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Kalamazoo College stands out among Michigan's Division III schools with graduates earning $65,590 annually, the highest among these seven institutions despite charging just $18,873 net. This premium reflects strong alumni networks in Michigan's evolving economy, where automotive giants like GM and Ford increasingly need liberal arts graduates alongside engineers. The state's colleges show remarkable cost variation, from Albion's $16,882 to Hope's $25,749, yet all maintain solid job placement in Michigan's growing healthcare and technology sectors. Graduation rates span from 37% at Olivet to 82.3% at Hope College, with most schools accepting 65-85% of applicants. These small colleges, enrolling between 918 and 3,274 students, provide direct pathways into Michigan's professional workforce. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship helps residents afford these options, making private college education more accessible across the state.
7
Schools
$21,945
Avg. Net Price
$57,049
Avg. Earnings
65.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Michigan

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 2,921 $24,783 77.4% 74.2%
2 3,274 $25,749 82.3% 80.5%
3 1,175 $18,873 81.7% 79.3%
4 1,208 $24,663 63.7% 64.7%
5 1,635 $21,504 56.0% 69.1%
6 1,347 $16,882 57.1% 66.5%
7 918 $21,158 37.0% 84.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Kalamazoo College worth its smaller enrollment size?

With only 1,175 students, Kalamazoo College produces graduates earning $65,590 annually, the highest among Michigan's Division III schools. The 81.7% graduation rate and 79.25% acceptance rate suggest strong academic support systems that translate into career success.

How do these Michigan colleges prepare students for the state's job market?

Graduates earn between $47,907 and $65,590 annually, positioning them well for Michigan's automotive, healthcare, and emerging tech sectors. Companies like GM and Ford actively recruit liberal arts graduates for management and innovation roles.

Is the cost difference between schools justified by outcomes?

Net prices range from $16,882 to $25,749, but earnings don't always correlate with cost. Albion College costs least at $16,882 yet produces graduates earning $58,799, while Hope charges $25,749 for similar $58,427 earnings.

Does enrollment size affect graduation success at these schools?

Smaller schools often show stronger completion rates. Kalamazoo's 1,175 students achieve 81.7% graduation, while larger Adrian College with 1,635 students graduates 56% of students, suggesting more personalized attention benefits smaller cohorts.

Where do these schools rank in selectivity compared to larger universities?

Acceptance rates range from 64.65% to 84.64%, making these colleges accessible while maintaining academic standards. Alma College proves most selective at 64.65%, while Olivet accepts 84.64% of applicants seeking second-chance opportunities.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.