Students at Bay Mills Community College benefit from some of the lowest net prices available at any public institution, with exceptional affordability that makes higher education accessible to families across income levels.
The college provides a crucial access point for first-generation and low-income students seeking affordable pathways into higher education or transfer opportunities.
Bay Mills Community College is a small public community college located in Brimley, Michigan, serving a student body where affordability and access are paramount concerns. The institution ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability, making it one of the most cost-effective options among public colleges. With 42% of students receiving Pell Grants and 56% being first-generation college students, Bay Mills serves as an important access point for students who might not otherwise pursue higher education.
The college's strength lies primarily in its exceptional affordability rather than high earnings outcomes. Low-income students pay just $3,188 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $5,091 per year. This pricing structure makes Bay Mills accessible to families across income levels, though graduates typically earn modest wages compared to four-year institution alumni.
As a community college with a 23% transfer rate, Bay Mills functions as both a destination for workforce preparation and a stepping stone for students planning to continue their education elsewhere. The institution's 30% six-year completion rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, but also demonstrates that a meaningful portion of students successfully complete their programs and move forward with their educational or career goals.
Bay Mills Community College operates as a small institution focused on providing foundational education and transfer preparation rather than specialized high-earning programs. Without specific program-level data available, the college appears to offer general education and workforce preparation courses typical of community colleges serving rural communities. The institution's role centers on providing affordable access to higher education and serving as a stepping stone for students who may transfer to four-year institutions or enter local employment opportunities.
The college's program portfolio likely emphasizes general education requirements, basic workforce skills, and transfer-oriented coursework that prepares students for continuation at four-year institutions. Given the rural Michigan location and the student population served, programs probably focus on meeting local workforce needs and providing flexible scheduling for working adults and non-traditional students.
While specific program outcomes are not available, the college's value lies in its accessibility and affordability rather than in producing high-earning graduates. For students seeking an affordable entry point into higher education or those needing flexible options to balance work and family responsibilities, Bay Mills provides essential educational access in a region where such opportunities might otherwise be limited.
Bay Mills Community College graduates earn modest wages that reflect the institution's role as a community college focused on workforce preparation and transfer pathways. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $30,048, which is typical for community college outcomes but well below four-year institution levels. Six years out, median earnings are $28,213, showing gradual but limited income growth over time.
The college's earnings outcomes are below expectations when compared with similar institutions, with graduates earning approximately $8,820 less than would be predicted based on student characteristics and institutional factors. This earnings gap reflects both the nature of community college programs, which often prepare students for local service-sector jobs, and the reality that many students use Bay Mills as a transfer platform rather than completing their full educational journey there.
While only 16 graduates earn more than $75,000 annually, this modest number reflects the college's small size and focus on associate-level credentials rather than bachelor's degrees. For students who view Bay Mills as an affordable starting point for their education or who enter local workforce opportunities, the combination of very low costs and predictable if modest earnings can represent reasonable value, particularly when debt levels remain minimal.
Bay Mills Community College stands out as exceptionally affordable, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability among all public institutions. Low-income students pay just $3,188 per year after financial aid, while middle-income families see annual costs of $5,091. These figures represent some of the lowest net prices available at any public college, making Bay Mills accessible to students across a wide range of family income levels.
The college's affordability advantage extends beyond just low sticker prices to include strong financial aid that significantly reduces costs for most students. With federal student loan debt data not available for most graduates, it appears that many students are able to complete their programs without taking on substantial federal borrowing. However, some families do use Parent PLUS loans, with typical balances around $10,684, suggesting that even at these low net prices, some students need additional family support to cover educational and living expenses.
For students seeking the most cost-effective entry into higher education, Bay Mills represents an outstanding value proposition. The combination of very low net prices and minimal debt requirements makes it particularly attractive for students who want to minimize financial risk while gaining credentials or preparing for transfer to four-year institutions.
Bay Mills Community College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
