Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Kalamazoo College at a Glance
Kalamazoo College is a private liberal arts college in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1833 by Baptist ministers as the Michigan and Huron Institute, Kalamazoo is the oldest private college in Michigan. From 1840 to 1850, the institute operated as the Kalamazoo Branch of the University of Michigan. After receiving its charter from the state in 1855, the institute changed its name to Kalamazoo College.
1833
193 years old
$321M
$320,635,810
1,278
1,436 undergrad
2,015
60 acres
30
21 minors
Identity
How to Apply to Kalamazoo College
Official admissions pageNovember 15 (Early Action)
Testing policy
Is Kalamazoo College Worth It?
Kalamazoo College delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $19,072/year, it's priced 6% below average, while graduates go on to earn $65,590 — 22% above the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 79% graduation rate means roughly 21% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Kalamazoo College compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #2 of 105 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 100 | $10,420 | $75,103 |
| #2 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Kalamazoo College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in MI.
Best Programs at Kalamazoo College
The highest-earning program at Kalamazoo College is Business/Commerce, General at $43,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $19,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business/Commerce, General graduate from Kalamazoo College earns $43,500, while a Biology, General graduate earns $19,400. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business/Commerce, General graduates carry $22,015 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,072/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General | $43,500 | $43,500 | $22,015 |
| Social Sciences, Other | $24,400 | $24,400 | $21,726 |
| Psychology, General | $23,700 | $23,700 | $25,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $21,600 | $21,600 | $26,735 |
| Biology, General | $19,400 | $19,400 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Student Body
- 1,149 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 79%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,072
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,590
- Median Student Debt
- $26,077