About Kettering University
Kettering University runs one of the most intensive cooperative education programs in the country, requiring all 1,279 students to alternate between classroom study and paid work experience with major employers. This technological university in Flint has built its reputation by placing engineering and technology students directly into General Motors, Ford, and other industry giants for hands-on training. Notable graduates include C-SPAN journalist Steve Scully and former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard. The 80% acceptance rate reflects the school's focus on students ready for rigorous technical education rather than exclusivity.
Students pay an average net price of $33,092 after financial aid, though only 17% receive need-based assistance. Graduates earn a median of $95,000 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $27,000 highly manageable with monthly payments around $286. The cooperative education model means students graduate with both a degree and substantial work experience, leading to a 99% employment rate.
The student body is overwhelmingly male at 80% and primarily from Michigan at 84%. With just 435 housing spots for over 1,200 students, campus life centers around academics and career preparation rather than traditional college experiences. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in this focused engineering environment.
Students pay an average net price of $33,092 after financial aid, though only 17% receive need-based assistance. Graduates earn a median of $95,000 within ten years, making the typical debt load of $27,000 highly manageable with monthly payments around $286. The cooperative education model means students graduate with both a degree and substantial work experience, leading to a 99% employment rate.
The student body is overwhelmingly male at 80% and primarily from Michigan at 84%. With just 435 housing spots for over 1,200 students, campus life centers around academics and career preparation rather than traditional college experiences. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentorship in this focused engineering environment.
Academics & Faculty
Kettering University specializes in engineering and technology education with a distinctive cooperative education program that alternates classroom learning with real-world work experience. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in technical coursework. Students earn a median of $80,708 just one year after graduation, reflecting strong industry connections. The university's 70% six-year graduation rate aligns with its rigorous STEM curriculum. Kettering is particularly known for automotive engineering, given its proximity to Detroit's automotive industry. The mandatory co-op program means students graduate with significant professional experience, contributing to the impressive 98.9% employment rate. This hands-on approach attracts students serious about engineering careers.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.5%
- Retention Rate
- 92.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $94,823
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Master | $114,595 |
| Engineering Science. | Master | $105,083 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $103,746 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $83,177 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $80,255 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,612 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $77,715 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $54,713 |
Campus Life
Kettering's small campus sits in Flint, about 70 miles northwest of Detroit. With only 435 on-campus housing spots for 1,279 students, most upperclassmen live off-campus in nearby apartments or houses. Michigan winters are no joke here - expect snow boots and heavy coats from November through March, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing.
The 80% male student body creates a tight-knit engineering community where study groups and collaborative projects dominate weeknights. Students spend alternate terms either in classes or at co-op jobs across the country, so campus social life revolves around whoever's currently on the academic term. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers. Weekends often center around intramural sports, gaming tournaments, or trips to nearby Frankenmuth for its famous chicken dinners. The Bulldogs don't field major varsity sports teams, so school spirit builds around engineering competitions and co-op success stories. With 98.9% employment rates after graduation, students joke that social events are just early networking opportunities.
The 80% male student body creates a tight-knit engineering community where study groups and collaborative projects dominate weeknights. Students spend alternate terms either in classes or at co-op jobs across the country, so campus social life revolves around whoever's currently on the academic term. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers. Weekends often center around intramural sports, gaming tournaments, or trips to nearby Frankenmuth for its famous chicken dinners. The Bulldogs don't field major varsity sports teams, so school spirit builds around engineering competitions and co-op success stories. With 98.9% employment rates after graduation, students joke that social events are just early networking opportunities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 435 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–30°F
- July Avg
- 60°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
Kettering draws primarily Michigan students who want hands-on engineering careers. The student body is 80% male, reflecting the university's focus on automotive engineering and manufacturing technology. Most students come from in-state families who understand Kettering's co-op reputation in Detroit's automotive corridor. The 17% Pell Grant rate shows the school attracts working-class students seeking upward mobility through technical education. These students choose Kettering because they want to earn while they learn through the mandatory cooperative education program that connects them directly to Michigan's engineering employers.
- Men
- 80.1%
- Women
- 19.9%
- White
- 76.2%
- Black
- 4.3%
- Hispanic
- 4.2%
- Asian
- 6.7%
- In-State Students
- 84.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.8%
Location
Kettering University sits in Flint, Michigan, about 70 miles northwest of Detroit. The city has faced economic challenges but offers affordable living for college students. Flint's population of around 95,000 makes it a small city with urban amenities but without the hustle of major metros. The area provides easy access to outdoor recreation, with numerous lakes and parks within driving distance. Students find internships and co-op opportunities both locally and in nearby Detroit's automotive corridor. The campus houses just 435 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community feel. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Kettering University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Flint, Michigan 48504-6214
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $94,823
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $102,107
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $66,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Kettering University?
Kettering University accepts 80.75% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a specialized engineering school. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130-1370 on the SAT, reflecting the technical focus of the curriculum.
How much does Kettering University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $33,092 after aid, despite the $46,380 sticker price tuition. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable given the strong earning potential in engineering fields.
What makes Kettering University's academic program unique?
Kettering requires all students to complete cooperative education, alternating between classroom study and paid professional work experience. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this hands-on engineering and technology curriculum.
How much do Kettering University graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $94,823 ten years after graduation, with 98.9% finding employment. The mandatory co-op program gives students real-world experience that translates directly into high-paying engineering careers.
What is campus life like at Kettering University?
The small campus in Flint houses just 435 students out of 1,279 total enrollment, creating an intimate environment. Men outnumber women at 80% to 20%, typical for engineering-focused institutions.
Does Kettering University have a good retention rate?
Kettering retains 92.52% of first-year students, showing strong student satisfaction despite the rigorous technical curriculum. The 70.50% six-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of engineering programs combined with extended co-op experiences.
