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98.9%Acceptance
$23,324Tuition
3,213Students
50%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$45,099Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Davenport University

Davenport University builds careers through hands-on business and technology training. The university enrolls 3,213 students across its suburban Grand Rapids campus and satellite locations. With a 98.91% acceptance rate, Davenport welcomes students ready to focus on practical skills over theoretical study. The school's motto "Knowledge. Practice. Excellence" reflects its career-first approach to education.

Students pay an average net price of $19,988 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $45,099 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $26,000 in student debt. The monthly loan payment averages $276, which represents a manageable portion of post-graduation income. With 95.9% of graduates finding employment, Davenport delivers on its promise of career preparation.

The Panthers compete in 21 NCAA Division II sports with 713 total athletes receiving $6.3 million in athletic scholarships. Women make up 55.84% of the student body, while 88.15% of students come from Michigan. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in career-focused programs. However, the 49.50% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay committed to their studies.

Academics & Faculty

Davenport University builds its reputation around business and technology programs designed for immediate career entry. The university maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing hands-on mentorship in practical skills. However, only 49.8% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the career-focused student body that often balances work with education. The school excels in accounting, cybersecurity, and health information management programs. Students gain real-world experience through internships and industry partnerships rather than theoretical study. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning over academic research. With a 95.9% employment rate, graduates typically find jobs quickly in their chosen fields. The university serves working professionals and traditional students seeking immediate career preparation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
29.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
49.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
49.5%
Retention Rate
73.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,099
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Master $66,171
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $63,318
Computer Programming. Bachelor $61,516
Accounting and Related Services. Master $57,860
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $57,549
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $56,484
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Bachelor $54,361
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Bachelor $53,108
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $47,650
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $46,820

View all 91 programs →

Campus Life

Davenport's suburban campus sits in Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest city, where students experience all four seasons and definitely need winter coats for the snowy months from December through March. Only about 29% of the 3,213 students live in the residence halls, since 88% come from Michigan and many commute from home. The student body skews slightly female at 56%, creating a balanced campus atmosphere.

Weekend life revolves around the Panthers' 21 NCAA Division II sports teams, with 713 student-athletes competing in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Students often head downtown to Grand Rapids for internships and part-time jobs, taking advantage of the city's growing business scene that aligns with Davenport's career-focused mission. The practical, hands-on approach means many students are already working in their fields while studying. Campus feels more like a commuter school than a traditional college bubble, with students balancing academics, work, and real-world experience from day one.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
941 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1866

Campus Safety (2023)

30 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 5 4 0 0
Burglary 4 4 0 0
Dating Violence 3 3 0 0
Stalking 2 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
18°–30°F
July Avg
62°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
38.3"
Annual Snowfall
-702.8"

Student Demographics

Davenport draws overwhelmingly from Michigan, with 88% of students staying close to home for their business and technology education. The student body reflects the school's career-focused mission, attracting working-class families who see practical value in job-ready programs. Women make up 56% of enrollment, drawn to the university's strong business programs and supportive environment. The diverse student mix includes significant Black and Hispanic representation. Most students come from families earning modest incomes, making Davenport's affordable tuition and hands-on approach to career preparation particularly appealing to first-generation college students.
Men
44.2%
Women
55.8%
White
62.7%
Black
13.6%
Hispanic
7.8%
Asian
2.9%
In-State Students
88.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
30.1%

Location

Davenport University sits in Grand Rapids, Michigan's second-largest city with over 200,000 residents. The campus operates in a thriving metropolitan area known for its furniture manufacturing heritage and growing healthcare sector. Grand Rapids lies about 160 miles northwest of Detroit and 30 miles inland from Lake Michigan's eastern shore. The city blends urban amenities with Midwestern charm, featuring a revitalized downtown district and strong job market that attracts Davenport's career-focused students. With 88.15% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Michigan's mix of industrial cities and natural landscapes. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Davenport University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512-9396
Davenport University Livonia Michigan campus
Davenport University Livonia Michigan campus
Davenport University campus
Davenport University campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$45,099
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,637
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,100
Loan Repayment Rate
35.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Davenport University?

Davenport University accepts 98.91% of applicants, making admission extremely accessible for students seeking career-focused education. The university prioritizes practical job preparation over selectivity, welcoming students who want hands-on business and technology training.

How much does Davenport University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,988 annually after aid, though costs vary by family income. The university charges $23,324 in tuition regardless of residency status, with 30.10% of students receiving Pell Grants for additional support.

What is Davenport University known for academically?

Davenport specializes in business and technology programs designed for immediate career application. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, the university emphasizes practical skills over theoretical learning, following their motto of 'Knowledge. Practice. Excellence.'

How successful are Davenport University graduates in finding jobs?

Graduates achieve a 95.9% employment rate, reflecting the university's strong industry connections and career-focused curriculum. However, median earnings of $45,099 after ten years suggest graduates typically enter middle-income professional roles rather than high-paying positions.

Where is Davenport University located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in suburban Grand Rapids, Michigan, housing 941 students in residence halls among a total enrollment of 3,213. With 713 student athletes competing in 21 NCAA Division II sports, the Panthers create an active campus environment despite the university's commuter-friendly focus.

Does Davenport University have a strong graduation rate?

Only 49.50% of students graduate within six years, below the national average for four-year institutions. The 73.67% freshman retention rate suggests many students struggle with the transition to college, though those who persist often find career success in their chosen fields.