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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 learning, and a rich history in Michigan.

Kalamazoo College offers a distinctive and highly engaging liberal arts experience, famously embodied by its "K Plan." This innovative program encourages students to spend at least one term studying abroad and another working in an academic internship, providing unparalleled real-world experience and global perspectives. For prospective students seeking a transformative college journey, Kalamazoo College stands out for its commitment to high academic standards and holistic development, preparing graduates for a dynamic future.

Established 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 history is marked by a pioneering spirit, including a period operating as a branch of the University of Michigan and a significant role in coeducational advancement, granting its first degree to a woman in 1870. This deep-rooted legacy of innovation and inclusivity continues to shape the college's vibrant academic community.

Beyond its historical significance, Kalamazoo College fosters a rich student experience. Students engage with the campus culture through publications like *The Index*, a long-standing student newspaper, *The Cauldron*, a literary-arts journal, and *The Passage*, which showcases work from study abroad. The college's dedication to student success extends to its comprehensive support systems, ensuring that from the moment students arrive, they are equipped for academic excellence and prepared for their professional lives after graduation.

Academic strengths at Kalamazoo are rooted in its rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty. The institution, led by President Jorge Gonzalez, maintains the high academic standards established by its first president, James Stone. With an endowment of $0.3 billion, Kalamazoo College continues to invest in resources and opportunities that enrich the student experience and uphold its reputation as a leading private liberal arts college.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1833, it was the first school chartered by the Legislative Council of the Territory of Michigan.
  • Pioneered coeducation, granting its first degree to a woman in 1870.
  • Features the distinctive "K Plan" program, encouraging at least one term abroad and one academic internship.
  • Operates as a private liberal arts college with an endowment of $0.3 billion.
  • Home to long-standing student publications including *The Index* (since 1877), *The Cauldron*, and *The Passage*.
  • Designated a Michigan Historic Site in 1983, commemorating its founding and first classroom building.

Timeline

1833
Founded as the Michigan and Huron Institute; charter granted on April 22.
1836
Instruction began in fall; first classroom building erected.
1837
Name changed to Kalamazoo Literary Institute.
1840
Merged with the Kalamazoo Branch of the University of Michigan.
1855
Received an educational charter from the State of Michigan and officially became Kalamazoo College.
1870
Granted its first degree to a woman, Catherine V. Eldred, pioneering coeducation.
1877
Students published the first edition of *The Index*, a student-run newspaper.
1954
Weimer Hicks began his presidency (serving until 1971), during which the "K Plan" was conceived.
1983
Designated as a Michigan Historic Site.
2006
Opened the new Upjohn Library Commons, including a renovated older library and an extension.
2009
Center Career Development merged to create the Center for Career and Professional Development.
🏛️
193 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Kalamazoo College

🏫

Center for Career and Professional Development

Created in 2009 through a merger, it offers programs like the Discovery Externship Program and the Field Experience Program.

Leadership

Jorge Gonzalez
President
Danette Ifert Johnson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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