Bay de Noc Community College, also known as Bay College, is dedicated to offering programs that provide students with the necessary skills to enter the workforce immediately and to become productive members of society. Students can also continue with their studies at a university of their choice. Michigan Technical Education Center, part of Bay College, offers working adults customized programs to improve their technical skills. The college has an undergraduate enrollment of 2,355 and in-state tuition fees of $2,800. Eligible students can apply for federal aid.
Bay Mills Community College, in partnership with the University of Michigan, is the state's first tribally controlled college. It serves the Bay Mills Indian community and the eastern Upper Peninsula area. The college has a mandate to provide education that is affordable and relevant to the culture it serves. Many of the 401 students at this remote community college are eligible to receive Pell grants, post-secondary educational aid from the U.S. Department of Education. They may also be eligible for other federal aid, such as direct loans. In-state tuition and fees are $2,680.
Focus Hope has helped more than 8,000 people since its inception in 1981 through its workforce development programs. Focus Hope ensures success through its support services that enable students to acquire such essentials as bus passes and emergency food and shelter. There is a day-care center for those who require it and students have access to workshops to further their careers, as well as lifetime job placement assistance. Focus Hope provides certificate programs that are five to seven months in length in information technology and machinist training as well as college degrees. There are also workforce development programs to help minorities obtain sustainable jobs.
Delta College, at University Center, Michigan, calls itself "one of the most affordable colleges in Michigan with an annual cost to attend of $3,328." This compares with university fees of $9,876. Delta College was created in 1961 to serve the community educational needs of Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties. New high school graduates as well as older adults who need to sharpen their skills make up the student population. Delta provides the usual academic programs but also offers other opportunities to learn such, as through Lifelong Learning Services that helps clients acquire professional acumen. The college also is home to the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, which provides counseling and training and even programs in astronomy.