BUCKING NATIONAL TRENDS, LMC ENROLLMENT SURGES IN FALL

October 9, 2024

Benton Harbor, Mich. – Lake Michigan College (LMC) has seen remarkable growth for the second consecutive year, driven by a significant rise in the number of high school graduates choosing LMC as their entry point into higher education. This fall, the college saw a 9% increase in total enrollment, bringing the student body to 3,362 students, a notable milestone. These students collectively enrolled in over 28,537 credit hours of courses—an 10% jump from the previous year—demonstrating a strong momentum among students working to complete their certificate or degree programs. Some high school dual enrollment and early/middle college numbers are still coming in and will take the final totals higher.

This enrollment surge highlights the growing appeal of LMC’s robust academic offerings and the increasing accessibility of higher education to local students. The number of new, first-time college students at LMC has been climbing steadily:

- Fall 2022: 300 new first-time students

- Fall 2023: 394 new first-time students

- Fall 2024: 511 new first-time students

“We have met with hundreds of parents and high school counselors, and thousands of students over the past year, telling everyone about the incredible value LMC is as a college and a launching pad to a career or degree. We want prospective students to know what we offer and that we are here for them. We really are committed to their success,” said Eric Wignall, director of admissions and recruitment.

Michigan Community College Guarantee and Increased Financial Aid

This year marks a significant step forward for community college students in Michigan, with the introduction of the Michigan Community College (MCC) Guarantee. This state program allows recent high school graduates to earn a certificate or associate degree at any Michigan community college tuition-free, making higher education more accessible than ever before.

In addition to tuition coverage, eligible MCC Guarantee students who qualify for federal Pell Grants receive an extra $1,000 for living expenses including books, transportation, and rent. LMC also aligned its own scholarship programs to further incentivize high school graduates to pursue a career skill certificate or associate degree.

“We are committed to ensuring financial challenges don’t stand in the way of students who want to advance their education and careers. With the support of the LMC Foundation and our generous donors, we’ve increased funding to help cover not only tuition but also books and other essential educational resources,” Kubatzke said.

This combination of financial aid programs is specifically designed to support students from LMC’s district, ensuring that graduates from in-district high schools can access Lake Michigan’s career-focused education without incurring heavy financial burdens.

Reaching more students

Beyond local success, LMC’s influence is expanding nationwide and globally. This fall, the college enrolled students from 101 high schools across Michigan, 14 other states, and 12 countries. Berrien County remains a cornerstone of the college's recruitment efforts, with LMC achieving substantial increases in enrollment from Saint Joseph, Berrien Springs, Eau Claire, and River Valley high schools.

LMC’s wide-ranging impact on the community extends beyond its enrollment numbers. The college’s programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving workforce. From cutting-edge technical training to professional certificates in in-demand fields, LMC continues to fulfill its mission of creating a brighter future for its students and their communities.

LMC is a fully accredited, nonprofit, two-year community college, one of 31 across Michigan. With its main campus in Benton Harbor and an additional campus in South Haven, LMC also offers courses at satellite locations including the Bertrand Innovation Center in Niles and the Allegan Tech Center, making higher education more accessible to students in a variety of locations across the region.

For additional information, contact the Lake Michigan College Admissions Office at (269) 927-8626 or email admissions@lakemichigancollege.edu.