Kirtland Community College

  • Kirtland Community College is the largest community college geographically in the state of Michigan covering approximately 2,500 square miles and servicing all of Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Roscommon counties and parts of five additional surrounding counties.  Kirtland has locations in Gaylord - MTEC and Grayling (our new Health Sciences Center, Michigan Forest Products Institute and the Kirtland Event Center), in addition to offering courses online.

School Highlights

Kirtland Community College serves 1,538 students (31% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 29%.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 1,538 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,190
  • Out-state tuition: $9,870
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
  • Minority enrollment: 15%
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Kirtland’s Esports Inaugural Fall Season Concludes with Thrilling Performances - 07/25/2024
    As the fall Esports season reaches its closure, Kirtland Community College's varsity athletes showcased their skills and determination across various titles, leaving a lasting, first, impression on the competitive gaming ...morescene. The athletes demonstrated their competitive capabilities in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Madden '24, and Overwatch 2 with their Tier 3 team consisting of students and staff. hide
  • Michigan Native Elected 8th President at Kirtland Community College - 07/25/2024
    During an evening session held on December 7, the Board of Trustees of Kirtland Community College unanimously endorsed the selection of Dr. Gary Roberts as the institution's 8th President.
  • Kirtland Community College and Munson Healthcare Forge Innovative Partnership, Paving the Way for Surgical Technology Students with Paid Clinical Studies and Accelerated Career Paths - 07/25/2024
    Kirtland Community College's Surgical Technology program has teamed up with Munson Healthcare to create a pipeline for students entering into the Surgical Technology program.
  • Kirtland Kickstart Program: An Initiative for Students Seeking Early Engagement in The College Experience - 07/25/2024
    Kirtland's Summer Kickstart Program gives incoming students an opportunity to refresh their math and English skills while getting to know their peers and the campus.
  • Continuing the Legacy: Kirtland Foundation Introduces the Bethany Ann Memorial Scholarship - 07/28/2023
    GRAYLING, Michigan (February 20, 2023) Announced by the Kirtland Foundation, The Bethany Ann Memorial Scholarship will begin taking applications for the annual fall semester endowment starting in March. Students ...morecurrently enrolled or wishing to attend Kirtland Community College for nursing may apply for the scholarship.
    "We have been personally moved by so many wonderful stories of the innumerable ways that mom [Bethany Ann Hubbard] established roots in and served the local community," said David Lawrence Hubbard Jr., son of Bethany Ann Hubbard. "Establishing this scholarship is the most profound way to honor her relentless caring and careless dedication to the nursing profession."
    Bethany Ann Hubbard began her career at Kirtland Community College in August 2003 as a part-time faculty member in the nursing program. In August 2009, Bethany Ann Hubbard changed from a part-time position to a full-time job in the nursing program. Then, after spending nearly ten years educating Kirtland`s nursing students, Bethany Ann Hubbard was named Director of Nursing in July 2013 and will hold the position till her retirement in December 2020.
    "Mom cherished her role as the Director of Nursing here at Kirtland," said Hubbard Jr.. "There are hundreds of nurses working in and around Northern Michigan who graduated from her program."
    Outside of providing local hospitals with nurses graduating from her program, Bethany Ann Hubbard was also very active in the healthcare industry. As one Kirtland Foundation board member mentioned, the effect of Bethany Ann Hubbard's hard work and dedication is still felt in the Grayling, Mich., community and surrounding communities.
    "Beth was an absolute asset to the Grayling community, and now her legacy will live on with the Bethany Ann Hubbard Scholarship," said Sheryl A. Coyne, owner/operator of Blarney Stone Broadcasting and a Kirtland Foundation board member. "Her contributions are still impacting the local community."
    The funds supporting this scholarship are provided to the Kirtland Foundation from Mrs. Hubbard's family in hopes that it will continue the legacy of educating future generations of caregivers. Additional funds were also collected by friends of the family and community members with hopes of growing the endowment annually.
    "Personally, I feel, besides the additional funding, it is providing someone the means to be able to go into a career in caring for people like Beth did," said Kirtland`s Director of Nursing Amy Polzin. "Any student that receives her [Bethany Ann Hubbard] scholarship should be honored to receive it. She meant a lot to the Nursing Program."
    Any student having a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher and actively enrolled or registered to begin taking courses in Kirtland`s nursing program can be eligible for the scholarship. Starting this fall semester, one applied student awardee will be allotted $1,000 annually. The scholarship will officially be open from March 20 May 28. Any eligible student wishing to apply for the scholarship can do so at Kirtland.edu/foundation/scholarship.
