Kalamazoo, Michigan has six colleges, including Western Michigan University (WMU), Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), Davenport University, Cornerstone University and the University of Phoenix (UOPX). KVCC offers associates, continuing education and professional development programs. The remaining institutions offer a variety of bachelor’s and graduate degree programs. Some colleges target specific types of students or only offer a handful of well-recognized degrees.\tWestern Michigan University

Western Michigan University boasted a fall 2008 enrollment of nearly 25,000 students. The college offers 140 bachelor’s degree programs, 67 master’s programs and 29 doctoral programs. WMU ranks 11 of 15 public colleges in the state for tuition and fees. The per-credit-hour rate for freshmen and sophomores in 2008 was $245.

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Kalamazoo College

Kalamazoo College was founded in 1833 and is among the 100 oldest college institutions in the country. The highly selective private college focuses on experiential education. It is recognized for a challenging liberal arts curriculum, career development, study abroad and individualized senior projects. More than 85 percent of students participate in study abroad. The school offers 28 majors in five fields.

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Kalamazoo Valley Community College

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a two-year community college that prepares students for various occupations and trades or transfer to a four-year college. The school offers many continuing education and professional development courses. Tuition is very affordable at $71 per-credit-hour in 2009.

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Davenport University

Davenport University focuses on career-oriented programs in business, health and technology. It offers diplomas, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in those fields. Tuition for undergraduate in-seat students in 2009 was $5,508 for a 12-credit-hour semester and $469 per credit hour for online students.

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Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University focuses on programs in business, education and human services. It targets students who must schedule their education around family and professional obligations. This Christian school offers 11 professional and graduate studies degrees. Many of the programs can be completed in less than two years.

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University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix has a satellite campus in Portage, Michigan, just outside Kalamazoo. The campus focuses on undergraduate and graduate degrees that can be completed online, although some courses are offered on-site. Programs include criminal justice, business, education, human services, health care/nursing, psychology and technology. A student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business or management can expect to pay $395 per credit hour in 2010.

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