THE VALUE OF A TWO-YEAR DEGREE FROM MCCC
- An associate degree (or two-year) graduate experiences a substantial increase in earnings over a high school diploma. According to a 2023 Lightcast study, the average MCCC associate degree graduate earns $10,000 more per year compared to what they would earn with only a high school diploma in Michigan.
- The benefit-cost ratio of a two-year degree at MCCC is 5.2 to 1, according to Lightcast (2023), meaning that for every $1,000 students invest in their associate degree at MCCC, they will receive $5,200 in higher future earnings.
- MCCC is ranked in the top 9% of community colleges in the United States by WalletHub (2025). To determine where students can receive the best education at the lowest price, WalletHub compared more than 650 community colleges nationwide across 18 key indicators of cost and quality. MCCC ranked No. 56 out of 653 in the nation and No. 4 in Michigan. Michigan is ranks15th in the nation for best community colleges in 2025, according to WalletHub.
- MCCC’s has the No. 1 registered nursing program in Michigan for 2025 as ranked by NursingProcess.org. The ranking is based on quality, including acceptance rate, graduation rate, retention rate and student-to-faculty ratio; NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates in the last four years; affordability and overall reputation.
IMPROVING HIGHER EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
- Monroe County’s associate degree attainment level is higher than that of the state and nation because of MCCC. It is the only college headquartered in the county and greatly enhances the level of educational attainment and cultural enrichment in the community.
- About 20,000 students have earned associate degrees from MCCC since its inception, and many thousands more have earned certificates of economic value and/or gone on to transfer to universities to pursue bachelor’s degrees.
STRENGTHENING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE/ECONOMY
- MCCC prepares students for high-demand, local careers through a bevy of programs that lead to the jobs classified among the “hottest” in the state and the region, according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives.
- Innovating and maintaining relevant academic programming is a top priority at MCCC. Following a comprehensive assessment of its academic programming offerings as part of the strategic plan, the college launched 12 new programs and certificates in the last two years – with more on the horizon. New programs and/or certificates that were added are in construction management/virtual design, data analytics, digital media, emergency medical technology, health sciences (psychology and sociology tracks), logistics, mechatronics, paralegal and radiography.
- Many local and regional industries benefit from MCCC-educated students, as well as workforce training provided by the college.
- MCCC is one of the county’s largest employers and its economic impact is felt locally, regionally and globally.
STUDENT-FOCUSED ENVIRONMENT
- MCCC faculty are highly qualified and focused on student success. About 95 percent of full-time faculty hold master’s degrees or higher; more than 40 percent have doctoral degrees.
- MCCC’s student to faculty ratio is 14:1, which means our faculty are able to provide more one-on-one learning opportunities and are accessible when students need them.
- Flexibility and options for scheduling classes around work and life are important, and MCCC offers a wide range of face-to-face, online and blended courses along with classes during the day and in the evenings.
- MCCC students are surrounded with a strong system of support dedicated to their success, such as tutors, success coaches, mental health screening and referral services, disability services and more.