    "Beth will have an everlasting effect on the Kirtland Nursing Program. She had a passion for teaching and encouraging the students to be the best nurses they could be. Her caring and compassionate manner will always be felt here at Kirtland," said Polzin. "She truly cared about student success and giving all the students a chance to succeed."
    As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, the Kirtland Foundation raises money from private donors, local businesses, alumni, and more, then allocates funds through scholarships and grants to Kirtland Community College students and faculty, and staff. https://www.kirtland.edu/foundation/
    Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education, guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000
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  • Kirtland and SVSU Strengthen Current Partnership Focused on Providing Additional Pathways for Nursing Students - 07/28/2023
    GRAYLING, Michigan (April 11, 2023) Kirtland Community College in Grayling continues to increase pathways for nursing students wanting to obtain a bachelor`s degree in nursing by strengthening their partnership ...morewith Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU).
    Kirtland currently has an agreement with SVSU that creates pathways for nursing students working on their Associate`s Degree in Nursing (ADN) to concurrently work on their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) accredited by SVSU. Assisted by instructors from SVSU, Kirtland`s nursing program provides students a chance to gain their BSN degree from SVSU in as little as three years.
    "By having this partnership, we are opening the door for people to conveniently obtain a BSN," said Kirtland Community College President Dr. Thomas Quinn. "We are providing students who work and have obligations outside of academics a chance at obtaining their BSN when before that may have not been an option."
    Created to serve students attending a community college such as Kirtland, the partnership with SVSU provides additional pathways for those students who wanted to continue their education after completing their associate`s degree. Kirtland`s current partnership with SVSU also stands out as front runner in providing the medical profession with higher educated nurses in a field needing employees, and ultimately resulting in improved patient care.
    "Not only are we allowing a conveniently pathway, we are improving hospitals nursing care with higher skilled nursing staff," said Quinn.
    Beginning this fall, Kirtland and SVSU will be building onto their partnership to include:
    -an additional 3+1 ADN to BSN program
    -providing students with success coaches and tutoring options
    -hiring additional instructors to teach at Kirtland to minimize travel between campuses as students complete their degree.
    "These new additions to our partnership will allow students yet another avenue to obtain their BSN and provide additional resources for support," said Kirtland Community College Director of Nursing Amy Polzin. "This will only strengthen our already existing partnership as the students will have more than one option to obtain their BSN."
    The new 3+1 pathway program created by Kirtland and SVSU will allow students to focus on pre-requisites, ADN specific course work, and nursing licensure before taking BSN courses through SVSU.
    "This allows students to get our courses completed first, then frees them up to focus specifically on SVSU courses needed to finish their BSN degree," said Quinn. "A focus behind the new 3+1 BSN program is to further increase opportunities and chances for students to gain their degree by eliminating stress."
    With funds generated by a grant created by Michigan state leaders, focused on providing community colleges with opportunities to create pathways with universities for BSN programs, Kirtland will be adding additional staff, upscaling nursing facilities and equipment, provide professional development for current instructors, and creating scholarships to help students cover costs of courses. With these additions to the SVSU partnership, Kirtland will be able to now provide all necessary learning for a bachelor`s degree from SVSU at their Grayling campus.
    The partnership between Kirtland Community College and SVSU increases support, pathways, and facilities as the institutions partner to deliver excellence in nursing education, as well as excellence in the graduates their program provides to the medical profession as a whole.
    For more information contact Kirtland Community College`s Director of Nursing Amy Polzin at (989) 275-5000 Ext. 254 or amy.polzin@kirtland.edu
    Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000
    Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university offering more than 90 programs of study, including one of the largest undergraduate nursing programs in the Midwest. The university has maintained high standards of instruction and clinical preparation. In 2022, SVSU nursing students recorded a remarkable first-time pass rate of 92% on the national licensing exam (NCLEX), which nurses must pass to enter the nursing profession.
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  • Kirtland Automotive Technology Program Receives Generous Contributions from Local and State Partnerships - 07/28/2023
    GRAYLING, Michigan (July 10, 2023) Kirtland Community College's Automotive Technology Program received contributions and a donation of three late-model vehicles from their local and state-affiliated partnerships. These vehicles were acquired ...moreand provided to increase hands-on training with modern-day automotive technology.
