The Best Business Schools Near Grand Rapids for 2027
Key Points: Best Business Schools Near Grand Rapids
- Calvin University ranks #1 near Grand Rapids on an 84.8 Program Score, with a 74% graduation rate.
- The hardest to get into is Spring Arbor University (#2), which admits 52% of applicants.
- Private schools hold most of the places on this list.
- Cost and quality are not opposites here: the lowest-tuition program on the list, Ferris State University, ranks #10.
- Programs analyzed in Grand Rapids
- 76
- Schools ranked
- 10
- Ranked schools in the metro
- 3
- Farthest school
- 77 mi
Only three business schools in Grand Rapids have a complete record in the federal data this site ranks on (Calvin University, Grand Valley State University, and Davenport University), too few for a ranking of the metro alone. So this list looks past the metro: it keeps those three and adds the seven closest schools that do have one, in Michigan, for ten in all, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes.
Calvin University leads with an 84.8 Program Score and a 74% graduation rate. The nearest school from beyond the metro is Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI), about 45 miles from central Grand Rapids; the farthest, Spring Arbor University (Spring Arbor, MI), is about 77 miles away.
How the Top Business Schools Near Grand Rapids Compare
Calvin leads at 84.8, and Ferris State closes the chart at 65.3. Longer bars rank higher.
How We Rank Business Schools Near Grand Rapids
Each Program Score runs from 0 to 100: outcomes count for 44%, selectivity and academics for 38%, and scale and value for 18%, all from federal data. See how the weights work.
The 10 Best Business Schools Near Grand Rapids, Ranked for 2027
The 10 best Business Schools Near Grand Rapids, ranked by outcomes.
Calvin University
Grand Rapids, MI · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $39,350
- Out-of-state
- $39,350
Calvin University requires every marketing major to complete a real internship or consulting project, then lets them pick from three concentrations: analytics, selling, or management.
- 84.8 Program Score
- 74% graduation rate
- 71% admit rate
- 3 concentrations: analytics, selling, management
Calvin University's Marketing Major, housed in the School of Business, is built around three concentrations: analytics and research, professional selling, and marketing management, each described on the program page as approaching the field from a different angle. Every marketing major graduates with consulting experience or an internship, drawing on the Grand Rapids area's mix of startups and larger employers, and students can join the Marketing Club or the Calvin Startup Garage to apply classroom skills outside required coursework.
Calvin lands at #3 with a Program Score of 84.8, a 74% graduation rate, and a 71% admit rate, the most accessible admissions rate among the six private nonprofit programs here. Tuition runs flat at $39,350 regardless of residency, since Calvin is a private nonprofit, and enrollment sits at 3,681. The combination of a guaranteed internship or consulting project and a choice of three concentrations makes this a fit for a student who wants to graduate with a specific marketing skill set already tested on a real client.
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 52%
- In-state
- $33,344
- Out-of-state
- $33,344
Spring Arbor University graduates 64% of its students, above the 62% average across this ranking, on an 80.7 Program Score.
- Program Score 80.7, #2 of 10
- 64% graduation rate
- $33,344 tuition
- Most selective program here
Spring Arbor University is a private, nonprofit institution in Spring Arbor, MI. Its Business program ranks #2 of the 10 analyzed here with an 80.7 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the top third of the 10 ranked programs, 4.1 points behind top-ranked Calvin. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 62% average across the ranked schools. Spring Arbor admits 52% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 47% to 74%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,441 students.
On cost, Spring Arbor charges $33,344 a year in-state. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $14,582 at Ferris State to $56,330 at Albion College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI · Public
- Grad rate
- 67%
- Admit rate
- 83%
- In-state
- $15,502
- Out-of-state
- $21,894
Grand Valley's Human Resource Management BBA is offered in both Allendale and downtown Grand Rapids and builds in case studies, real company projects and internships.
