A resource that the USA Today calls “the best college guide you can buy” again profiles Kalamazoo College among more than 300 of the best and most interesting colleges in the U.S., Canada and the UK.
The 2025 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges credits K for a LandSea preorientation program that provides incoming students with confidence. Then, the College’s ingenious K-Plan offers a curriculum path with study abroad, an excellent career-development program, and independent faculty-guided research.
Students interviewed for the book—compiled by former New York Times Education Editor Edward B. Fiske—praised K for its supportive and guiding faculty, service-learning courses, student-led cocurricular activities, civic engagement and study abroad that is done so well “it seems ridiculous not to take advantage of the opportunity.”
From an academic standpoint, the book notes that K has exceptional programs in the natural sciences with other strengths including international and area studies, community and global health, and critical ethnic studies. Popular majors include biology, chemistry, psychology and business. But don’t forget about the quality of student life on campus.
“K’s campus is always buzzing with social activities like movies, concerts, speakers and other events,” the book notes. It adds that students also look forward to Monte Carlo Night, when the Hicks Student Center is transformed into a casino with faculty and staff serving as dealers, and the Day of Gracious Living when, without prior notice, classes are called off for the day and students can choose to spend a day on the beach, work on volunteer projects or relax on campus.
The 41st Fiske Guide to Colleges is available now.
And, for a more unique lens on the college search, Cool Stuff at Small Colleges author Peter Pitts—a retired admissions professional from Monmouth College—says K is a great choice for students who want the feeling of a small college and the many benefits of being near a large university considering its location near Western Michigan University.
In his new book, Pitts praises the K-Plan, which does “an excellent job of balancing academics with practical career preparation. It allows you the freedom to create your plan for success.” He lists biological physics, Jewish studies, critical theory, East Asian studies, neuroscience, public policy and urban affairs, and quantitative economics among K’s distinctive areas of study. Plus, he gives a shout out to Assistant Professor of Religion Sohini Pillai for her Star Wars-themed religion class.
“Not a major or a minor,” the book says. “Not even a certificate or an emphasis. But Jedi, Sith and Mandalorians: Religion and Star Wars, a religion class at Kalamazoo College, might just influence a student to major or minor in religion. If nothing else, it says a lot about how cool the faculty are in the religion department at Kalamazoo.”
Check out Cool Stuff at Small Colleges, which is available online.
