Skip to content
Public, 2-year

West Shore Community College

Scottville, Michigan · www.westshore.edu

中文

Out-of-state tuition

$8,820

In-state $6,420

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,120

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

30.3%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 34.5%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

West Shore Community College (WSCC), located in Scottville, Michigan, offers a unique blend of educational opportunities and community engagement. Established in 1967, the college serves a diverse student body within a picturesque setting near the shores of Lake Michigan. The college's mission emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and personal attention, making it an ideal choice for students seeking a supportive learning environment. With a strong focus on community development, WSCC fosters collaborations with local organizations to enhance educational pathways and workforce readiness.

The college boasts a variety of academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates across fields such as health sciences, business, and liberal arts. Known for its intimate class sizes, students benefit from personalized instruction and strong relationships with faculty, which enhances their learning experience and academic success. Additionally, WSCC promotes a vibrant campus culture with various extracurricular activities, including student clubs, cultural events, and athletics. The college's commitment to student life is evident in its well-equipped facilities, which support both academic pursuits and leisure activities. With a strong dedication to student success and community involvement, West Shore Community College continues to be a valuable educational resource in the region, preparing graduates for a successful future.

Commentary on Key Data Trends at West Shore Community College

The data from West Shore Community College reveals notable trends that merit discussion, particularly in tuition rates, graduation rates, and student demographics.

Firstly, tuition costs have seen a significant increase over the years, particularly for out-of-state undergraduate students, whose tuition rose from $5,178 in 2014 to $6,570 in 2023. This represents an increase of approximately 27%, which could deter prospective students from enrolling, especially those from outside the state. Meanwhile, in-state undergraduate tuition has also climbed from $3,978 to $4,770 during the same period. The rising cost of education is a concerning trend across the nation, often leading to increased student debt and financial stress.

Secondly, the graduation rates show a mixed performance. The percentage of students graduating on time (within 100% of the program length) fluctuated significantly, with the highest being 20.4% in 2020 and a drop to 2.5% in 2022. This inconsistency raises questions about the support systems in place for students, especially given the increasing tuition costs. It is essential for the college to address these disparities to ensure students are not only enrolling but also successfully completing their degrees.

Finally, the gender ratio among undergraduates is also noteworthy. The proportion of female students has consistently been higher than that of male students, rising from approximately 60% in 2013 to about 63% in 2023. This trend reflects broader societal shifts but may also indicate changing perceptions of higher education among different demographics.

In conclusion, while West Shore Community College faces challenges with rising tuition and fluctuating graduation rates, it also has opportunities to enhance student support and engagement. Addressing these issues could improve retention and graduation rates, making the institution more appealing to current and prospective students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, distant
Nearest major city
Grand Rapids, about 80 mi
Nearest international airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), about 90 mi
Scottville, Michigan
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Scott Ward (President)
Phone
2318456211
City
Scottville, Michigan
Address
3000 N Stiles Rd, Scottville, MI 49454-0277

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1500 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
72
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
25
Business Administration and Management, General
10
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
10
Welding Technology/Welder
7
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
5
Child Care Provider/Assistant
3
General Studies
3
Criminal Justice/Police Science
3
Design and Visual Communications, General
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from West Shore Community College

The graduation data from West Shore Community College reveals several noteworthy trends and insights. Notably, the majority of graduates in 2023 earned an associate degree, with a total of 58 graduates in Liberal Arts and Sciences, followed by 28 in Registered Nursing. This highlights the college's strength in providing foundational education, particularly in liberal arts and health-related fields, which are crucial for workforce development.

Moreover, the data indicates a significant focus on practical skills, particularly in programs such as Welding Technology and Emergency Medical Technology, with 7 and 1 graduates respectively. This aligns with national trends where vocational training is increasingly valued, especially in sectors needing immediate workforce readiness. The absence of graduates in bachelor and higher-level programs suggests that the college primarily serves as a stepping stone for students aiming for immediate employment or further education.

Interestingly, there is also a notable lack of international students graduating in these programs, with the only international graduate coming from the Liberal Arts field. This could point to potential areas for growth, as attracting a more diverse student population can enhance the educational experience and bring global perspectives.

Overall, while West Shore Community College excels in providing associate degrees, it may benefit from expanding its offerings at higher degree levels and enhancing its appeal to international students. As the job market evolves, this could position the college as a key player in meeting both local and global workforce needs.

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 75 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$30,779
General Studies.$30,779
Health professionshas 38 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$79,870
Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant/Aide.-
Businesshas 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General.-
Precision production has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant.-
Welding Technology/Welder.-
Computer and information sciencehas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Computer Support Specialist.-
Homeland security has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Police Science.-
Human science has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Visual and Performing artshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Design and Visual Communications, General.-

Students

1,120 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 35:65 · Freshman retention 67.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,120)

White
890 · 79.5%
Hispanic
128 · 11.4%
Two or more races
33 · 2.9%
Black
30 · 2.7%
Asian
15 · 1.3%
Unknown
12 · 1.1%
International
2 · 0.2%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at West Shore Community College in 2023

The student body at West Shore Community College in 2023 reveals interesting insights into its demographic composition. Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 188 students, with a notable gender distribution of approximately 43.1% male and 56.9% female. This trend continues with the undergraduate continuing students, where the representation is even more skewed towards females at 68.0%, compared to 32.0% of males.

The data indicates a total of 25 undergraduate transfer students, with a gender ratio of 40.0% male to 60.0% female. This consistent pattern towards a higher female enrollment across various categories is reflective of broader trends observed in higher education, where female students have been outpacing their male counterparts in enrollment figures for several years.

