtown campus includes several classroom buildings, a learning center and library, Spectrum Theater, the Applied Technology Center, a remodeled music building, a fieldhouse with natatorium, a student center (including the Diversity Learning Center), Bostwick Commons, and the state-of-the-art Calkins Science Center. An off-campus “Learning Corner” has been added to serve the East Hills and Eastown neighborhoods as well as the greater Grand Rapids Community. In addition, GRCC has two Michigan Technical Education Centers (M-TECs ® ) in West Michigan. The Patrick Thompson M-TEC ® , located in Holland, opened in Fall 2000 in partnership with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District. Its open entry/open exit instruction eliminates the need for students in manufacturing and industry-related occupational programs to conform to a traditional semester time frame. The Leslie E. Tassell M-TEC ® in Grand Rapids opened in 2002. This world-class facility offers training in manufacturing, auto service, and building and construction trades. In Fall 2004, more than 14,000 students enrolled in more than 1,600 liberal arts and occupational courses. The diverse student body represents students from Kent and surrounding counties as well as students from across the U.S. and 22 other nations. Another 10,000 learners are served by non-credit instructional opportunities. In addition to traditional classroom environments, students may also receive instruction through community and distant service-learning offerings, seminars, workshops, training classes, distance learning options and other educational formats. GRCC employs a faculty of more than 250 full-time and 350 part-time members as well as a staff of 650, all of whom are focused on the College's priorities to be student-centered, collaborative, and flexible. Throughout its 90-year history of academic excellence, GRCC has maintained a solid reputation as a premier transfer institution and is nationally recognized for both its liberal arts and occupational programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Grand Rapids Community College cost?
Grand Rapids Community College's tuition is approximately $5,931 for In-State students and $8,571 for Out-State students.
What is Grand Rapids Community College's ranking?
Grand Rapids Community College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Michigan for: Largest student body and Least debt for graduating students.
In what neighborhood is Grand Rapids Community College located?
Grand Rapids Community College is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI.

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Enrollment: 12,468 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,931
  • Out-state tuition: $8,571
  • Student-teacher ratio: 39:1
  • Minority enrollment: 40%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

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Did You Know?

For Michigan public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $4,915 per year for in-state students and $6,808 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $9,806 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Michigan is 76%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

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