Parents

How to Apply

SMC’s admissions process is easy, fast and free. View the steps to becoming an SMC student here.

Requirements and Deadlines

SMC has a rolling admissions process and an open admissions policy. This means that there are no GPA or test score requirements, and that students can apply at any time. However, we recommend applying as early as possible to give your student ample time to complete the other items in the admissions process and for a better chance at scholarships. Also, the last day new students may register for classes is typically the week before the semester starts, so your student will need to apply plenty of time before that date.

Contact

Admissions
269-782-1499
enrollment@swmich.edu

Cost

Tuition at SMC is a fraction of the cost of most schools. Click here to see cost information.

Aid

Scholarships and financial aid make our already-low tuition even more affordable. 85% of first-time, full-time students at SMC receive financial aid, and the average first-time, full-time student receives $5,429 in grants and scholarships.

Financial aid comes in a number of forms:

SMC Scholarships

All students are automatically considered for academic merit-based scholarships when they apply for admission. A number of other scholarships are also available. Browse all SMC scholarships and apply here.

Federal and State Aid

To receive this type of aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov using the previous year’s taxes (so for 2023-24 aid, use 2022 taxes), making sure to use SMC’s federal school code, 002317.

Outside Scholarships

SMC accepts scholarships from outside sources. Some possible private scholarships are listed here, but you may also search the web for other scholarships.

Private Loans

SMC also accepts loans from private sources, like Sallie Mae or your bank. Learn more about private loans here.

Click here for more financial aid and scholarship information.

Payment Information

Bills are generally due about one month before classes begin. You may pay in full or enroll in a payment plan to make smaller payments throughout the semester. Click here to learn more about payment plans.

Parents and relatives can make payments for their student online after the student assigns them as an authorized user in the Bill and Payment Center. To do this, have your student log in to SMC Wired and click Bill and Payment Center from the My Courses tab, then the Bill and Payment Center button. In the Bill and Payment Center, select Authorized Users from the menu on the right, then Add Authorized User.

Contact

Business Office (for billing and payment questions):
269-782-1298
ecashier@swmich.edu

Financial Aid (for help with financial aid):
269-783-2143
finaid@swmich.edu

SMC’s on-campus housing features apartment-style suites with four private bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and two bathrooms in each suite. For more about housing, including FAQs, visit our housing pages.

How to Apply

Apply for housing here. A non-refundable $75 fee is required to submit the application. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is typically a wait list. Room assignments will be made beginning on June 1.

Contact

269-783-2159
housing@swmich.edu

All students are required to meet with an advisor to register for their first semester of classes. In their first year, students can get assistance from the Office of First Year Experience (Dowagiac Campus) or the Student Service Center (Niles Campus). Second-year and beyond students should see the Academic Advising and Resource Center for advising.

Getting students engaged with campus and with each other is a priority. We offer many opportunities to get involved through student events and clubs.

All incoming students are expected to attend New Student Orientation, which allows them to get acclimated to campus, learn about campus resources, and meet other students.

Housing students have additional opportunities to meet people who share their interests through Welcome Week events and other activities organized by their housing manager or resident assistant throughout the semester.

Learn more about campus life here.

Safety is a top priority at SMC. We have day and night on-campus security, a highly qualified security team and strong relationships with local police departments. The campus is also secured with video cameras, electronic door locks, and specialized lighting. Students who live in housing have secured keycard entry into parking lots, buildings, suites, and their private rooms.

Students and staff receive emergency-preparedness training throughout the year, and the college uses the RAVE notification system to alert students to emergencies and campus closings.

The National Weather Service has certified both campuses of SMC as StormReady due to our outstanding weather monitoring and reporting systems.

Students may anonymously report concerning behaviors and incidents using the Cause for Concern system.

Learn more about campus security here.

Due to federal FERPA regulations, we are unable to divulge any information about your student, including their academic performance or bill, unless they give written permission by filling out the FERPA. The FERPA waiver is available in the Office of First Year Experience.

SMC employs many student workers year-round. Click here to browse student job openings.

First Year Experience (FYE)

The Office of First Year Experience guides new students through their first year at SMC by providing advising, resources for success, and engagement activities, including New Student Orientation and Welcome Week, to help ease the transition to our college community. Learn more about FYE here.

Academic Advising and Resource Center (AARC)

The Academic Advising and Resource Center (AARC) provides a multitude of services including academic advising and registration, international student advising, veterans advising, Disability Services, major/career exploration, transfer planning, assisting students with degree audits, and graduation planning. Learn more about the AARC here.

Disability Services

Disability Services provides resources, education, and direct support services and accommodations to ensure that students with disabilities achieve equal access to the educational resources on our campuses. Read more about disability services here.

Transfer Advising

Students can access transfer school materials, work on their applications, meet with SMC and transfer school advisors, and plan their transfer in Transfer Resource Services. Learn more about transfer services here.

Fred L. Mathews Library and The Carole A. Tate Teaching and Learning Center

The Fred L. Mathews Library is a one-stop site for students' learning needs, offering a full library with study spaces and a variety of titles for checkout as well as access to printers and computers.

Located in the library is the Teaching and Learning Center, which offers free tutoring and writing assistance for a variety of subjects. Students may also learn test-taking and study skills, receive resume assistance, and get other helpful tips to help them succeed at SMC. The Teaching and Learning Center is also available on the Niles Campus

Learn more about the library here.

Learn more about the Teaching and Learning Center here.

Mental Health Therapy

Free mental health therapy is available to all students. To request a session or to refer someone else, students can fill out the Wellness Therapy Request Form found under the Student Resources tab in Wired. 

The Dowagiac campus has two great places to eat, the Birdfeeder and the Zollar Cafe.

The Birdfeeder is a full-service cafeteria offering a full lunch menu, including home-style daily specials, fresh salads and freshly made soups, grilled sandwiches, and deep-fried foods.

The Zollar Cafe serves breakfast and lunch. Breakfast items include waffles, cereal, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, muffins, scones, gourmet coffee, cappuccinos, and smoothies. Lunch items are fresh salads, hot paninis, and wraps.

Meal plans are not available, but you can get your student a pre-paid meal card to use at the Birdfeeder or the Zollar Café. Set up a pre-paid meal card at the Birdfeeder.

The bookstore is the place to buy textbooks, SMC apparel and accessories, technology, and other items. Located in the annex to the Dale A. Lyons Building. Read more about the bookstore.

Contact
800-456-8675, ext. 1384
bookstore@swmich.edu

Hours
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.