Kellogg Community College delivers a high-return, low-risk onramp to degrees and careers. We are contributing to the national enrollment recovery and filling urgent workforce gaps while remaining the most affordable path in higher education.
On Local Value: KCC educates a larger share of first-generation, working, parenting and rural students than our peers, and rankings routinely place us in the top tier for quality and affordability with strong class sizes and support (e.g., WalletHub and SmartAsset rankings).
On Affordability: Published prices at public two-year colleges remain far below other options. In 2024–25, KCC’s in-district tuition and fees averaged $4,118 compared with $15,584 at Michigan’s public four-year institutions.
On Enrollment Momentum and Access: National undergraduate enrollment grew 2.4% in Fall 2025, with community colleges up 4% year-over-year. KCC has increased enrollment for three consecutive years, and Michigan Reconnect continues expanding adult access toward the Sixty by 30 goal (i.e., 60% by 2030).
On ROI: Return-on-investment analyses that include time and cost show two-year institutions delivering competitive value, particularly at 10- to 20-year horizons and for career-aligned certificates and associate degrees. Michigan’s Median Annual Wages by Educational Attainment report confirms this when earnings are reviewed after one and five years after completion by credential level.
On Workforce Alignment: KCC excels at “earn-and-learn” pathways, stackable credentials, apprenticeships and targeted reskilling aligned with Michigan’s labor market needs and employer partnerships.
On Transfer Pathways: KCC participates in the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) and multidisciplinary MiTransfer Pathways designed to carry full blocks of general education and major courses to universities, cutting excess credits and time-to-degree. Additional articulation agreements with individual transfer partners allow even more to transfer to the student’s transfer destination.
I’m proud that KCC maximizes value per dollar and time-to-opportunity for families and employers: low net price, high transfer leverage and career-ready programs aligned to regional demand. We are thankful for your continued support!
This column first appeared in the December 2025 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.
