Trade Colleges

Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Southwestern Michigan College

Dowagiac, MI

Total Enrollment

3,350

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

59

59 career programs

Full-Time Students

3,788

3,350 part-time

Total FTE

1,250

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large-Medium
Substantial training facility
3,350
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 59
High diversity
~57 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Growing
Solid presence in career training
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Southwestern Michigan College operates as a large-medium trade college with 3,350 students across 59 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

Southwestern Michigan College serves 3,350 students, providing focused career training with personalized instruction and hands-on learning. The school offers 59 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 3,788 (53.1%)
53.1%
Part-Time Students 3,350 (46.9%)
46.9%
Total Students 7,138

Balanced mix of full-time (53.1%) and part-time students, accommodating various schedules.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (113.1%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
59.4%
1,991 students
Men
40.6%
1,359 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
71.3%
2,390 students
White
71.3% (2,390)
Black/African American
11.4% (382)
Two or More Races
6.7% (223)
Hispanic/Latino
1.2% (41)
Asian
1.2% (40)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.9% (31)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.2% (8)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 3,350 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 71% of the student body (2,390 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

7,138 students

42% Men, 58% Women
3,788 Full-time
Diversity Index: 50% • Minority Students: 18%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

955
All full-time students
416 men, 539 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Undergraduate

955
Full-time undergraduate
416 men, 539 women
Diversity: 53%

FT Degree-Seeking

939
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
410 men, 529 women
Diversity: 53%

FT First-Time

467
Full-time first-time students
207 men, 260 women
Diversity: 54%

FT Continuing

472
Full-time continuing students
203 men, 269 women
Diversity: 52%

Part-Time Students

All Students

1,953
All students total
800 men, 1,153 women
Diversity: 48%

Transfer

78
Transfer-in students
28 men, 50 women
Diversity: 49%

Continuing

762
Continuing students
282 men, 480 women
Diversity: 50%

Non-Degree

557
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
249 men, 308 women
Diversity: 37%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

4,882
White
1,006
Black/African American
113
Hispanic/Latino
80
Asian
Diversity Index: 50% Minority Students: 18%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About Southwestern Michigan College

College Overview
General information
Programs & Degrees
Available study options
Admissions
Requirements & process
AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Southwestern Michigan College's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 3,350 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (113.1%) in a traditional academic setting.
• Academic Intensity: 1,250 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 46% taking some online courses.
• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

2697821000

Address

58900 Cherry Grove Rd

Dowagiac, MI 49047-9793

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials