Great Two-Year Colleges in Michigan - Lake Michigan College: An Environmentally-Aware Education

Nestled between four of the five Great Lakes, the state of Michigan is home to an array of opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Beautiful scenery and miles of coastline make life pleasant, and students of all ages have discovered many of the state’s educational institutions. For people searching for two-year programs, options abound in the big cities of the Lower Peninsula such as Lansing, Detroit, and Grand Rapids, as well as in smaller towns and the rural areas located on the Upper Peninsula. With great job placement services and training programs that respond to labor market needs, two-year colleges in Michigan prepare students for careers that are in-demand, especially in the engineering field.

Lake Michigan College: An Environmentally-Aware Education

Over half a century ago, Benton Harbor Junior College was established by voters of Benton Harbor. The school became Benton Harbor Community College and Technical Institute in the 1950s before it was given its current name – Lake Michigan College – around the time the main Napier Avenue Campus was constructed in the mid-1960s. The 50-acre campus currently includes a science learning lab and also exists as a wildlife sanctuary in the region. The school has also created an environmental campus commitment that is working to reduce energy use and the carbon footprint created by the institution. Each year, more than 7,000 students complete credit and non-credit coursework, and many transfer into four-year programs after doing the work towards an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or an Associate in Business Administration. Academic departments include Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Communication, Industrial Technologies, and Math, Physical Education, & Wellness.

Henry Ford Community College: A Guaranteed Great Choice

Henry Ford Community College, in Dearborn, is a two-year public college that has been serving students in the area for over seventy years. Around 13,000 students grace the campus, which occupies 75 acres on the outskirts of the city, and associate degrees are granted in over 100 programs, ranging from the liberal arts and science to culinary arts and the health sciences. For exceptionally dedicated students, an Honors Program and a Phi Theta Kappa chapter offer opportunities to excel. The institution considers itself the guaranteed choice because it fully backs the program that its classes will be accepted for credit at four-year colleges, and many of its graduates decide to transfer into such programs following completion of their students at HFCC. Intercollegiate sports teams help round out the college experience for students, with teams participating in women’s volleyball, softball, and basketball and men’s baseball, basketball, and golf.

Oakland Community College: Largest in the State

The largest of the 28 community colleges in the state, Oakland Community College was established by voters in Oakland County in 1964 and two main campuses – Highland Lakes and Auburn Hills – were opened the following year with a record first-year enrollment of over 3,800 students. Currently the student body totals over 77,000, with classes taking place on five different campuses during the four semesters of the year. The English as a Second Language, Nursing, and Workforce Development programs are the most extensive in the state, and 100 percent of nursing graduates pass the state licensure exam. The OCC performing arts program has drawn attention and offers a 2-day Performance Festival in February along with shows throughout the year, and the Culinary Studies Institute has also obtained national attention for its success. The approved paralegal program is also important. Varsity sports opportunities abound for men and women, and a competitive speech and performance team has had members win at the state and national levels.

Lansing Community College: Offering International Connections

Each year, over 30,000 students are enrollment in Lansing Community College classes, including international students from 65 different countries. The main campus located in downtown Lansing occupies seven city blocks and 42-acres in an urban environment. The Michigan Technical Education Center, located on the West Campus, gives students access to current technology, while the East Campus features additional programs. Many are recognized statewide and internationally, including the nationally-accredited Emergency Medical Technician program. A total of more than 240 associate degrees are offered, as well as many certificate programs. Students can also complete coursework abroad through experiences in China, France, Germany, Ireland, Korea, and Ghana.

Gogebic Community College: An Upper Peninsula Education

Over three quarters of a century ago, Gogebic Community College was founded as Ironwood Junior College. With the multi-building campus hosting the latest in technological advancements, Gogebic offers unique opportunities in this rural region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Just 1400 students and a student to faculty ratio of 13:1 give students personalized attention at this public, two-year institution. Unlike many other community colleges, Gogebic offers students on campus housing with private bedrooms and a shared kitchen and bathroom. Academic programs include degrees in Allied Health, Applied Technology, Business Education, Math & Science, Social Sciences, and Ski Management.