Glen Oaks Community College

Life at Glen Oaks revolves around its tight-knit, commuter-heavy campus in rural Centreville. The college fosters community through:

• Clubs and organizations like Phi Theta Kappa (honor society), Student Senate, and niche interest groups
• The Oaks Café and Learning Commons as central gathering spaces for studying and events
• No on-campus housing, but active commuter engagement through athletics (NJCAA Division II) and cultural activities

Instagram posts highlight tailgate parties, STEM workshops, and student success spotlights. The administration explicitly promotes a culture valuing 'diversity of opinion', though demographic diversity is limited (82% White enrollment).

Glen Oaks touts 80% employment/continuing education rates within six months of graduation, though federal data shows a 31% graduation rate for first-time, full-time students. Key metrics:

• 23% transfer-out rate to four-year institutions
• Median salary for nursing graduates: $37,540 (10 years post-graduation)
• Retention rates lag behind national averages: 57% full-time, 39% part-time

The college emphasizes career placement services, particularly for healthcare and trade programs, while transfer-focused students often move on to Michigan public universities.

With in-state tuition at $5,760/year, Glen Oaks positions itself as a budget-conscious choice. Financial aid packages average $7,313, though the college does not meet full demonstrated need or offer a no-loan policy. Key details:

• Net price calculator helps estimate costs after aid (grants, scholarships, work-study)
• Book advance program allows students to use financial aid for supplies before disbursement
• Aid primarily comes from federal programs (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans)

Out-of-state students pay a modest premium at $6,624/year, still far below four-year college averages.

Glen Oaks excels as a no-frills, high-value gateway for rural Michigan students—whether they aim for quick workforce entry or a affordable transfer pathway. Its singular advantages:

• Zero admissions barriers with 100% acceptance, ideal for non-traditional or underprepared students
• Nursing program punch with strong local employer connections
• MTA alignment ensures credits transfer across Michigan’s public universities
• Ultra-low tuition (60% below the national community college average)

This is the kind of place where a first-genFirst-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. student can earn a nursing credential debt-free or knock out gen eds before transferring to Michigan State—all while parking their pickup truck steps from the classroom.