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Kettering University

Flint, MI

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1,279
Total Students
$46K
Tuition (In-State)
$46K
Tuition (Out-State)
$33K
Avg Net Price
79%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
6-year
93%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification

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

About Kettering University

Kettering University: Forging industry leaders through immersive, real-world cooperative education.

Step into Kettering University, a crucible where innovation meets hands-on experience, shaping engineers and business leaders for over a century. Known globally for its pioneering cooperative education model, Kettering embeds real-world job experience directly into its curriculum, ensuring students graduate not just with a degree, but with a robust professional portfolio and invaluable industry connections. This unique approach prepares graduates to hit the ground running, making an immediate impact in their chosen fields.

Kettering's rich legacy began in 1919 as The School of Automotive Trades, quickly becoming a cornerstone of American industry. Acquired by General Motors in 1926 and later known as the General Motors Institute (GMI), it earned the esteemed moniker "West Point of the Automobile industry." For decades, GMI was synonymous with excellence in automotive engineering and management, pioneering critical manufacturing courses and establishing a rigorous co-op program that became the envy of the academic world.

The university's distinctive academic strength lies in its commitment to blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. The co-op program, which gained prominence through structured four- or eight-week rotations, demands that students apply classroom learning in professional settings, often with sponsoring companies. This model was instrumental in its ability to award bachelor's degrees starting in 1946, building a reputation for producing highly competent and industry-ready professionals.

After separating from General Motors in 1982, the institution, rebranded as GMI Engineering & Management Institute, embraced its independence by expanding its network of co-op employers beyond GM and introducing a wider array of graduate programs. Today, Kettering University continues to uphold its tradition of academic rigor and experiential learning, making it an exceptional choice for prospective students seeking a transformative education deeply rooted in professional practice.

Key Highlights

  • Pioneered the cooperative education model, integrating extensive real-world job experience into its curriculum.
  • Founded in 1919 as The School of Automotive Trades, with a deep-seated legacy in the automotive industry.
  • Once known as the "West Point of the Automobile industry" during its tenure as the General Motors Institute (GMI).
  • First bachelor's degrees were awarded on August 23, 1946, following the introduction of a fifth-year thesis requirement.
  • Began charging full tuition as an independent private university in 1982 after separating from General Motors.
  • Expanded its co-op program to include a diverse network of employers and introduced graduate programs post-independence.

Timeline

1919
Founded as The School of Automotive Trades
1923
Renamed Flint Institute of Technology (Flint Tech)
1926
Acquired by General Motors
1932
Renamed General Motors Institute
1945
Added a fifth-year thesis requirement, gaining degree-awarding ability
1946
Awarded its first bachelor's degree
1982
Separated from GM and became GMI Engineering & Management Institute

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