    "These vehicles bring new technology to our lab," said Kirtland's Director of Automotive Technology Robert Oakes. "It is important to teach modern technology in the classroom, but it is imperative to be able to go into the lab where the students gain experience and confidence by putting their hands on it." Opening in Fall 2021, Kirtland's Automotive Technology program is housed in state-of-the-art facilities that provide students with everything they need to become master automotive technicians. With the additions of two Chevrolet cars purchased from Matt LaFontaine Automotive, a Spark and a Malibu, and a donation of one 2500 Dodge Ram pickup truck from Mopar CAP Local, Kirtland's automotive program continues to provide a 'second to none educational experience.
    "As automotive technology changes, it is important for Kirtland to keep our lab equipment up-to-date. Adding late model vehicles in our automotive program will help ensure our students get the hands-on experience they need to work in the industry," said Kirtland Community College Dean of Occupational Programs Barb Walden.
    As with other trade programs provided by Kirtland, Automotive Technology stays current with what is happening in the industry by partnering with local and state industry leaders. Local partner and sponsor Matt LaFontaine Automotive have been with the program since revealing the new automotive lab, named after the dealership's namesake. Matt LaFontaine Automotive has continued to support the program with contributions and support, such as the two recently obtained vehicles and providing current industry technicians to assist in the educational program.
    When asked about their partnership with Kirtland's automotive program, LaFontaine stated that they are proud to be partnered with the program and stressed the importance of continuing to provide highly educated technicians to the growing automotive field.
    "In my 30-plus years of being in the automotive industry, I can't think of a more critical time for Kirtland's Automotive Program. As the number of vehicles on the road is higher than it's ever been and with the changes in many people's mindsets, people are making more decisions to keep their car longer and we are already seeing an increase in our shops," said Matt LaFontaine Automotive President Matt LaFontaine, "As many of the current technician workforce ages out and we are seeing a larger number of students, especially in our area leaning more toward the trade's vs a 4-year traditional program. Kirtland's program is one of the most comprehensive I have seen, and I have no doubt they will continue to build on this momentum! We are proud to be a part of this program and given the opportunity to have our name on the Automotive Technology Center."
    Not only partnering with local communities but Kirtland's Automotive Technology Program is also patterned with Mopar CAP Local, a nationally recognized accrediting group for automotive education. The partnership with Stellantis Mopar CAP Local and Kirtland were founded in 2016 before the new automotive lab was constructed. Like the partnership with Matt LaFontaine Automotive, Mopar CAP Local provides Kirtland's automotive program with donations of vehicles and expert advice on their educational programs. Often involving big-named corporations such as Chrysler, Fiat, Dodge, and more; Mopar CAP Local further ensures that students in Kirtland's automotive program stay current and in the know with everything in the automotive industry.
    When asked about their partnership with Kirtland's automotive program Mopar CAP Regional Manager Eric Faulman, stated that they are committed to not only strengthen Kirtland`s automotive program, but also committed to strengthen education for all future automotive technicians as a whole.
    "Stellantis vehicle and compound donations, such as our recent donation to Kirtland of a Ram 2500, is not only a further commitment to the growth of the college`s Automotive Technology Program, but also showcases our dedication to the success and prosperity to the next generation of Stellantis automotive technicians," said Mopar CAP Regional Manager Eric J. Faulman. "Without our Mopar CAP partner schools-and equally as important-without our CAP students and graduates, the advancement and longevity of automotive innovation would simply cease to exist."
    With these new additions to their fleet, Kirtland's automotive program strives for excellence in training the industry's future technicians. Students in the program will now be able to learn, work, and master techniques on the very identical vehicles they will see in their future shops. This educational experience, as stated by Oakes, is what separates Kirtland's automotive program from its competitors and increases employment opportunities for graduates.
    "The ability to have hands-on learning on the newest technology keeps our program and students at the forefront of automotive technology. When our students leave and enter the workforce, they have experienced the same type of vehicles with the same technology that they will be working on," said Oakes.
    Kirtland Community College has been inspiring excellence for over 50 years and offers courses in Grayling, Gaylord, and online. Our Mission at Kirtland is to provide innovative educational opportunities to enhance student lives and build stronger communities. Through our offered educational programs, we believe Kirtland will be the first choice for learner-centered education guiding students and communities toward success. For more information about Kirtland Community College, visit Kirtland.edu, or call (989) 275-5000
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School Overview

