Kalamazoo College, a private, four-year liberal arts school, was established in 1833, which makes it one of the 100 oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. "U.S. News & World Report" deemed it the 71st-best liberal art college in the country in its rankings for 2011.
The college, which has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, enrolls nearly 1,400 students. It is known for its "K-Plan," a customizable liberal arts curriculum that culminates in a senior research thesis in a subject of the student's choosing. The "K-Plan" stresses international engagement; according to the college's website, 85 percent of students study abroad.
The main campus of Western Michigan University (WMU), a research university, is located near downtown Kalamazoo and accommodates 5,500 of the institution's approximately 25,000 students. WMU's seven colleges offer 140 undergraduate programs in aviation, business, fine arts, education and engineering, among other fields. The Graduate College has 67 master's and 29 doctoral programs. Notable graduate majors include hydrogeology, textile and apparel studies, paper science and music therapy.
Davenport University (DU), a private, non-profit institution, has 14 campuses throughout Michigan, including one in Kalamazoo that enrolls about 1,200 students. DU confers undergraduate degrees in business, health professions and technology. It also offers three graduate programs: master of business administration, executive master of business administration and master of science information. DU accommodates working adults by offering day, night, weekend and online classes. New classes begin every seven weeks.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) is a public, two-year college that enrolls about 13,000 students in its two campuses, Texas Township and Arcadia Commons. The former is a 430,000-square-foot complex with two gymnasiums, a swimming pool, tennis courts and a running track. The latter is located in downtown Kalamazoo and encompasses the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which chronicles the history and advancement of southwest Michigan. KVCC offers 25 associate of applied science programs and more than 20 certificate programs.
The main campus of Spring Arbor University, a Christian liberal arts university, is located in its namesake city in Michigan. The Kalamazoo location is one of 15 extension sites throughout Michigan and Ohio devoted primarily to graduate and professional studies. In addition to master's programs in counseling, education, family studies, business administration and management, the Kalamazoo site also offers a small number of associate's and baccalaureate degree programs. Several online programs are also available.