Grand Rapids Community College Overview
Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is the primary public community college in Grand Rapids Michigan. As of the latest available data, GRCC serves more than 16,000 students annually across its main campus and multiple extension sites. Tuition for in-district residents is approximately $145 per credit hour, while out-of-district rates are higher. GRCC offers over 100 certificate and associate degree programs, including nursing, cybersecurity, and manufacturing technology. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. More details are available at https://www.grcc.edu.
GRCC operates multiple campus locations, including the main campus at 143 Bostwick Avenue and the Leslie & James Secchia Center downtown. The Secchia Center focuses on health sciences and culinary programs. GRCC also partners with local employers such as Meijer, Amway, and SpartanNash for workforce training and apprenticeship programs. The college reports a completion rate of around 22 percent within three years for first-time, full-time students. GRCC transfers students to universities including Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Costs
For the most recent academic year, in-district tuition at GRCC averages $145 per credit hour, with out-of-district rates near $290 per credit hour. Room and board costs are minimal because GRCC is a commuter campus, though students can access off-campus housing options in the Grand Rapids area. The average net price after grants and scholarships is approximately $4,000 to $6,000 per year for Pell-eligible students. GRCC participates in federal financial aid programs, and students can file the FAFSA using school code 002231. Additional cost data is published by the National Center for Education Statistics at https://nces.ed.gov.
GRCC provides multiple scholarship programs, including the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation transfer scholarship and the Michigan Futures for Frontliners program. The Futures for Frontliners initiative covers tuition for eligible workers in high-demand fields. GRCC also offers emergency grants through the GRCC Foundation for students facing unexpected financial hardship. The average student debt at graduation remains low compared to four-year institutions because of the affordable tuition structure. For more information on federal aid rules, visit https://www.ed.gov.
Programs, Rankings, and Workforce Outcomes
GRCC ranks among the top community colleges in Michigan for workforce placement in skilled trades and health care. The college offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a licensure pass rate above 85 percent on the NCLEX-RN exam. GRCC also provides programs in cybersecurity, automotive technology, and welding through its Applied Technology Center. The Workforce Training Center partners with companies such as GE Vernova and Wolverine World Wide to deliver customized short-term training. Program listings and labor market data are available at https://www.bls.gov.
GRCC has been recognized in national rankings for transfer pathways and adult learner support. The college uses a semester-based academic calendar with fall and spring terms starting in late August and January. GRCC also offers intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for international students. Enrollment data shows steady growth in part-time and evening student cohorts since 2020. For broader Michigan higher education statistics, see https://www.michigan.gov/mde.