June 2, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College was the top destination for Kent County high school graduates in 2022, with 27 percent of all college-bound students taking advantage of the college’s quality programs and affordable tuition.
GRCC was “by far” the top choice for members of the Class of 2022 in 19 of Kent County’s 20 K-12 school districts, with Grand Rapids Public Schools and Forest Hills Public Schools sending the most students, according to the most recent State of Michigan data as reported by MLive.com.
“We tell people they belong at GRCC, and we are proud to be the community’s college,” GRCC President Charles W. Lepper said. “We work hard to be accessible to everyone who wants to gain a quality, life-changing education. We don’t just want people to attend, we want them to thrive. We have support systems in place to help students be successful. We are in this together.”
Grand Valley State University was the second most popular destination, with 13 percent, followed by Michigan State University and Ferris State University.
GRCC was the top choice in Hudsonville and West Ottawa public schools in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, and tied with GVSU for the top spot in Holland and Saugatuck schools.
Many Ottawa County students take classes at the GRCC Lakeshore Campus, which opened in its Holland Township location in 2021.
GRCC is a popular choice for students looking to earn credits and earn a degree or transfer to a four-year college or university. All 15 of Michigan’s public universities and 20 independent colleges and universities are part of the Michigan Transfer Network.
Nearly half -- 48.5 percent -- of the students graduating from the Grand Rapids Public Schools headed to GRCC. Kelloggsville, at 47.2 percent, was close behind.
Students attending one of the 25 public, public charter or private high schools located within the city of Grand Rapids are eligible for the Grand Rapids Promise Zone scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and expenses. Additional information is available at grcc.edu/promisezone.
Students graduating this spring could be eligible for the new Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which could cover up to $2,750 a year to help with the cost of tuition and expenses.
Students graduating this May and June still have time to enroll in GRCC’s second summer semester, as well as the upcoming fall semester. The no-cost application is available at grcc.edu/apply.