- Program Score 80.3
- 67% graduation rate
- $15,502 in-state tuition
- Offered at Allendale and Grand Rapids
Grand Valley State University offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management through the Seidman College of Business, taught face to face at Allendale and in Grand Rapids. The major covers recruitment and training, compensation, employee relations and labor law compliance. Listed course areas include benefits management, strategic HR management, international HR management, organizational development, staffing and development, and the dynamics of a diversified workforce. Learning combines case studies, real company projects and internships, and the school describes mentorship programs and networking with major corporations. The Grand Rapids setting places students in a downtown business environment. Admission to the college can be direct for first-year students with a 26 ACT or 1240 SAT and a 3.5 GPA, or secondary after 55 semester hours and a 2.5 GPA.
The program earns a Program Score of 80.3 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. Federal data show a 67% graduation rate and an 83% admit rate. In-state tuition is $15,502 and out-of-state tuition is $21,894. It fits students who want a business-college HR major with project work and internships, and who are prepared for the college's direct or secondary admission standards.
Alma College
Alma, MI · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 63%
- Admit rate
- 57%
- In-state
- $49,282
- Out-of-state
- $49,282
Alma College graduates 63% of its students, above the 62% average across this ranking, on a 79.6 Program Score.
- Program Score 79.6, #4 of 10
- 63% graduation rate
- $49,282 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Alma, MI, Alma College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #4 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 79.6 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs, 5.2 points behind top-ranked Calvin. The program graduates 63% of its students, above the 62% average across the ranked schools. Alma College admits 57% of applicants, more selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at Spring Arbor, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 47% to 74%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,197 students.
On cost, Alma College charges $49,282 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $14,582 at Ferris State to $56,330 at Albion College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI · Public
- Grad rate
- 58%
- Admit rate
- 85%
- In-state
- $15,861
- Out-of-state
- $19,826
At $15,861 a year in-state, Western Michigan University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 77.5 Program Score on a 58% graduation rate.
- Program Score 77.5, #5 of 10
- 58% graduation rate
- $15,861 in-state vs $19,826 out-of-state
- Admits just 85% of applicants
Based in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #5 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 77.5 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs, 7.3 points behind top-ranked Calvin. The program graduates 58% of its students, below the 62% average across the ranked schools. Western Michigan admits 85% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at Spring Arbor, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 47% to 74%. The university enrolls 16,744 students overall.
On cost, Western Michigan charges $15,861 a year in-state, versus $19,826 for out-of-state students. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $14,582 at Ferris State to $56,330 at Albion College. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 72%
- Admit rate
- 82%
- In-state
- $33,696
- Out-of-state
- $33,696
Andrews University graduates 72% of its students, above the 62% average across this ranking, on a 75.4 Program Score.
- Program Score 75.4, #6 of 10
- 72% graduation rate
- $33,696 tuition
- Admits just 82% of applicants
Based in Berrien Springs, MI, Andrews University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #6 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 75.4 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 75.2 group average, in the middle third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 72% of its students, above the 62% average across the ranked schools. Andrews admits 82% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at Spring Arbor, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 47% to 74%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 2,940 students.
On cost, Andrews charges $33,696 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $14,582 at Ferris State to $56,330 at Albion College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Albion College
Albion, MI · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 81%
- In-state
- $56,330
- Out-of-state
- $56,330
Albion College graduates 62% of its students, above the 62% average across this ranking, on a 72.7 Program Score.
- Program Score 72.7, #7 of 10
- 62% graduation rate
- $56,330 tuition
- Admits just 81% of applicants
Based in Albion, MI, Albion College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Business program lands at #7 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 72.7 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, above the 62% average across the ranked schools. Albion College admits 81% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at Spring Arbor, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 47% to 74%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,308 students.
On cost, Albion College charges $56,330 a year in-state. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $14,582 at Ferris State to $56,330 at Albion College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Davenport University
Grand Rapids, MI · Nonprofit · online option
- Grad rate
- 57%
- Admit rate
- 98%
- In-state
- $23,376
- Out-of-state
- $23,376
Davenport University's HRM bachelor's is SHRM-aligned, so students can sit for the SHRM-CP exam before or soon after graduating.
