Kirtland is accredited by the Michigan Commission on College Accreditation and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college also holds membership in the Michigan Community College Association and the American Association of Community Colleges. The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North CentralAssociation of Colleges and Schools granted Kirtland Community College status as a candidate for accreditation in 1972, and the college has been accredited as an associate degree-granting institution since 1975. The college is named after the Kirtland's warbler. Founded in 1966 under the provisions of Michigan's Public Act 188 of 1955, it is the state's largest community college district geographically, totaling 2,500 square miles and consisting of all or part of nine counties. Approximately 65,000 people reside within the district. Kirtland opened the doors of its five portable classrooms in 1968 with 160 students. Kirtland’s new central campus, built in 2016, is located at 4800 W 4 Mile Road, Grayling, MI 49738, accessible from I-75 and U.S. 127 highways. In addition, Kirtland maintains classrooms and community spaces at two regional locations in Gaylord and Roscommon, Michigan. The location is approximately 200 miles north of Detroit.
Academics
Kirtland offers degree and certificate programs, including transfer associate degrees, and areas of study in arts and sciences, business, professional programs, industrial trades, health science, public safety and more. Evening and online courses are available. Programs and courses offered include: wood science technology, cosmetology, nursing, cardiac sonography, medical assistant, surgical technology, cyber security, art, industrial and construction technology, automotive technology, police academy, as well as online offerings, general education, prerequisites, science classes with labs and transfer credits.
Athletics
The college competes in intercollegiate athletics as a member of the Eastern Conference of the Michigan College Athletic Association. The Kirtland Firebirds compete in men's and women's golf and cross-country running. Kirtland has half- to full-ride scholarships available. In 2015, Kirtland added bowling to their athletics department.
