Degree Dividend
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Jackson College vs Bay Mills Community College: which has better ROI?

Public, Jackson MI · vs · Public, Brimley MI

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Jackson College comes closer — median earnings $36,898 against a $31,044 total, vs $30,048 at Bay Mills Community College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureJackson CollegeBay Mills Community College
Net price / yr$7,761$3,073
Total net cost$31,044$12,292
Median earnings, 10 yrs$36,898$30,048
Median debt$13,875
Payback
20-year net return-$260,284-$378,532

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Jackson College or Bay Mills Community College?

Bay Mills Community College, at $3,073 a year after aid versus $7,761 — a gap of $4,688 a year, or $18,752 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Jackson College or Bay Mills Community College graduates earn more?

Jackson College graduates report a median $36,898 ten years after entry, $6,850 more than the $30,048 at Bay Mills Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which graduates more of its students?

30% of students finish at Bay Mills Community College, against 16% at Jackson College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Jackson College vs Bay Mills Community College: frequently asked questions

Is Jackson College or Bay Mills Community College a better value?
Jackson College comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Jackson College or Bay Mills Community College?
Bay Mills Community College: $3,073/yr net price after aid versus $7,761/yr at Jackson College — a difference of $4,688 a year, or about $18,752 over four years.
Do Jackson College or Bay Mills Community College graduates earn more?
Jackson College graduates earn a median $36,898 ten years after entry, versus $30,048 at Bay Mills Community College — a $6,850 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.