Colleges & Universities

Grand Rapids is a college town. There are at least 15 institutions of higher education in the metro area, serving tens of thousands of students.

For students, Grand Rapids offers a variety of college experiences to choose from: state universities, private colleges, Christian colleges and one of the nation's finest community colleges. Downtown campuses offer the opportunity to live and study in the midst of a dynamic business and entertainment district. Suburban campuses offer more of a secluded feeling, often in lovely landscaped settings.

Either way, students can take advantage of the many cultural and recreation options that have earned Grand Rapids distinction as "America's #3 Fun and Recreation City."

For parents, Grand Rapids offers great peace of mind. It's a safe, clean, friendly city named by Forbes magazine as the best place in America to raise a family. So you can feel good about sending your child here. You'll feel good about visiting them here, too. It's easy to get to Grand Rapids. It's easy to make your way around. And every area of the city is packed with hotels, restaurants, attractions and events - so you and your student will find plenty to do together during weekend visits.

Students and parents alike can take comfort in the fact that there are plenty of jobs here - Grand Rapids is one of 20 U.S. cities leading the economic recovery, according to The Atlantic magazine. It's a great place to live, work and play after graduation!