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Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo, MI

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

“Lux Esto (Latin)”(Be Light)

1833
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,175
Total Students
1,436
Undergrad
$304M
Endowment
(2024)
$59K
Tuition (In-State)
$59K
Tuition (Out-State)
$19K
Avg Net Price
76%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Jorge Gonzalez

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College: Pioneering liberal arts, global experiences, and career readiness.

Kalamazoo College, a distinguished private liberal arts institution, offers a transformative educational journey designed to prepare students for a dynamic world. Renowned for its innovative "K Plan," the college deeply integrates global study and practical career experiences into its curriculum, ensuring graduates are not only academically strong but also globally aware and professionally ready. With a rich history of pioneering academic excellence, Kalamazoo provides a vibrant and engaging environment where students are encouraged to explore, discover, and excel.

Founded in 1833 as the Michigan and Huron Institute, Kalamazoo College holds the distinction of being the first school chartered by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan. Its commitment to progress was evident early on, as it became a pioneer in coeducational instruction, granting its first degree to a woman in 1870. This spirit of innovation continued with President Weimer Hicks, who between 1954 and 1971, conceived the groundbreaking "K Plan." This program requires most students to spend at least one term abroad and one term in an academic internship, a testament to the college’s forward-thinking approach to education.

Today, Kalamazoo College continues to uphold its tradition of high academic standards within a nurturing liberal arts setting. Students benefit from robust career development resources, including the Center for Career and Professional Development, which offers valuable externship and field experience programs. The campus buzzes with activity, supported by long-standing student traditions like The Index newspaper, first published in 1877, fostering a vibrant intellectual and social community. With an endowment of $0.3 billion, Kalamazoo College invests in facilities like the modern Upjohn Library Commons, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge resources that enhance their learning journey.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1833 as the first school chartered by the Michigan Territory.
  • ✦A pioneer in coeducation, granting its first degree to a woman in 1870.
  • ✦Features the innovative "K Plan," integrating global study and academic internships for most students.
  • ✦Endowment of $0.3 billion supporting its mission and facilities.
  • ✦Home to a robust Center for Career and Professional Development offering externship and field experience programs.
  • ✦Publishing The Index, a student-run newspaper, continuously since 1877.
  • ✦Designated a Michigan Historic Site in 1983.

Timeline

1833
Founded as the Michigan and Huron Institute, the first school chartered in Michigan Territory
1836
Instruction officially began
1855
Officially chartered as Kalamazoo College
1870
Pioneered coeducation by granting its first degree to a woman, Catherine V. Eldred
1877
Students launched The Index, a newspaper that continues to publish today
1954
President Weimer Hicks begins his tenure, later conceiving the innovative 'K Plan'
1983
Designated a Michigan Historic Site
2006
Opened the new Upjohn Library Commons
🏛️
193 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Kalamazoo College

🏫

Center for Career and Professional Development

Formed in 2009, this center offers the Discovery Externship Program and the Field Experience Program to enhance student career readiness.

Leadership

Jorge Gonzalez
President
Danette Ifert Johnson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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