- At Lake Michigan College, we believe in making education work for you. LMC offers high quality programs allowing you to invest in yourself without the financial stress. Our graduates consistently report a high return on investment, with the skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen careers or pursue advanced degrees. We provide a supportive learning environment and student learning resources that are built for you to achieve your academic and career goals. From dedicated faculty to career counseling services, LMC equips you with the tools you need to succeed.
School Highlights
Lake Michigan College serves 3,320 students (31% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the state community college average of 33:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 40%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 3,320 students
- In-state tuition: $4,488
- Out-state tuition: $4,488
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
- Minority enrollment: 46%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Lake Michigan College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Michigan for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Diversity
Programs offered
Completion Rates
School Overview
The teacher population of 260 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Lake Michigan College
(MI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
260 staff
70 staff
Number of Programs Offered
62
16
Student Body
The student population of Lake Michigan College has grown by 32% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Lake Michigan College diversity score of 0.66 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 44% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,320 students
2,149 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
33:1
# Full-Time Students
1,024 students
889 students
# Part-Time Students
2,269 students
1,584 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
3,320 students
2,151 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,320 students
961 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
3%
% Hispanic
16%
7%
% Black
12%
16%
% White
54%
60%
% Two or more races
5%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
10%
8%
Diversity Score
0.66
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
21%
31%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
2%
23%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$27,300
$30,700
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,488 is less than the state average of $4,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 32% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,488 is less than the state average of $6,808. The out-state tuition has declined by 32% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,488
$4,915
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,488
$6,808
Tuition Notes
$187 per contact hour (Domestic US), $366.50 (International)
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
89%
Median Debt for Graduates
$10,638
$11,915
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,435
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
99%
77%
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
BaseballBasketball
CheeringCross Country
SoccerVolleyball
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Red Hawks
- Lake Michigan College (LMC), founded in 1946, is a two-year comprehensive community college located in the southwest corner of Michigan. LMC is the region's leader in higher education and serves as a cultural center, regional economic partner, and a leader in diversity and innovation. As a multi-campus college, LMC puts student access to programs and services at the forefront with classes offered at two campus locations, at extension centers throughout the service area, online, and through Early College courses. In addition to associate degree and certificate programs, LMC offers customized business training and continuing education. The Lake Michigan College Napier Avenue Campus sets on a 262-acre site that features a lake, natural area, athletic fields, nature and jogging trails, and lighted parking areas. The academic building houses classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, laboratories, lecture halls, library, gymnasium, a childcare center and computer labs. The Mendel Center for Arts and Technology is also located on the campus. It serves as a performing arts center with the 1,500-seat Mainstage Theatre and the 246-seat Hanson Theatre. The center is also home to conference and meeting facilities including the 14,400-square-foot Grand Upton Hall, the Louis and Fedrick Upton Telecommunications Center and the Advanced Technologies Training Center. The College has strong working relationships with higher education institutions throughout the Midwest. LMC also works closely with the K-12 public, private, and charter schools to provide Early College programs, technical skills certification programs, and career exploration events.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Eric Thompson - Eric Thompson is an American professional basketball player who last played for Cocodrilos de Caracas. He played college basketball for Lake Michigan and the University of the Pacific before playing professionally in Germany, Switzerland, China, Japan and Israel.
- Maureen Bauer - Maureen Bauer is an American politician serving as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives from the 6th district. She assumed office on November 4, 2020.
- Duane Below - Duane Arthur Below is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Miami Marlins and Detroit Tigers. Below has also played in the KBO League for the Kia Tigers and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.
Profile last updated: 02/04/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lake Michigan College cost?
Lake Michigan College's tuition is approximately $4,488 for In-State students and $4,488 for Out-State students.
What is the acceptance rate of Lake Michigan College?
The acceptance rate of Lake Michigan College is 99%, which is higher than the state average of 77%.
Who are famous alumni from Lake Michigan College?
Lake Michigan College famous alumni include: Eric Thompson, Maureen Bauer and Duane Below.
What sports does Lake Michigan College offer?
Lake Michigan College offers 6 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Lake Michigan College's ranking?
Lake Michigan College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Michigan for: Least expensive tuition, Diversity in US community colleges, Most Programs Offered and Highest completion rates.
School Calendar
View the Lake Michigan College yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last day to withdraw from first 7-week courses with a guaranteed "W". Withdraw requests after this date are granted by instructor permission only.
June 18, 2026 (Thursday)
Last day to drop middle 5-week courses with a refund. No refunds issued after this date.
June 22, 2026 (Monday)
Last day to drop last 7-week courses with a refund. No refunds issued after this date.
July 06, 2026 (Monday)
Last day to withdraw from middle 5-week courses with a guaranteed "W". Withdraw requests after this date are granted by instructor permission only.
July 09, 2026 (Thursday)
Last day to withdraw from 10-week courses with a guaranteed "W". Withdraw requests after this date are granted by instructor permission only.
July 16, 2026 (Thursday)
Recent Articles
Community Colleges and Careers in Climate Tech and Green Energy
Learn how community colleges are preparing students for careers in climate tech and green energy through specialized training and workforce programs.
Virtual Reality Training Programs in Community Colleges
Explore how virtual reality training programs in community colleges are preparing students for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, and more.
Design-Your-Own Degree Programs at Community Colleges
Discover how design-your-own degree programs at community colleges help students create personalized pathways for transfer and career success.
