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 2,000 students (49% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is lower than the state community college average of 33:1.
Minority enrollment is 30% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 40%.
Quick Facts (2026)
Enrollment: 2,000 students
In-state tuition: $5,866
Out-state tuition: $6,263
Student-teacher ratio: 26:1
Minority enrollment: 30%
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 77 teachers has declined by 59% over five years.
Southwestern Michigan College
(MI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
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The student population of Southwestern Michigan College has grown by 13% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Southwestern Michigan College diversity score of 0.48 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 35% over five years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
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Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $5,866 is more than the state average of $4,915. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $6,263 is less than the state average of $6,808. The out-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Note: Data may not be displayed on any public-facing website or service that replicates or resembles a college search or review portal without prior written permission. See our Terms of Service.
Source: 2025 (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.
Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
Nick Weston, Biochemistry - Graduated 2024, pursued studies at Ferris State University. -
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.
Who are famous alumni from Southwestern Michigan College?
Southwestern Michigan College famous alumni include: Nick Weston, Biochemistry - Graduated 2024, pursued studies at Ferris State University..
Explore how virtual reality training programs in community colleges are preparing students for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, public safety, and more.
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.
