College of Micronesia-FSM

COM-FSM operates as a community college with a vocational and transfer focus, offering 17 undergraduate degrees across 16 majors. Programs are designed to align with Micronesia's economic needs, including:

• Associate degrees in fields like liberal arts, nursing, and agriculture (the majority of programs)
• A sole BA degree in Education, critical for training local teachers
• Vocational training in maritime studies, construction, and hospitality

Class sizes and faculty ratios aren't detailed, but the curriculum emphasizes practical skills and English-language instruction (the national language). Notably, the college doesn't offer bachelor's degrees outside education, with most academic programs capped at the associate level.

Student life at COM-FSM revolves around cultural preservation and community engagement. The college's Pohnpei campus hosts activities blending traditional Micronesian practices with academic life:

• Cultural programs: Weaving, dancing, and oral storytelling events are prominent, per the Student Life Office's Facebook page.
• Limited housing: Most students commute, though some campus housing exists (details unspecified).
• Entrepreneurship support: Unusual for a community college, COM-FSM runs a dedicated office assisting student businesses, open weekdays from 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.

With no Greek life or competitive sports mentioned, social life likely centers on small-group gatherings and island-wide festivals.

Graduation rates at COM-FSM are low by U.S. standards but contextualized by the region's educational challenges:

• 6-year graduation rate: 5.5% for non-Pell Grant recipients (no overall rate provided)
• Early-career salaries: ~$19,000–$21,711, reflecting Micronesia's developing economy
• Retention data: Not explicitly stated, but IPEDS reports suggest significant attrition

The college serves many first-generation and low-income students, with outcomes heavily influenced by external economic factors. Its vocational programs likely lead directly to local jobs in trades, healthcare, and education.

COM-FSM is one of the world's most affordable colleges, with nearly all students receiving aid:

• Tuition: $5,050 (flat rate for in/out-of-state)
• Net price: $4,180–$6,156 after aid
• Financial aid: 98% receive federal grants ($3,908 avg), 17% get state/local grants

Remarkably, 95.89% of students historically receive grants/scholarships averaging $5,852 — often covering 100% of tuition. The college emphasizes FAFSA completion and offers a net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator, though loan uptake is virtually nonexistent (0% participation).

The College of Micronesia-FSM is unlike any U.S. mainland institution — a community college that functions as a national university for the FSM. Its singular traits:

• Cultural anchor: It preserves Micronesian traditions while preparing students for modern jobs.
• Access mission: With an 87% acceptance rate?Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. and near-full grant coverage, it removes barriers to education in a region with few alternatives.
• Hyper-local focus: Programs like maritime studies and tropical agriculture address island-specific needs ignored by global universities.

For Micronesians, COM-FSM isn't just a college — it's the primary engine of workforce development and cultural continuity in a dispersed island nation.