Our history

Through the collaboration and innovation of 300 civic-minded individuals who saw the need for a top-quality community college in mid-Michigan, Delta College was created to serve Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.
Delta College opened in 1961 with 2,600 students, and now enrolls about 9,000 annually. Students range from high school students taking dual-enrollment classes to older adults returning to college to enhance their skills.
Today, Delta continues to value collaboration and innovation as we lead the way in community college education. From our involvement as a founding member in the League for Innovation in the Community College to our commitment to Achieving the Dream as a Leader College, Delta College continues to learn and grow as we encourage our students to do the same.
The main campus has been expanded and renovated a number of times throughout the years as we continue to offer students the best learning equipment and technology available. And to provide more convenience, Delta College has established three centers in Bay City, Midland and Saginaw.
"I think what we have contributed to our community is just amazing."

Donald J. Carlyon
Delta's longest sitting President, 1967–1992