Grand Rapids, MI is home to 200,000 people as of the 2020 Census, which actually makes it the second-largest city in Michigan, behind only Detroit. The state is a patchwork of medium-sized towns with welcoming feels, and Grand Rapids is no different. It is situated on the Grand River, which flows into Lake Michigan about a half hour down the road from the city center.
Called “Furniture City” by some, it’s home to five of the world’s leading office furniture manufacturers, but the automotive and beer industries have arguments worthy of calling it something else.
As far as colleges, Grand Rapids has several options for both 4-year educations and 2-year programs.
Universities in Grand Rapids, MI – 4 Year Colleges and Online
Grand Rapids Medical Mile is sought out by patients from all over the midwest, and is also home to several specialized education opportunities including a Michigan State branch campus, The Van Andel cancer research center, Ferris State’s medical programs, as well as Grand Valley State’s.
More typical 4-year colleges in Grand Rapids are:
- Aquinas College
- Calvin University
- Cornerstone University
- Davenport University
- Kuyper College
Community Colleges in Grand Rapids, MI
The Grand Rapids Community College is the primary option for 2-year degrees in Grand Rapids, and also serves as a stepping stone into one of the several 4-year colleges listed above. Ross College also offers some technical degrees, and Compass College of Cinematic Arts has 2 and 4-year programs in the field.
Get to Know Grand Rapids, MI
A study by Magnify Money listed Grand Rapids as the second-best city in America to be “young and broke” in, which is usually a good thing for college students to see. In addition to the low cost of living, a lot of the options for fun and entertainment are cheap, too. There are several breweries in the area which means cheap beer, and several of them serve as music venues, as well.
It does get quite cold in the winter, so make sure you like your roommates!
| Institution Name | City | State | Website | Degree Levels Offered | Modality | Profit Status (CNTLAFFI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquinas College | Grand Rapids | MI | www.aquinas.edu | Associates Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Calvin Theological Seminary | Grand Rapids | MI | www.calvinseminary.edu | Masters Doctorate |
Hybrid | No |
| Calvin University | Grand Rapids | MI | www.calvin.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Compass College of Cinematic Arts | Grand Rapids | MI | compass.edu | Associates Bachelors |
Campus | No |
| Cornerstone University | Grand Rapids | MI | www.cornerstone.edu | Associates Bachelors Masters Doctorate |
Campus | No |
| Davenport University | Grand Rapids | MI | www.davenport.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Empire Beauty School-Michigan | Grand Rapids | MI | www.empire.edu | Certificates |
Campus | No |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids | MI | www.grcc.edu | Certificates Associates |
Campus | No |
| Kuyper College | Grand Rapids | MI | www.kuyper.edu | Certificates Associates Bachelors Masters |
Campus | No |
| Ross College-Grand Rapids North | Grand Rapids | MI | www.rosseducation.edu | Certificates Associates |
Campus | No |