Skip to content
Public, 2-year

North Central Michigan College

Petoskey, Michigan · www.ncmich.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$10,590

In-state $8,490

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,613

Student-faculty ratio 15:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

24.2%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 28.6%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

North Central Michigan College (NCMC) is a community college located in Petoskey, Michigan. Established in 1958, the college serves the educational needs of a diverse student population in the northern Michigan region. NCMC is renowned for its commitment to providing quality education and fostering community engagement. The college's mission is encapsulated in the motto "Empowering Learners," reflecting its dedication to student success and personal growth. With a focus on accessible education, NCMC offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer options to four-year universities, which cater to the varying needs and aspirations of its students.

The campus of North Central Michigan College is equipped with modern facilities that enhance the learning experience. The college features advanced classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a comprehensive library, all designed to support academic excellence. In addition to its academic offerings, NCMC promotes a vibrant campus culture through various extracurricular activities, including sports, student clubs, and community service initiatives. The college encourages students to participate in athletics, with numerous sports programs available, fostering teamwork and school spirit. Furthermore, North Central Michigan College places a strong emphasis on student support services, providing resources such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, ensuring that students receive the guidance they need to succeed both academically and professionally. With its strong emphasis on community involvement and student-focused approach, NCMC stands out as a valuable institution for higher education in Michigan.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

Over the years, North Central Michigan College has seen a significant increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, in 2014, in-state tuition was $4,786, which rose to $7,770 by 2023, marking an increase of approximately 62%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition increased from $6,038 to $9,810 during the same period, representing an increase of about 63%. This trend reflects a broader national phenomenon where college tuition has been steadily rising, often outpacing inflation and creating financial burdens for students and families.

Simultaneously, enrollment numbers have declined considerably. In 2014, the college had 2,790 undergraduate students, but by 2023, this number dropped to just 1,560. This represents a decline of more than 44% in a span of nine years. This decrease in enrollment could be attributed to the rising costs of tuition, which may deter prospective students from attending, alongside other factors such as changing job market demands and demographic shifts.

Furthermore, the graduation rates have shown some improvement, particularly when looking at the on-time graduation rate, which increased from approximately 8.4% in 2013 to 17.4% in 2023. While still low, this upward trend indicates that the institution may be making efforts to enhance student support and academic success, despite the challenges presented by declining enrollment and rising costs.

Additionally, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, fluctuating around 15 to 17 students per faculty member over the years. Maintaining a reasonable student-to-faculty ratio is essential for fostering academic success and personalized attention for students, which may contribute to the improvements in graduation rates.

In conclusion, while North Central Michigan College faces challenges related to rising tuition and declining enrollment, there are positive signs in terms of graduation rates that suggest potential improvements in educational quality and student support systems.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Grand Rapids, about 170 mi
Nearest international airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), about 170 mi
Petoskey, Michigan
Also known as
NCMC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. David Roland Finley (President)
Phone
2313486600
City
Petoskey, Michigan
Address
1515 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2561 international (0.4%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
General Studies
104
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
78
Physical Sciences, General
23
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
20
Business Administration and Management, General
7
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
5
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician
4
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping
3
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
3
Graphic Communications, General
2

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at North Central Michigan College

The graduation data from North Central Michigan College reveals some intriguing trends, particularly in the associate degree programs. The most notable observation is the significant number of graduates in the General Studies category, with 87 students completing their associate degrees. This suggests a strong interest in a versatile educational path that can cater to various career opportunities, reflecting a trend among students who may be seeking foundational education before specializing in a specific field.

In the realm of healthcare, Registered Nursing stands out with 25 graduates, indicating a growing demand for professionals in this critical sector. The absence of international students in this program might suggest a focus on local candidates who are more likely to pursue nursing due to state-specific licensure requirements.

On the other hand, the Business Administration program has produced a total of 5 associate degree graduates. Given the increasing importance of business skills in various sectors, this figure seems relatively low. This could indicate a need for enhanced marketing or recruitment efforts aimed at attracting students to this program, particularly in a post-pandemic economy that increasingly values business acumen.

Moreover, the data reveals a stark absence of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates across all categories, which raises questions about the college's offerings and support for students aiming for higher education levels. This gap could potentially impact the college's reputation and ability to attract prospective students seeking advanced degrees.

Overall, while North Central Michigan College shows strengths in certain associate degree programs, there are clear opportunities for growth in business and higher degree offerings to meet evolving labor market demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 182 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$32,128
General Studies.$32,128
Physical scienceshas 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Sciences, General.-
Health professionshas 23 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$72,069
Businesshas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Administrative Assistant and Secretarial Science, General.-
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.-
Educationhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Computer and information sciencehas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician.-
Homeland security has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Fire Science/Fire-fighting.-
Communications technologies has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Graphic Communications, General.-

Students

1,613 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 65.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,613)

White
1,360 · 84.3%
Two or more races
63 · 3.9%
Black
46 · 2.9%
Unknown
39 · 2.4%
Asian
17 · 1.1%
Hispanic
10 · 0.6%
International
3 · 0.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at North Central Michigan College

The student population at North Central Michigan College in 2023 reveals important insights into the demographics and diversity of the student body. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 199 students, with a gender distribution showing that approximately 43.2% are male and 56.8% are female. This indicates a slightly higher female enrollment, which aligns with broader trends observed across many colleges where female students often outnumber their male counterparts.

In the undergraduate junior category, the numbers are more pronounced, with 737 students, where only about 31.5% are male and 68.5% are female. This significant gender disparity highlights a need for potential initiatives to encourage male students to pursue higher education and possibly explore programs that might attract a more balanced demographic.

The data for undergraduate transfer students is relatively small, with only 52 individuals. Their gender ratio reflects a similar trend, with males at 42.3% and females at 57.7%.

