Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to be successful?

If you are as committed to your goal as we are, yes you can be successful. Kalamazoo Valley Community College has some of the friendliest, most helpful employees you will ever meet.  We do our best to keep student services easily accessible to ensure your focus can be directed to your studies instead of fighting through red tape. The very first step we recommend is taking our placement assessment to help guide you into the appropriate course level. Our faculty are highly qualified to teach you in their area of expertise. Many of them are actively working in their field. If you are in need of additional assistance, we have tutors and specialized services available. You will also find that many programs have student study groups organized to help each other.

Is the campus safe?

Kalamazoo Valley Community College has its own Public Safety office on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Emergency phones are available at key locations on both the Texas Township and Arcadia Commons campuses to quickly and easily communicate with the officers on duty. We have also installed security cameras throughout the campus.

Do I have time to go back to college?

Being a college student doesn't have to be a five day a week commitment. We have classes that meet days, evenings and on the weekends. Many courses meet just one evening a week! You can even take classes from the comfort of your home with online courses.

Do I have to provide my birth date?

Providing your date of birth is optional. Kalamazoo Valley requests your date of birth for identification purposes. It also helps us comply with state and federal reporting requirements as age is a category that shows the diversity of students on our campus.

When do classes begin?

Our Winter semester begins in January, the Summer semester starts in May and the Fall semester kicks off in September. The Academic Calendar can provide you with the specific days and other important dates. Our online registration dates will let you know how early you can get registered. Each semester a Refund and Withdrawal chart is provided outlining the course dates, last day for a refund and last day to withdraw from classes.

How much does it cost? Can I afford to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College?

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is very affordable.  We consistently have one of the lowest tuition and fee structures in Michigan.  In addition to our goal of keeping the cost of higher education within reach, we offer a deferred payment plan and financial aid services to help you cover the cost of tuition.

More information about tuition costs: https://www.kvcc.edu/admissions/tuition.php. Many classes will also require you to purchase textbooks.  The Kalamazoo Valley Community College Bookstore, conveniently located in the front lobby of the Texas Township Campus, can provide you with the cost of these books just prior to each semester.

Is financial assistance available?

There are several options for those who qualify, including scholarships, grants, loans, veteran benefits and work opportunities. Money is available. We encourage you to apply and to meet with our experienced Financial Aid Advisors. They can answer your questions, help you complete your paperwork, and inform you of options you may not be aware of. Please visit the Financial Aid Office website for more information.

I am an international student. Can I attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College?

Kalamazoo Valley Community College welcomes international students. We enjoy sharing our culture and learning about others. We typically enroll annually over 130 students from 30 countries. Please visit our International Student web page for more information.

What types of degree programs does Kalamazoo Valley Community College offer?

Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers two-year associate degrees that both prepare you for immediate entrance into the workforce and transferring on to a four-year institution. We also offer many certificate choices. Our programs lead to many career paths in the fields of Arts and Communication, Business, Engineering and Manufacturing, Human Services, and Natural Resources. Please check out our program guides for more specific details about your career goals.

I'm not sure about my course of study. Can I still take classes?

You don't have to have a major declared in order to take classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. You can take general education courses until you make your decision.

If you would like assistance in selecting the right career path, Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers free Career and Assessment Services. Once you have decided on a program, simply contact the Student Service Center to have your record updated.

Can I take classes if I'm still in high school?

Yes. Kalamazoo Valley Community College participates in the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act which allows high school students to attend college courses approved by their high school. We also welcome those students who wish to take advantage of our courses on their own to either transfer to meet high school requirements, or to get an early start on their college education. We strongly encourage you to speak with your high school counselor as your first step.

Will my classes transfer?

Kalamazoo Valley Community College credits are accepted by accredited colleges and universities.  We participate in the Michigan Transfer Agreement. In most cases you must have earned a 2.0 grade in a college-level course that is applicable to your degree program. It is best to meet with one of our academic counselors to choose the right courses and to get specific information about transfer requirements. Our counselors maintain communication with many Michigan colleges to ensure they are basing their recommendations on the most up-to-date information.

Can I receive credit for life or work experience?

Kalamazoo Valley Community College recognizes all learning is valuable. Learning can occur anytime and anyplace. You may be eligible to earn college credit for what you already know. Let the Prior Learning Assessment office help you decide if you are a candidate.

College seems to have its own language. How do I know what all the terminology means?

We have a glossary of college terms available for you to reference. Since it also provides links to more detailed information for many topics, it is a good navigation tool for exploring our website. As always, don't hesitate to ask any staff member if there is a term you are unfamiliar with or a procedure you need help understanding.

Does Kalamazoo Valley Community College have special services for students with extra needs?

The Learning Center at the Texas Township Campus is comprised of the Reading/Writing, Math and Testing Centers. This is where students receive help with study and test taking tips, tutoring, and assistance with completing assignments.

Our Office for Student Access is also housed inside the Learning Center. It is designed to meet the individual needs of qualifying students with disabilities, and is committed to removing barriers to help students reach their goals.

Does Kalamazoo Valley Community College offer student housing?

No, Kalamazoo Valley Community College does not provide student housing. All students must arrange for their own housing. We have apartment guides available on campus and Michigan has an online apartment guide available at Mlive.com.

What activities can I get involved in at Kalamazoo Valley Community College?

Campus Life here offers a wide variety of activities for all students to participate in, and the good news is it is not restricted to our campus. While we have clubs to join, athletics to compete in and shows to attend, we are also part of a college town. We are only ten minutes from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Davenport University. Each of these institutions have activities that Kalamazoo Valley Community College students are welcome to attend. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers many learning experiences, and our community is proud of the Kalamazoo Institute of Art and the Aviation History Museum.

The Kalamazoo and adjoining Portage area is also home to several community theatres, the State Theatre which hosts many professional music concerts and Wings Event Center, home of the K-Wings hockey team and various entertainment events. There is an array of dining experiences and movie theatres. A variety of physical activities are available in the area including soccer, tennis, softball, basketball, volleyball, and biking, rollerblading, hiking and walking trails. Check out the Central City website to learn more about Downtown Kalamazoo. Still have time left on your calendar? How about a trip to Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Detroit, South Bend or Chicago?  Kalamazoo Valley Community College is centrally located to all of these larger cities that offer many cultural events. In other words, you have to work hard to be bored at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

What athletic programs are available at Kalamazoo Valley Community College?

Kalamazoo Valley Community College's intercollegiate athletic program includes basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball. Our Athletics Department strives to develop a positive attitude in our athletes toward their personal, educational and athletic endeavors.