What Is Kirtland Community College?
Updated
Kirtland Community College is a public community college in Grayling, Michigan, offering career training, 39 degrees and certificates, and three transfer associate degree programs. It serves high school graduates, adults 21 and older, veterans, and in-district residents who may qualify for tuition-free skills certificates or degrees through the community college guarantee. The kirtland.edu website is the main entry point for admissions, program exploration, registration, scholarships, and workforce training.
Where it is and who it serves
Kirtland is based in Grayling, in northern Michigan. Its stated audience spans several groups:
- High school students — the site promotes a Senior Summit for Class of 2027 graduates, framed as "everything you need to know before stepping foot on a college campus."
- Adults 21+ — Michigan Reconnect is highlighted as a way for this group to save on tuition at Kirtland.
- In-district students — the community college guarantee lets them earn a skills certificate or degree tuition-free.
- Veterans — Kirtland has been recognized as a leading college for veterans in Michigan.
- Career changers and workforce learners — Business & Workforce Solutions and Career Coach resources point toward job-oriented training.
What you can study
The college reports 39 degrees and certificates plus three transfer associate degree programs. That mix covers two broad paths:
| Path | What it's for | Example from the site |
|---|---|---|
| Career training | Entering a field directly after a certificate or degree | Forest Technology Certificate, expanded through a partnership with the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology |
| Transfer programs | Starting a bachelor's degree elsewhere | Three transfer associate degree programs |
The Forest Technology Certificate partnership is a concrete example of how Kirtland builds programs around regional industries and partner institutions.
How the website is organized
The homepage surfaces the tasks most students come for:
- Admissions and visits — events like the Senior Summit and the American Revolution documentary screening and discussion (Nov. 11, 6–8 p.m.) give prospective students a reason to come to campus.
- Registration — Fall 2026 semester registration is open, with a direct "Register Now" path.
- Paying for college — Michigan Reconnect, the community college guarantee, and Foundation scholarships are all linked from the main navigation.
- Career planning — Navigate and Career Coach tools sit under the Careers section.
- News and leadership — announcements such as the new academic leadership team signal program innovation and regional partnerships.
What to check before you apply
A few details matter more than the general marketing language:
- Residency status. The tuition-free guarantee is specifically for in-district students. If you live outside the district, confirm your rate before assuming the same terms apply.
- Age and program eligibility. Michigan Reconnect is described for adults 21+, but eligibility rules for the program itself are set outside this page — verify with the college.
- Term timing. Fall 2026 registration is open now, so deadlines and course availability change by semester.
- Program specifics. With 39 credentials, the requirements for a Forest Technology Certificate differ from a transfer associate degree. Check the individual program page rather than the homepage summary.
If you are a high school senior, an adult returning to school, a veteran, or someone in the Grayling area looking for short-term career training, kirtland.edu is the right starting point. Begin with the admissions or registration link, then confirm residency and program eligibility directly with the college before committing.