Education and Workforce Development

The West Michigan region is home to more than 20 colleges and universities, which produce some of the most qualified graduates in the nation. This strong educational network provides the Grand Rapids business community with a pipeline of highly skilled talent.

Regional Highlights

Students enrolled in local colleges and universities

Of our workforce has an associate's degree or higher

Increase in the number of college-educated residents since 2000

Grand Rapids MSA* Educational Attainment (2020)

Education Level
2020 Population
Percentage
Less than 9th Grade 24,358 3%
9th Grade to 12 Grade 38,074 5%
High School Diploma 194,587 27%
Some College 157,590 22%
Associate's Degree 67,805 9%
Bachelor's Degree 160,170 22%
Graduate Degree or Higher 79,540 11%

West Michigan** Educational Attainment (2020)

Education Level
2020 Population
Percentage
Less than 9th Grade  35,024 3%
9th Grade to 12 Grade 61,658 6%
High School Diploma 331,912 30%
Some College 244,766 22%
Associate's Degree 106,588 10%
Bachelor's Degree 211,760 19%
Graduate Degree or Higher 105,478 10%

Top 10 Degrees by Field (2019)

Description
West Michigan Region**
Grand Rapids MSA*
Business Management and Marketing 4,067 3,250
Health Professions and Related 3,920 2,615
Liberal Arts and Sciences 2,089 1,558
Education 1,146 1,003
Engineering and Engineering-Related Fields 1,207 526
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services 727 246
Public Administration and Social Service 666 542
Visual and Performing Arts 635 395
Computer and Information Sciences 618 476
Psychology 616 573

College Enrollment

Institution
2018 Undergraduate Enrollment
Graduates 2018-2019
Aquinas College 1,578 332
Baker College 8,974 1,439
Calvin College 3,625 817
Cornerstone University 1,625 416
Davenport University - Western Region 3,100 650
Ferris State University 11,896 2,493
Ferris State University - Kendall College of Art and Design* 1,214 307
Grace Bible College 981 86
Grand Rapids Community College 13,788 2,347
Grand Valley State University 21,680 4,660
Hope College 3,149 711
Kuyper College* 161 38
Michigan State University - West 977 319
Montcalm Community College 1,667 402
Muskegon Community College 4,078 667
Northwood University - Grand Rapids* 180 143
Spring Arbor University - Grand Rapids* 50 17
Western Michigan University - Grand Rapids* 900 184
Western Michigan University - Thomas M. Cooley Law School - GR* 228 61
Total 79,623 16,028

*2017 Figures

*The MSA consists of the following counties: Ionia, Kent, Montcalm and Ottawa.

**The West Michigan region consists of the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa.

Data source: Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI)

Back to top