- 57% graduation rate
- Program Score 70.4
- $23,376 in-state tuition
- SHRM-aligned, online or on campus
Davenport University's Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management is a 120-credit degree aligned with Society for Human Resource Management educational standards. Davenport says eligible students can prepare for and take the SHRM-CP exam in their senior year or soon after, rather than waiting two years for experience. The major carries 37 credits, including a field experience or HR internship, and courses such as Staffing Organizations, Training for Organizations, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution and Compensation Administration. The school says practitioner faculty with extensive HR careers teach the program, and that the degree qualifies for its Employment Guarantee. It can be completed online, on campus or through a blended approach.
Federal data show a 57% graduation rate at Davenport and a 98% admit rate. In-state tuition is $23,376, and out-of-state tuition is the same $23,376. The program earns a Program Score of 70.4 out of 100, the basis of its ranking. It fits students who want a practical route into HR roles such as recruiting, employee relations or compensation, and who value an early shot at a SHRM credential. The flexible delivery options suit both traditional and working students.
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · online option
- Grad rate
- 59%
- Admit rate
- 90%
- In-state
- $15,030
- Out-of-state
- $15,030
At $15,030 a year in-state, Central Michigan University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 65.7 Program Score on a 59% graduation rate.
- Program Score 65.7, #9 of 10
- 59% graduation rate
- $15,030 tuition
- Online option available
Central Michigan University is a public institution in Mount Pleasant, MI. Its Business program ranks #9 of the 10 analyzed here with a 65.7 Program Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 59% of its students, below the 62% average across the ranked schools. Central Michigan admits 90% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at Spring Arbor, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 47% to 74%. The university enrolls 14,488 students overall. The degree is also offered online, which widens access for working students.
On cost, Central Michigan charges $15,030 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $14,582 at Ferris State to $56,330 at Albion College. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with an online option.
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI · Public
- Grad rate
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 91%
- In-state
- $14,582
- Out-of-state
- $14,582
At $14,582 a year in-state, Ferris State University is among the more affordable business programs ranked here, holding a 65.3 Program Score on a 47% graduation rate.
- Program Score 65.3, #10 of 10
- 47% graduation rate
- $14,582 tuition
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Its Business program lands at #10 of the 10 ranked here, earning a 65.3 Program Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 75.2 group average, in the lower third of the 10 ranked programs. The program graduates 47% of its students, below the 62% average across the ranked schools. Ferris State admits 91% of applicants, less selective than the 79% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at Spring Arbor, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 47% to 74%. The university enrolls 9,959 students overall.
On cost, Ferris State charges $14,582 a year in-state. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $14,582 at Ferris State to $56,330 at Albion College. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Graduation Rates at the Ranked Business Schools Near Grand Rapids
The median school on this list graduates 63% of its students. The highest rates belong to Calvin University (74%) and Andrews University (72%). The school with the highest rate is also ranked #1.
- #1 Calvin University74% graduation rate
- #6 Andrews University72% graduation rate
- #3 Grand Valley State University67% graduation rate
Institution-wide graduation rates reported to IPEDS. They describe the whole school, not this program alone.
How Selective Are the Business Schools Near Grand Rapids?
Every school here that reports an admit rate takes at least half of its applicants; the median is 83%.
- #2 Spring Arbor University52% admitted
- #4 Alma College57% admitted
- #1 Calvin University71% admitted
Institution-wide admit rates for first-time applicants, reported to IPEDS. Open-admission schools do not report one.
Public and Private Business Schools Near Grand Rapids
This list holds 4 public and 6 private nonprofit schools. Their median Program Scores: 71.6 public and 77.5 private nonprofit.
Control (public, private nonprofit, for-profit) as reported to IPEDS. Public schools usually charge residents less; private schools charge everyone the same rate.
