Kalamazoo College vs. Lake Superior State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, MI with Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lake Superior State University is larger than Kalamazoo College based on total student enrollment (1,567 students vs. 1,166 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Kalamazoo College is located in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting); Lake Superior State University is in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting).
• Kalamazoo College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Kalamazoo College 10:1; Lake Superior State University 13:1.

Kalamazoo College vs. Lake Superior State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Kalamazoo College or Lake Superior State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lake Superior State University than Kalamazoo College ($12,339 vs. $26,956).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Superior State University are 8.7% lower than at Kalamazoo College ($11,459 vs. $12,549).
• Kalamazoo College is 310% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $46,160 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 310% higher at Kalamazoo College than at Lake Superior State University (about $46,160 more per year; $61,050.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Kalamazoo College than at Lake Superior State University (99% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Kalamazoo College students is 222.9% larger than aid received by Lake Superior State University students ($47,252 vs. $14,632).

Kalamazoo College vs. Lake Superior State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Kalamazoo College or Lake Superior State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lake Superior State University and Kalamazoo College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kalamazoo College (1280) is 170 points higher than at Lake Superior State University (1110).
• Incoming Kalamazoo College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Lake Superior State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kalamazoo College 1170/1380; Lake Superior State University 1000/1225.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Kalamazoo College 20/29; Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Kalamazoo College - Test optional; Lake Superior State University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kalamazoo College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kalamazoo College students have a 0.53 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Kalamazoo College vs. Lake Superior State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Kalamazoo College and Lake Superior State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Kalamazoo College's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Kalamazoo College earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $3,200 lower median loan debt than Kalamazoo College graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,450).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kalamazoo College graduates ($240 vs. $273).
• More Kalamazoo College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Superior State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.