Quality & value put Davenport among best colleges in Michigan
Create lifelong opportunities through Davenport University, a private, not-for-profit university in Michigan.
Davenport’s efficient, career-centered focus is what sets our in-person and online bachelor’s degree programs, graduate degree programs, professional development and certifications apart from any other university in Michigan. Plus, Davenport’s “Excellence System” prepares students with real-world competencies sought by top employers, such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as program-specific competencies.
Recognized for excellence
Davenport was the first university to be selected for a 2020 Michigan Performance Excellence Award. This distinction is the highest honor Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx) gives to Michigan organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance, leadership and operational excellence.
Davenport earned national notoriety in June 2021 and became the first university in Michigan to earn The ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. This prestigious award recognizes colleges or universities that, in a period of great change in higher education, have responded to challenges in innovative and creative ways that allow the institution to thrive.
Trailblazer in online learning
As Michigan’s first online learning community, we’re a leader among online colleges in Michigan. For more than 20 years, we’ve been perfecting online education through our Global Campus, which offers online associate, bachelor’s and graduate degree programs. All of our classes, online or in-person, are also evaluated through Instructional Design and align with Quality Matters (QM™) to ensure the highest instructional quality.
Explore this page to learn more about Davenport and why we’re considered one of the best colleges in Michigan.
Equipping students to succeed for 150+ years
Starting in 1866 with a class of 16 students, Davenport University has grown into the second-largest private, nonprofit college or university in Michigan, serving nearly 5,000 students. To this day, our career-oriented education empowers students to make meaningful contributions through rewarding careers.
Tour one of the best colleges in Michigan
If you’re thinking of attending a university in Michigan, you’ll want to take a serious look at Davenport. We invite you to tour our beautiful W.A. Lettinga Campus in Grand Rapids, one of our six Michigan campuses. By visiting, you’ll catch a glimpse of Davenport’s campus life. From 40+ student organizations and stunning residence halls to NCAA varsity athletic teams, Davenport truly has something for everyone.
Accredited and recognized
Davenport is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and, in addition, our colleges hold many accreditations and recognitions as well. For example, our College of Technology was named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, making it one of only a select number of designated colleges in Michigan to receive this designation.
More than 100 academic programs
Students can pursue degrees from more than 100 in-person and online degree and certificate programs within Davenport’s four areas of focus — business, technology, health and urban education. Every program is led by highly credentialed faculty who bring real-world experience, one-on-one attention and a mentoring approach to their students.
Classes in-person or Online+
A Davenport education fits a variety of learning styles and schedules. As one of the best online colleges in Michigan, Davenport offers more than 90 Online+ degree programs through our Global Campus. From on-demand classes to flex classrooms, we offer a range of course formats.
Comprehensive financial aid
Davenport’s commitment to affordability is one reason we’re considered among the best colleges in Michigan. Davenport keeps tuition low and helps students secure the best financial aid packages. In fact, 93% of our students receive a scholarship or gift aid that, unlike student loans, does not have to be repaid. We also offer more than 280 foundational scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals.
Supporting every student, every step
No matter where our students see themselves at the starting line — traditional undergraduate, graduate, transfer, adult returning to school, international or military service member — Davenport provides them with the individualized support for success as a Davenport student. They’ll know they’ve chosen one of the best colleges in Michigan for their unique educational journey.
Exciting Panther athletics
Panther pride is evident every game day for Davenport University football and for our 26 other varsity sports in the NCAA Division II. Davenport offers athletic programs for all levels, including varsity, non-varsity and intramural sports as well as recreational activities. With a student-athlete legacy of high performance in competition and in class, it’s no wonder Davenport has produced 138 All-Americans.
Experience the Davenport difference:
 | A relevant, career-centered educationPart of what sets Davenport apart from other colleges in Michigan is our career-focused, practical curriculum. For example, students can begin taking courses within their major during freshman year. |
 | The leader among online colleges in MichiganDavenport was among the first to introduce online learning to Michigan. Today, we offer 90+ degrees 100% online through our high-ranking Global Campus. |
 | Student life that’s livelyOur students make Davenport one of the most active colleges in Michigan. They get involved with 40+ athletic teams, 40+ student organizations and campus traditions like Pantherpalooza. |
 | An emphasis on diversity and inclusionA commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for all is one reason Davenport has earned INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award eight times. |
 | Ranked among the best colleges in Michigan for veteransMilitary veterans, active service members and their families feel at home at Davenport. For five consecutive years, we’ve earned gold-level veteran-friendly status by the Michigan Veteran Affairs Office. |
 | Employment GuaranteeDavenport University offers a 100% employment guarantee for several programs, including nursing, cyber defense and computer science. |
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Explore more at Davenport University
Sources:
Davenport University Athletics, 2024
Davenport University, 2024/2025 Catalog
IR Data Den Enrollment History Report, Fall 2024
Davenport University Financial Aid Awards, 2023/2024
Davenport University Employment Guarantee, Feb. 2024
IPEDS, Published in-district tuition and fees, 2023-24 data
Respondents to Davenport University First-Destination Survey for 2023-24 Graduate
Davenport University First-Destination Survey for 2023-24 Graduates (see website for more information on Career Outcomes)