Davenport University logo

Davenport University

Accept Rate
97.05%
Grad Rate
49.8%
Enrollment
3,213
Tuition
$23,324
Median Salary
$45,099
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Davenport University offers a pragmatic, career-focused atmosphere where the emphasis is on real-world skills and professional networking. The suburban campus feels like a professional hub, with a diverse student body that includes many working adults balancing education with life responsibilities. It's a supportive environment for those who want to fast-track their careers rather than experience a traditional liberal arts college culture.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

97.05%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

1) Emphasize your career goals and work experience in your application, as Davenport values practical ambition over traditional academic metrics. 2) Given the high acceptance rate, ensure your application is complete and submitted early to secure your spot and maximize financial aid opportunities. 3) Connect with an admissions counselor to discuss credit transfers if you have prior college or professional experience, which can accelerate your degree.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Davenport excels in career-oriented fields like Business, Health Professions, and Computer Science, with curricula designed in partnership with industry leaders. The teaching quality is highly practical, focusing on hands-on skills and internship readiness rather than theoretical research. While research opportunities exist, they are typically applied and project-based, aligning with the university's professional mission.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
47.1%
Health Professions
32%
Computer Science
14.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.4%
Legal Studies
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

49.8%
Graduation Rate
73.7%
Retention Rate
3,213
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$23,324
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$19,988
After financial aid
Total Cost
$35,864
Cost of attendance/year
30.1%
Receive Pell Grants
47.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids offers a vibrant and growing city life with a thriving craft beer scene, numerous art galleries, and a bustling downtown. Students enjoy outdoor activities along the Grand River, attending festivals like ArtPrize, and exploring the city's diverse restaurant and music venues. The city provides a more affordable and accessible urban experience compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Local Rent Check

$1,142 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Grand Rapids
Explore Grand Rapids

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$93,296
$0Est. 4 Years: $93,296

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($45,099):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The main campus in Grand Rapids is generally considered safe, with standard campus security measures in place. The surrounding area is a mix of commercial and residential zones, and students are advised to practice typical urban awareness, especially at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible to a wide range of students.
  • โœ“ Strong focus on career-ready programs like Business and Health Professions.
  • โœ“ Identical tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
  • โœ“ Flexible programs designed for working adults and transfer students.
  • โœ“ Located in Grand Rapids, a city with a strong job market and quality of life.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate is below the national average, which may indicate student challenges.
  • โœ— Retention rate suggests some students do not continue after their first year.
  • โœ— Campus life may feel less traditional or social compared to larger universities.

Notable Alumni

John G. LOD
Founder of the LOD Corporation, a successful marketing and promotions company.
Drew S. Hurd
A leader in the healthcare technology and informatics field, contributing to electronic health record systems.
Kathy J. White
A prominent leader in West Michigan's non-profit and community development sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Davenport University is primarily known for its strong programs in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Computer Science. The university has a distinct focus on career-oriented education, offering practical, hands-on learning and professional development opportunities designed to prepare students directly for the workforce.

No, Davenport University is not hard to get into. With an acceptance rate of 97.05%, it is considered a highly accessible institution. This open admissions policy makes it a viable option for many students, but applicants should still ensure they meet program-specific requirements for certain majors.

Campus life at Davenport is professional and focused, reflecting its career-driven student body. The suburban campus provides a modern learning environment, but the social scene is more subdued than at large party schools. Student activities often center around academic clubs, professional organizations, and networking events, with students also taking advantage of the amenities in nearby Grand Rapids.

The value of a Davenport degree depends on the student's major and career goals. With an average net price of $19,988 and median 10-year earnings of $45,099, the ROI can be favorable, especially for graduates in high-demand fields like health professions or business. For students who take advantage of internships and career services, the investment can be worthwhile, but it's crucial to minimize debt through scholarships and aid.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Spectrum Health Gentex Corporation Alticor (Amway) Steelcase Gentherm
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 4,991
  • In-State Tuition $23,324
  • Zip Code 49512

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.2% โ™€ 55.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of under $20,000 and identical in-state and out-of-state tuition, Davenport presents a relatively affordable option for a private university education. The 10-year median earnings of $45,099 suggest a solid return on investment, particularly for graduates entering high-demand fields like health professions and business. However, prospective students should carefully compare the net price to public in-state alternatives to ensure the best financial fit.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $23,324
Housing (12 mo) $13,704
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $44,228
With avg financial aid:
$19,988/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.