Additionally, the overall diversity of the college is highlighted by the various ethnic backgrounds represented within the student body. Although specific numbers are not fully disclosed for the undergraduate continuing students and transfer students, it is evident that white students constitute a significant portion of the population across all categories. This demographic detail suggests the college may need to focus on strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion efforts to better reflect the broader community.

In light of ongoing discussions surrounding equity in education, this data offers a snapshot of the current state of student demographics, emphasizing the need for institutions to address gender disparities and promote a more diverse learning environment that caters to the needs of all students.

Age Composition of Students at West Shore Community College in 2023

The student age demographic at West Shore Community College reveals interesting trends in enrollment, particularly highlighting the predominance of younger students. The data indicates that the majority of students fall into the under 18 and 18-19 age groups, with 70 male and 148 female students under 18, and 116 male and 166 female students aged 18-19. This suggests that the college attracts a significant number of recent high school graduates, a trend that aligns with national statistics showing an increase in community college enrollment among younger students seeking affordable education options.

As students age, the numbers begin to taper off significantly. For example, only 63 male and 77 female students belong to the 20-21 age category, and the numbers continue to decline in the older age brackets. This trend may reflect various factors, including the choice of immediate workforce entry after high school for those in their early twenties, or the challenges older students face in balancing education with work and family commitments.

Interestingly, the data show no enrollment of graduate students, which may indicate a focus on undergraduate programs at this institution. The absence of graduate students could also suggest that West Shore Community College serves primarily as a stepping stone for students aiming to transfer to four-year universities, rather than a destination for advanced degrees.

Overall, the age composition data portrays a vibrant community of young learners at West Shore Community College, responding to the evolving educational landscape and economic demands of the region.

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%

2 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.7%2019: 1.0%2020: 0.5%2021: 0.7%2022: 0.6%2023: 0.3%2024: 0.3%2025: 0.2%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Trends at West Shore Community College

The data from West Shore Community College reveals significant fluctuations in the number and proportion of international undergraduate students over the years. In 2006, the college had a modest 0.43% of its undergraduate population comprising international students, which peaked at 0.96% in 2019. This uptick reflects a growing interest among international students in attending U.S. colleges during that period, which can be attributed to the global reputation of American higher education and the diverse opportunities it presents.

However, the subsequent years show a decline in both the total number of undergraduates and the international student proportion. By 2023, the percentage of international students dropped to 0.30%, indicating a decrease in the college's appeal or a shift in international student enrollment patterns. This decline could be linked to various factors, including changing immigration policies, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased competition from other countries offering attractive educational programs.

It's also notable that the college has not reported any data for graduate students, suggesting either a lack of graduate programs or a minimal international presence in that category. This could be a potential area for growth, as expanding graduate offerings could attract a more diverse student body and enhance the institution's global standing.

Overall, the trends at West Shore Community College highlight the challenges faced by many institutions in maintaining international enrollment. As global circumstances evolve, it will be crucial for the college to adapt its strategies to attract and support international students, ensuring a vibrant and diverse academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$18,180

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$8,820
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$6,420
Room and board
$9,360
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 62% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 123%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$23.6M

Government grants and contracts
$18.4M77.8%
Tuition and fees
$2.4M10.1%
Investment return
$806K3.4%
Gifts and private grants
$703K3.0%
Auxiliary enterprises
$665K2.8%
Other
$674K2.9%

Expenses$18.0M

Instruction
$5.7M31.5%
Institutional support
$3.8M21.2%
Student services
$2.8M15.4%
Scholarships
$2.2M12.1%
Academic support
$1.7M9.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.1M5.9%
Public service
$782K4.3%

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
$85,261peers $68,588
Professor
$89,686peers $79,972
Associate professor
$75,306peers $69,677

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near West Shore Community College:

  1. Grand Valley State University - Ranked 235 in the US News 2024 rankings, this comprehensive university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Lawrence University - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Lawrence University ranks 75 in the US News 2024 rankings, known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

  3. Marquette University - With a ranking of 86, Marquette is a comprehensive university that offers a variety of programs and is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

  4. Kalamazoo College - Ranked 70 in the US News 2024 rankings, Kalamazoo College is a liberal arts college recognized for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.

  5. Northwestern University - A prestigious institution ranked 9th in the US News 2024 rankings, Northwestern offers a wide range of programs and is located in Evanston, Illinois.

  6. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20 in the US News 2024 rankings, Notre Dame is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus community.

These schools represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, each offering unique educational experiences.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Data insights

Crime Statistics at West Shore Community College: A Positive Trend

The crime statistics from West Shore Community College over the past decade show an impressive and consistent record of zero reported incidents. From 2013 to 2023, the absence of arrests for offenses such as gun-related arrests, drug-related arrests, and alcohol-related arrests highlights a commendable environment for students. It is noteworthy that not only have there been no on-campus crimes, but also no incidents have occurred in the surrounding areas.

This trend reflects positively on the college’s efforts in maintaining a safe campus, which is crucial for fostering a conducive learning environment. Safety measures, community engagement, and proactive policies could be contributing factors to this remarkable outcome.

In a time where many educational institutions are grappling with increasing crime rates, West Shore Community College stands out as a beacon of safety. This situation is particularly encouraging, considering the national discourse surrounding campus safety and the need for more robust protective measures in educational settings.

The absence of crime not only enhances the college's reputation but also attracts prospective students who prioritize safety in their educational journey. As such, the data serves as a strong testament to the commitment of West Shore Community College towards ensuring a secure and supportive atmosphere for all its students.

For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.

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.