Campus Size Across the Business Schools Near Grand Rapids
Enrollment on this list runs from 1,197 at Alma College to 22,011 at Grand Valley State University. Of the 10, 1 enrolls 20,000 students or more and 6 enroll fewer than 5,000.
Total institution enrollment reported to IPEDS, all levels and programs.
What Graduates of the Business Schools Near Grand Rapids Earn
| Rank | School | Median earnings, 4 years outEarnings, 4 yrs | Average net priceNet price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #3 | Grand Valley State UniversityGrand Valley State | $75,800 | $16,495 |
| #5 | Western Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan | $71,371 | $13,902 |
| #7 | Albion CollegeAlbion College | $81,887 | $14,673 |
| #8 | Davenport UniversityDavenport | $67,854 | $17,623 |
| #10 | Ferris State UniversityFerris State | $66,054 | $8,402 |
Graduates of Albion College earn the most four years after finishing, a median of $81,887; the lowest figure here is $66,054 at Ferris State.
Grand Valley State, the highest-ranked of these schools (#3), comes in at $75,800.
Net price, what the average aided undergraduate pays after grants, ranges from $8,402 a year at Ferris State to $17,623 at Davenport.
College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Earnings cover each school's programs in this field at this degree level; net price is for full-time first-time undergraduates receiving aid.
How Far the Business Schools Near Grand Rapids Are
Distances are straight-line miles from central Grand Rapids, measured from the average location of Grand Rapids's business schools in federal records, so the drive is longer. Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI is about 45 miles away; Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI is about 54 miles away; Alma College in Alma, MI is about 61 miles away; Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI is about 65 miles away; Albion College in Albion, MI is about 68 miles away; Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI is about 74 miles away; Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI is about 77 miles away.
For a residential degree the distance matters less than residency: a public school across the metro charges Grand Rapids students its out-of-state rate unless a regional exchange applies, so read the out-of-state column on each card before comparing prices.
What the Business Schools Near Grand Rapids Cost
Undergraduate in-state tuition on this list runs from $14,582 a year at Ferris State University to $56,330 at Albion College, before aid. Over a four-year bachelor's that is roughly $58,328 against $225,320 in tuition alone.
Master's rows show no price: the federal tuition figure for those schools is the undergraduate rate, so ask each graduate business office for its per-credit rate instead.
Published annual tuition and required fees reported to IPEDS. Private schools charge one rate regardless of residency; public schools charge non-residents the out-of-state rate shown on each card.
Studying Business Online From Grand Rapids
Two of the ranked schools (Davenport University and Central Michigan University) run a confirmed online option. An accredited online degree carries the same standing as the campus one, since accreditation attaches to the school rather than the format, and for a student in Grand Rapids it removes the distance on this list entirely.
- #8 Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, MI
- #9 Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant, MI
Based on each school reporting distance-education offerings to IPEDS. Whether this specific degree is fully online varies, so confirm the format with the school.
Keep Exploring
Business Schools Near Grand Rapids: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best business school near Grand Rapids?
By Program Score, Calvin University (Grand Rapids, MI) ranks first, with an 84.8 score. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes from federal data, so it rewards a school that does all four well rather than one that wins on price alone.
How many business programs are there in Grand Rapids?
76 accredited bachelor's and master's business programs in Grand Rapids report to IPEDS. Three schools have the complete record needed to rank, which is why this list adds the nearest schools beyond the metro.
What is the closest ranked business school to Grand Rapids?
Outside Grand Rapids, Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo, MI) is the nearest school with a complete record, about 45 straight-line miles from central Grand Rapids. Inside Grand Rapids, Calvin University, Grand Valley State University, and Davenport University are ranked on this list as well.
Can I study business online from Grand Rapids?
Yes. Two of the ten schools on this list offer the program online, including Davenport University and Central Michigan University. Accreditation attaches to the school, not the format, so the online degree carries the same standing.