About Kalamazoo College
The financial picture looks surprisingly manageable despite a sticker price of $71,748. Students actually pay an average net price of $18,873 after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $14,732. Graduates earn a median of $65,590 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $26,077 quite reasonable. The monthly loan payment of $276 represents a solid return on investment.
The student body tilts 56% female and draws primarily from Michigan, with 64% of students coming from in-state. About 31% receive institutional grants averaging $41,851, which explains how the college makes expensive education accessible. The 81% six-year graduation rate reflects strong student support, while the 90% employment rate shows the K-Plan's career preparation pays off.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 80.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 81.7%
- Retention Rate
- 83.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,590
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,729 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $31,038 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $22,920 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $19,045 |
Campus Life
The K-Plan shapes weekend life as much as weekdays. Students often gather to prep for upcoming study abroad programs or work on senior projects together. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors frequently join campus events and know students by name. Saturday afternoons bring Hornets athletics, though Division III means games feel more like community gatherings than major spectacles. The college's 1,175 students split fairly evenly between in-state and out-of-state, with 64% coming from Michigan. Small-town Kalamazoo offers coffee shops and local restaurants within walking distance, while the campus itself features traditional brick buildings and plenty of green space for Ultimate Frisbee or studying outdoors during warmer months.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 864 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1833
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–31°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 64.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 61.5%
- Black
- 5.4%
- Hispanic
- 17.5%
- Asian
- 4.6%
- In-State Students
- 63.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.2%
Location
- Address
- Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006-3295
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,590
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,449
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,077
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Kalamazoo College?
Kalamazoo College accepts 79.25% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1200-1370 on the SAT and average a 29 on the ACT, reflecting the college's focus on finding students ready for their rigorous liberal arts curriculum.
How much does Kalamazoo College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,873 despite the $58,764 sticker price. The college awards institutional grants averaging $41,851 to about 32% of students, making this private liberal arts education surprisingly affordable for many families.
What makes Kalamazoo College's academic program unique?
The K-Plan requires every student to complete study abroad, internships, and senior projects as part of their degree. With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and quarter system calendar, students receive intensive mentoring throughout these experiential learning requirements that define a Kalamazoo education.
What do Kalamazoo College graduates earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $65,590 ten years after graduation, with 90.4% finding employment. Graduates typically carry $26,077 in debt with monthly loan payments of $276, making their liberal arts investment financially viable in the long term.
Where do students live at Kalamazoo College?
The campus houses 864 students in residence halls, serving about three-quarters of the 1,175 total enrollment. Located in small-city Kalamazoo, Michigan, the college creates a close-knit community where 56% of students are women and nearly two-thirds come from in-state.
Does Kalamazoo College offer athletic scholarships?
Kalamazoo College awards $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution. The Hornets field 18 varsity sports with 405 total athletes competing in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, emphasizing the scholar-athlete ideal over athletic recruitment.
