Kalamazoo, MI · Private University
Is Kalamazoo College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$65,590
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$58,764
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$58,764
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$235,056
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.12x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
81.7%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$26,077
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,873
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Kalamazoo College graduates earn $20,590 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Kalamazoo College ranked by graduate earnings
23 graduates
19 graduates
46 graduates
33 graduates
34 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Kalamazoo College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Kalamazoo College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Chemistry: $75,833) and the lowest (Political Science and Government: $30,494) is $45,339/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| ChemistryBest ROI | $75,833 | 1.3x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $72,008 | 1.2x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $64,986 | 1.1x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $49,257 | 0.8x |
| Psychology, General | $44,351 | 0.8x |
| Economics(1yr data) | $42,508 | 0.7x |
| Social Sciences, Other | $42,198 | 0.7x |
| Biology, General | $37,579 | 0.6x |
| Political Science and GovernmentLowest(1yr data) | $30,494 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo College | 1.12x | $65,590 | Average ROI |
| Knox College | 0.99x | $54,820 | Below Average |
| Coe College | 1.09x | $57,125 | Average ROI |
| Luther College | 1.19x | $59,850 | Average ROI |
| Saint Mary's College | 1.15x | $59,354 | Average ROI |
| Wheaton College (Massachusetts) | 1.09x | $67,725 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Kalamazoo College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $65,590 10 years after starting — $20,590 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.7 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.