The teacher population of 153 teachers has grown by 112% over five years.
Kirtland Community College
(MI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 yrs but < 4 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
153 staff
224 staff
This chart displays total faculty of Kirtland Community College and community college average number of faculty in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Number of Programs Offered
39
25

Student Body

The student population of Kirtland Community College has grown by 14% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 17:1 has decreased from 19:1 over five years.
The Kirtland Community College diversity score of 0.19 is less than the state average of 0.47. The school's diversity has grown by 41% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,538 students
2,783 students
This chart displays the total enrollment of Kirtland Community College and community college average number of enrollment of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
13:1
This chart displays the student staff ratio of Kirtland Community College and community college average student staff ratio of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
# Full-Time Students
481 students
1,079 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time students enrollment of Kirtland Community College and average number of community college Full-time students enrollment of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
# Part-Time Students
1,057 students
1,704 students
This chart displays the total number of Part-time students enrollment of Kirtland Community College and average number of community college Part-time students enrollment of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
This chart displays the Full-time students and Part-time students enrollment breakdown of Kirtland Community College.
This chart displays community college average Full-Time students and Part-Time students enrollment breakdown of Michigan.
# Enrollment Undergraduate
826 students
298 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,538 students
1,115 students
This chart displays the total number of Full-time undergraduate students enrollment of Kirtland Community College and average number of community college Full-time undergraduate  students enrollment of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
929 students
1,615 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
4 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
178 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
This chart displays the percentage of American Indian/Alaskan students in Kirtland Community College and the percentage of American Indian/Alaskan community college students in Michigan by year, with the latest 2017-18 school year data.
% Asian
1%
2%
This chart displays the percentage of Asian students in Kirtland Community College and the percentage of Asian community college students in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
% Hispanic
4%
5%
This chart displays the percentage of Hispanic students in Kirtland Community College and the percentage of Hispanic community college students in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
% Black
3%
12%
This chart displays the percentage of Black students in Kirtland Community College and the percentage of Black community college students in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
% White
85%
71%
This chart displays the percentage of White students in Kirtland Community College and the percentage of White community college students in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
% Two or more races
3%
3%
This chart displays the percentage of Two or more races students in Kirtland Community College and the percentage of Two or more races community college students in Michigan by year, with the latest 2019-20 school year data.
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
3%
6%
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Kirtland Community College.
This chart displays the percentage breakdown of students of all ethnic groups in Michigan.
Diversity Score
0.19
0.47
This chart displays the diversity score of Kirtland Community College and the community college average diversity score of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
23%
21%
This chart displays completion rates for First-Time of Full-time students of Kirtland Community College and community college average completion rates for First-Time of Full-time students of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
3.79%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,700
$30,700
This chart displays average graduate earnings (10 Years) of Kirtland Community College and community college average graduate earnings (10 Years) of Michigan by year, disaggregated by student subgroups with the latest 2012-13 school year data.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

The public in-state tuition of $5,190 is more than the state average of $4,944. The in-state tuition has declined by 7% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $9,870 is more than the state average of $6,878. The out-state tuition has grown by 21% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$5,190
$4,944
This chart displays tuition fees for an in-state student of Kirtland Community College and the public community college average tuition fees for an in-state student of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Out-State Tuition Fees
$9,870
$6,878
This chart displays tuition fees for an out-of-state student of Kirtland Community College and the public community college average tuition fees for an out-of-state student of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Tuition Notes
143.00/contact hr in-district; 215.00/contact hr out-of-district; 299.00/contact hr out-of-state; plus fees
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
87%
This chart displays the percent of students who is receiving some financial aid in Kirtland Community College and the percent of community college students who is receiving some financial aid in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Median Debt for Graduates
$13,000
$11,704
This chart displays median debt for students who have completed a certificate or degree in Kirtland Community College and average median debt for community college students who have completed a certificate or degree in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,250
$5,500
This chart displays median debt for students who have not completed a certificate or degree in Kirtland Community College and average median debt for community college students who have not completed a certificate or degree in Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.
Acceptance Rate
100%
99%
This chart displays the percent admitted of Kirtland Community College and the community college average percent admitted of Michigan by year, with the latest 2020-21 school year data.

Sports

Total Sports Offered
4 sports
Sports
Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Biology Club, Criminal Justice Club, Hot Rod Automotive Club, Housing Activities Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Service Learning, Veterans Helping Veterans

Recreational Athletic Programs:
ESports Team, Student Wellness Group
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators

School Notes

  • Kirtland Community College was founded in 1966 and currently has locations in Gaylord and Grayling.
  • The college offers over 30 degree and certificate programs including transfer degree programs. Kirtland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds membership in the Michigan Community College Association and the American Association of Community Colleges.
  • Kirtland competes in intercollegiate athletics as a member of the Eastern Conference of the Michigan Community College Athletic Association. The Kirtland Firebirds compete in basketball, bowling, golf, cross-country and esports.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Kirtland Community College cost?
Kirtland Community College's tuition is approximately $5,190 for In-State students and $9,870 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Kirtland Community College?
The acceptance rate of Kirtland Community College is 100%, which is higher than the state average of 99%.
What sports does Kirtland Community College offer?
Kirtland Community College offers 4 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country and Golf.

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Enrollment: 1,538 students
  • In-state tuition: $5,190
  • Out-state tuition: $9,870
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
  • Minority enrollment: 15%
  • Source: Verified school update

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