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Great Lakes Christian College

Lansing, MI Private ยท Suburban www.glcc.edu
Grad Rate
28.8%
Enrollment
130
Tuition
$19,990
Median Salary
$31,053
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Great Lakes Christian College offers an intimate, faith-centered campus experience where every student is recognized by name. The atmosphere feels like a close-knit spiritual family, with small class sizes fostering deep personal connections and mentorship. It's a place where your faith is actively integrated into your daily learning and community life.

Academics & Majors

GLCC's academic strength lies in its focused theological and psychological programs, taught from a biblical worldview. The low student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and mentorship from professors who are deeply invested in your spiritual and intellectual growth. While research opportunities are more limited compared to larger universities, students often engage in community-based projects and ministry-oriented learning.

Popular Majors

Theology
63%
Psychology
3.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

28.8%
Graduation Rate
39.5%
Retention Rate
130
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$19,990
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$18,700
After financial aid
Total Cost
$29,664
Cost of attendance/year
62.4%
Receive Pell Grants
61.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lansing

Students at GLCC often enjoy a quiet campus life, with nearby parks and nature trails for relaxation and outdoor activities. For more variety, downtown Lansing is a short drive away, offering local coffee shops, restaurants, and the scenic River Trail for biking and walking. Many students also participate in church activities and local community service projects for their social life.

Local Rent Check

$887 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lansing
Explore Lansing

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$79,960
$0Est. 4 Years: $79,960

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($31,053):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a quiet, suburban area of Lansing, providing a safe and peaceful environment for students. The small, residential nature of the campus means a tight-knit community where students and staff look out for one another.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely low student-to-faculty ratio for personalized attention
  • โœ“ Strong, integrated faith-based academic environment
  • โœ“ Affordable tuition for a private Christian college
  • โœ“ Supportive, close-knit community feel

Cons

  • โœ— Very low graduation (28.8%) and retention (39.5%) rates
  • โœ— Limited major options outside of theology and psychology
  • โœ— Lower-than-average post-graduation earning potential
  • โœ— Very small campus with fewer resources and activities

Notable Alumni

Dr. Gary J. Bredfeldt
Served as the Academic Dean and a professor at GLCC, contributing significantly to the college's academic programs and theological education.
David K. Bernard
An alumnus who became a prominent leader and author within the United Pentecostal Church International, contributing to theological scholarship.
John D. Schorr
A graduate who has served in various pastoral and leadership roles, exemplifying the college's mission to equip students for Christian ministry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Great Lakes Christian College is primarily known for its focused programs in theology, ministry, and psychology, all taught from a conservative Christian perspective. It is recognized for its intimate, community-oriented environment where students receive significant personal mentorship from faculty and staff. The college prepares students for careers in church ministry, non-profit work, and counseling within a faith-based framework.

Great Lakes Christian College has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to most applicants. While there are no strict minimum GPA or test score requirements, the admissions process does weigh an applicant's commitment to the Christian faith and their alignment with the college's mission. With a small enrollment of around 130 students, the focus is more on finding students who are a good fit for the community rather than on academic selectivity.

Campus life at GLCC is deeply communal and centered on faith. With a small student body, it's easy to know everyone, and activities often revolve around chapel services, Bible studies, and ministry opportunities. While the campus is suburban and quiet, students also have access to the greater Lansing area for part-time jobs and off-campus entertainment.

The value of a degree from GLCC is highly dependent on your career goals. The tuition is relatively affordable for a private college, but the low median earnings of graduates ($31,053) indicate a challenging financial return on investment for many fields. It is most worthwhile for students committed to a career in ministry or non-profit work, where the spiritual formation and specialized training are the primary value propositions, outweighing the potential for a high salary.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Local Churches and Ministries Christian Non-Profit Organizations Private Christian Schools Community Counseling Centers Religious Publishing Houses
Smart Start Score
42

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 171
  • In-State Tuition $19,990
  • Zip Code 48917

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 55.4% โ™€ 44.6%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $18,700 and tuition under $20,000, GLCC is more affordable than many private institutions. However, the 10-year median earnings of $31,053 are significantly below the national average, which requires careful consideration of your intended career path. The financial return on investment is most viable for those entering ministry or non-profit work, where the value is measured in purpose as much as in salary.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $19,990
Housing (12 mo) $10,644
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $37,834
With avg financial aid:
$18,700/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.