Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College is a small liberal arts college in Kalamazoo, Michigan, founded in 1833. With about 1,300 students, the college offers an intimate academic environment where students can develop close relationships with professors and classmates. The campus combines traditional brick buildings, hills and mature trees, while its location in the city of Kalamazoo gives students access to a larger community beyond campus. Students describe the atmosphere as friendly and welcoming, and with more than 80 student organizations, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
The most distinctive part of a Kalamazoo education is the K Plan, which combines a flexible curriculum with study abroad, experiential education and a Senior Integrated Project. Rather than requiring students to complete a long list of general education courses, the curriculum gives students considerable freedom to explore their interests. Only five courses are common to all students, while advisors help them each build the rest of their academic path. Students are admitted to Kalamazoo rather than to a specific major and are encouraged to commit to a major during their sophomore year. The flexibility makes it feasible for students to combine multiple academic interests or pursue a double major.
At Kalamazoo, studying abroad is not simply an optional addition to a student's education; it is an important part of the K Plan. About 75% of students participate in an international experience, with options to study abroad or away for one, two or three terms. Students can choose from more than 50 programs around the world, and Kalamazoo allows students to bring their financial aid with them.
Experiential education is another major component of the K Plan. Students can participate in internships, undergraduate research, community-based courses, civic engagement, student-led programs, social justice leadership and other hands-on opportunities. The Center for Career and Professional Development helps students connect their academic interests with these experiences. Students to graduate with practical experience alongside their liberal arts education.
Every Kalamazoo student completes a yearlong Senior Integrated Project, or SIP. Students work with a faculty advisor on an in-depth project connected to their interests and field of study. A project might take the form of a traditional research thesis, a creative project or another substantial form of independent work.
The people at Kalamazoo are one of the college's greatest strengths. When we visited, students talked about how friendly their classmates were and how quickly they formed connections, beginning with summer programs and orientation. They also described professors who regularly encourage them to participate in research, activities and other opportunities. Students on the panel characterized the campus as LGBTQ-friendly, affirming that Kalamazoo is a place where students can find a supportive community.
With approximately 64% of students living on campus and a three-year residential requirement being introduced, Kalamazoo is also working to maintain an active residential community. Two new residence halls are planned for 2027 to provide additional housing.
Kalamazoo College's location provides students with more than a traditional small-college experience. The city of Kalamazoo is home to about 260,000 people and includes Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. K-zoo students can participate in some activities at Western Michigan and attend their athletic events, giving them access to a larger college community. The city offers restaurants, coffee shops, arts, nature trails and live music, as well as opportunities for internships and employment. For students who want a small college without being isolated from a larger community, Kalamazoo's setting offers a useful middle ground.
Kalamazoo College has been test-optional since 2015 and takes a holistic approach to admission. Students who do not submit SAT or ACT scores will still be considered for admission and merit scholarships. The college considers academic performance, course rigor, essays and extracurricular involvement, with an average weighted GPA for admitted students of approximately 3.6.
Who would thrive at Kalamazoo College:
Kalamazoo is especially well suited to students who want significant freedom shaping their academic experience rather than following a highly prescribed curriculum. It could be a strong choice for students who have several interests or hope to combine seemingly different fields of study. Students who want international experiences, hands-on learning and substantial independent work will also find those opportunities built directly into the college's educational model. For students who value an active social community, but still want the personal feel of a small liberal arts college, Kalamazoo offers a combination of campus community, a nearby large university and access to a lively small city.
Fun Facts:
Day of Gracious Living - Every spring, the bells ring to announce the cancellation of classes, and students are bussed to the beach to enjoy a day off. Student leaders are involved in planning, but otherwise the DOGL is a surprise to the community.
Founded in 1833, Kalamazoo is one of the 100 oldest colleges in the United States.
Annual campus traditions include Cafsgiving, Monte Carlo Night, Sophomore Declaration of Major Day, and cultural celebrations like Afro Fiesta Desi Sol, the Asian Night Market, and the Pride Ball.
Notable Alumni:
Ty Warner — Founder of Ty Inc (Beanie Babies)
Steven Yeun — Actor, known for “The Walking Dead”, Minari, and “Beef”
Lisa Kron — Tony Award-winning actor and playwright, known for Fun Home
Howard Wolpe — Former U.S. Representative from Michigan and advocate for African development and international affairs
Robert Shiller — Nobel Prize-winning economist, author and professor
Carolyn DeWitt — President and executive director at Rock the Vote
Teju Cole — Author, known for Open City and Every Day Is for the Thief
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