With classes taught by professional faculty, students choose Washtenaw Community College for the quality of instruction.
In fact, WCC transfers more students to the University of Michigan than any other college.
Students also appreciate the affordability and accessibility the college offers.
At $95 per credit hour, Washtenaw has one of the lowest in-district tuition rates in the state thanks to taxpayers that support the College. WCC gets almost half of its operating budget through local property taxes and about 30% of its revenue through tuition and fees.
WCC also meets students where and when they are ready to learn with flexible class schedules and online classes.
Every year more than 21,000 students take classes at WCC and an additional 5,600 people enroll in non-credit professional development, workforce training and continuing education classes.
The College is also working to ensure that the community has access to a highly skilled workforce – people that the community relies on every day like engineers, nurses, radiography technicians, childcare workers, teachers, police officers and skilled trades people.
In the last five years, WCC has awarded:
- 2,136 certificates and degrees in manufacturing, technology, skilled trades and public service careers like police officers and child care professionals
- 3,842 certificates and degrees in Allied Health for nurses, radiographers, MRI and mammography technicians; dental assistants, surgical techs and others
- 4,367 certificates and degrees in business and computer technology supporting a wide range of businesses from manufacturing to retail, information technology, medical, hospitality and more.
- 7,619 certificates and degrees in math, science, technology and liberal arts leading to careers in engineering, environmental science, education, medicine, journalism, etc.
The College and its students add more than $525 million in income to the Washtenaw County economy supporting 7,897 jobs – or one out of every 36 jobs in Washtenaw County.
In terms or return on investment, that means:
- For every $1 spent by students, $7 is gained in lifetime earnings – a return on investment of 24% for students.
- For every $1 spent by taxpayers, $4.10 is gained in added taxes and public sector savings – a return of 12% for taxpayers.
- For every $1 spent by society, $16 is gained in added state revenue and social savings such as reduced crime, lower unemployment and increased health and well-being across the state.
Washtenaw also serves as the summer training hub for four international unions:
- The United Association of the Plumbing, Pipefitting and Sprinkler Fitting Industry (UA),
- The Ironworkers,
- The Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ union, and
- The United Union of Roofers.
These unions combine to bring more than $13 million in annual economic impact to Washtenaw County.
WCC is also an important meeting place for the community with more than 90,000 guests visiting the campus each year to attend one or more of the 4,500 community events we host.
Another way the College gives back is through support for seniors.
WCC’s Emeritus Scholarship program allows county residents 65 and older to take credit and non-credit classes tuition free. Last year, more than 3,000 program scholarships were awarded, TOTALING more than $400,000.
The College also offers free, weekly classes at 14 community and senior centers across Washtenaw County. Available to residents 65 and older, the Senior Focus classes promote health, fitness and personal enrichment.
Through the Center for Career Success, WCC helps employers find talent, ensuring students get the skills they need and assisting anyone looking to start, change or advance their careers. Our students find jobs at Ford Motor Company, Google and Michigan Medicine, just to name a few.