10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in or around Grand Rapids and don't want to travel too far to earn your degree, you're in luck.

The region features numerous accredited colleges and universities where you can earn a bachelor's degree.

With so many quality universities and colleges near Grand Rapids, Michigan, you're sure to find one that suits your needs and budget.

Featured Colleges in Grand Rapids, MI

Read on to learn more about some of the best universities and colleges near Grand Rapids, Michigan where you can earn a bachelor's degree.

1. Aquinas College

Aquinas College provides a comfortable intellectual community in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Liberal arts and humanities are at the heart of the Aquinas experience, which also offers bachelor's degrees in other fields, such as:

• Business
• Kinesiology
• Sciences and Math
• Social Sciences and Education

Aquinas also features student organizations that promote community engagement and foster leadership development.

Tuition starts at $37,720 per academic year. 100% of all freshmen receive financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

2. Calvin University

If you're looking for a Christian education near Grand Rapids, Michigan, try Calvin University.

This Christ-centered university offers undergraduate majors in a variety of disciplines, including:

• Business
• Communication and Media Studies
• Education
• Fine Arts
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Ministry
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Social Sciences
• World Languages and Cultural Studies

Calvin has many opportunities for students to explore their unique gifts and talents, as well as a robust athletic program.

Tuition starts at $38,370 per academic year. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid are available for all qualifying students.

3. Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University provides another option for higher education in Grand Rapids founded on Christian beliefs and principles.

Cornerstone offers more than 70 bachelor's degrees across the following fields of study:

• Behavioral Sciences
• Business
• Communications, Music, and Media
• Counseling and Psychology
• Engineering
• English and Modern Languages
• History and Philosophy
• Ministry and Theology
• Nursing and Healthcare
• Science and Math
• Teacher Education
• Technology

Cornerstone also features a vibrant student community that allows you to expand your connections and your faith.

Tuition starts at $22,000 per academic year. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options are available for all students who qualify.

4. Davenport University

If you're looking for a bachelor's degree program near Grand Rapids that's flexible and career-focused, check out Davenport University.

Davenport offers career-oriented degrees in the following general fields of study:

• Arts and Sciences
• Business
• Health Professions
• Technology
• Urban Education

The university also offers a plethora of student organizations, events, and activities to help you take the next step toward your future.

Tuition starts at $27,480 per academic year for full-time students. Financial aid is available for all students who qualify.

5. Ferris State University

Ferris State University is just an hour down the road from Grand Rapids in Big Rapids, Michigan.

This public university offers more than 100 bachelor's degree programs, including degrees in the following fields:

• Arts, Sciences, and Education
• Business
• Engineering Technology
• Health Professions
• Pharmacy
• Art and Design
• Optometry

With an active Division II athletic program as well as numerous student organizations, you'll always find something to do at Ferris.

Tuition starts at $13,524 per academic year for all U.S. residents and Canadians. Financial aid is also available for those who qualify.

6. Grace Christian University

Grace Christian University offers a quality education in Grand Rapids with scripture at the core of all degrees.

In addition to training undergraduate students for the ministry, Grace Christian also offers degrees in the following disciplines:

• Business
• Communication
• Criminal Justice
• Human Services
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Psychology

Grace Christian's vibrant community offers many opportunities for you to learn and grow in Christ, including intramurals and student clubs.

Tuition starts at $750 per credit hour. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options can help lower the cost of your education.

7. Grand Valley State University

If you're looking for a large, public university experience, check out Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in Allendale, Michigan.

Less than a half hour from Grand Rapids, GVSU offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees across the following colleges:

• Business
• Education and Community Innovation
• Health Professions
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Nursing
• Engineering and Computing

GVSU also has a campus in Grand Rapids, as well as online degree options, if you prefer to stay closer to home.

Tuition starts at $14,628 per academic year for Michigan residents ($20,820 for out-of-state students). Financial aid is available.

8. Hope College

Hope College is located in downtown Holland, Michigan, just a short drive from Grand Rapids.

The private, Christian liberal arts college merges academic excellence with a dedication to the Christian faith.

Hope College offers bachelor's degrees in the following fields of study:

• Arts and Humanities
• Natural and Applied Sciences
• Social Sciences

Tuition starts at $41,500 per academic year. Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options lower your out-of-pocket costs.

9. Kuyper College

Touting itself as Michigan's only work college, Kuyper College allows you to work and serve while you earn your degree.

At Kuyper College, you can earn a Christ-centered bachelor's degree through one of the following programs:

• Business Leadership
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• Ministry Leadership
• Social Work
• Teacher Education

Your life at Kuyper is centered around the Student Development office, which connects you with opportunities for enrichment and leadership.

Tuition starts at $26,390 per academic year. 100% of Kuyper students receive financial aid and work on campus to offset costs.

10. Western Michigan University

Just an hour's drive from Grand Rapids, you'll find Western Michigan University (WMU) in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

WMU offers more than 150 majors through the following colleges:

• Arts and Sciences
• Aviation
• Business
• Education and Human Development
• Engineering and Applied Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Health and Human Services

WMU also features a connected community with loads of ways to get involved, including student organizations, events, and activities.

Tuition starts at $7,951 per semester for Michigan-resident full-time students ($9,938.75 for out-of-state students), before financial aid.

What Is the Biggest School Near Grand Rapids, Michigan?

Grand Valley State University in Allendale is the largest school near Grand Rapids, with more than 19,000 undergraduate students.

Most of the colleges near Grand Rapids are small, private colleges and universities with relatively few students.

How to Choose the Right College Near Grand Rapids, Michigan

Choose the best college for you by looking at a combination of school size and your budget, as well as the school's general atmosphere.

Visit lots of schools so you can get a good idea of where you feel you'll fit in the best. Then start thinking about financial aid to control the cost.

Paying for Your Degree Near Grand Rapids, Michigan

All colleges and universities near Grand Rapids offer federal aid, so fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can.

Most universities also use the FAFSA to determine if you're eligible for scholarships and other types of aid to ease your financial burden.

Start Your Degree Near Grand Rapids, Michigan Today

Stay close to home and earn your bachelor's degree from one of the many great universities or colleges near Grand Rapids, Michigan.