Overall, the total number of non-degree seeking students is 572, with a male representation of 35.3% and female representation of 64.7%. This consistent trend across various student categories suggests a strong inclination towards female enrollment at North Central Michigan College.

The racial breakdown within these categories further emphasizes the diversity present in the college, particularly among white students who form the largest demographic group. The ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is essential in addressing these disparities and supporting all student groups in their academic journeys.

Understanding these patterns is crucial for the college as it plans future outreach and support programs to enhance student retention and success across all demographics.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at North Central Michigan College

The age distribution of students at North Central Michigan College reveals interesting trends in enrollment and gender ratio. A significant proportion of students, particularly those under 18 and aged 18-19, constitutes the majority of the student body. Specifically, students under 18 are represented by 186 male and 310 female students, while the 18-19 age group shows a similar pattern with 202 male and 321 female students. This indicates a strong interest among younger individuals, particularly females, in pursuing higher education.

As we move to older age categories, the numbers decrease notably. For instance, the 20-21 age group has only 18 male and 32 female students, and this trend continues with the 22-24 age group comprising 35 males and 85 females. The declining numbers in older age brackets could suggest a combination of factors, including earlier graduation rates or the potential for non-traditional students who may not fit within these typical age ranges.

Moreover, the data shows no enrollment in graduate programs, which might reflect a more localized focus on undergraduate education or a lack of available graduate programs at the institution. The absence of graduate male and female students across all age categories could indicate a missed opportunity for the college to expand its offerings and attract a broader demographic of students seeking advanced degrees.

Overall, North Central Michigan College appears to cater predominantly to younger students, especially females, while the college may consider strategies to engage older students and expand its graduate offerings to enhance educational diversity and inclusivity.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates0.2%

3 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.2%2020: 0.3%2021: 0.2%2022: 0.2%2023: 0.1%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.2%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at North Central Michigan College

The data on international student enrollment at North Central Michigan College over the years reveals a fluctuating trend. In 2014, the college had a total of 2,790 undergraduate students, with only one international student, representing a mere 0.04% of the undergraduate population. This percentage remained constant through 2016. However, there was a noticeable increase in the number of international students in the subsequent years, peaking in 2020 with six international students, which corresponded to an impressive 0.28% of the undergraduate body.

This increase in international enrollment can be attributed to various factors, including the college's efforts to enhance its global outreach and attract a more diverse student body. The shift in 2019, where the number rose to four students, indicates a growing interest from international students even before the pandemic. However, the years following 2020 saw a decline; by 2023, the number had dropped back to one student, with the international student percentage falling to 0.06%.

This decline might be reflective of broader trends in higher education, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted international travel and student mobility significantly. Institutions are now grappling with the challenge of reviving international enrollment, a vital component for enriching campus diversity and fostering global perspectives.

In conclusion, while North Central Michigan College experienced a brief surge in international student enrollment, recent years have shown a decline. It highlights the importance of ongoing initiatives to support and attract international students, as they play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for all students.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$20,893

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$10,590
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$8,490
Room and board
$10,303
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 50% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 64%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$24.3M

Government grants and contracts
$15.2M62.5%
Tuition and fees
$3.5M14.5%
Investment return
$1.5M6.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.2M5.0%
Gifts and private grants
$1.1M4.4%
Other
$1.9M7.6%

Expenses$23.2M

Instruction
$8.1M35.0%
Student services
$4.8M20.8%
Institutional support
$4.4M18.7%
Academic support
$3.5M15.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.2M5.3%
Public service
$505K2.2%
Scholarships
$438K1.9%
Other
$231K1.0%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$97,427peers $68,588
Professor
$97,427peers $79,972

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Basketball1910
Volleyball-16
Cross Country57
Track and Field (Outdoor)24
Other Sports--
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Basketball1910
Volleyball-17
Cross Country95
Other Sports--
2023
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Basketball1512
Volleyball-13
Cross Country56

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near North Central Michigan College:

  1. Michigan State University - Ranked 60th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is widely recognized for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.

  2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - With an impressive rank of 21, this prestigious university is known for its strong emphasis on research and a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  3. Grand Valley State University - Ranked 235th, this comprehensive university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in a friendly campus environment.

  4. Loyola University Chicago - This comprehensive institution is ranked 142nd and is known for its strong commitment to social justice and community service.

  5. University of Notre Dame - A highly prestigious institution ranked 20th, Notre Dame is known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and strong athletic programs.

  6. Marquette University - With a rank of 86, this comprehensive university offers a strong liberal arts education along with professional programs.

These institutions provide a wide range of opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
7
Stalking
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at North Central Michigan College

The data reflecting crime rates at North Central Michigan College from 2013 to 2023 presents an intriguing narrative regarding campus safety and student behavior. Notably, the average crime rate per 1,000 students saw significant fluctuations over the years. The peak occurred in 2017, with a rate of 6.19, reflecting a concerning increase in incidents, particularly in arrests related to firearms, drugs, and alcohol.

Interestingly, the years 2020 to 2023 recorded zero incidents, suggesting a significant improvement in campus safety. This dramatic decline could be attributed to various factors, including enhanced campus security measures, increased awareness campaigns, or changes in student behavior, particularly during the pandemic when many institutions faced unprecedented challenges. The absence of reported incidents in recent years may also reflect the effectiveness of these strategies.

However, it is crucial to approach the data with caution. A low crime rate does not necessarily equate to a risk-free environment. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to maintain and improve campus safety. The focus should be on fostering a supportive community that encourages students to report incidents and seek help when needed.

In conclusion, while the decline in crime rates at North Central Michigan College is promising, ongoing efforts to ensure student safety and well-being must remain a priority. The college community should remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any potential issues that may arise in the future. For more details on how crime rates are calculated, visit this link.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.