Kendall College of Art and Design
School info
3.3
Overall Quality
Reputation
3.8
Food
1.8
Clubs
3
Facilities
3.3
Internet
3.6
Location
3.7
Opportunities
3.2
Safety
4.2
Social
3
Happiness
3.8
Basic Information
Location
- Grand Rapids, MI
Institution Overview
- Public/Private: Art school
- Established: 1928 (1928)
- Founder: Helen M. Kendall
Academic information
Degree Courses
- 18 (14 undergraduate
- 4 master’s)
Key Area
- Design
- Visual Arts
- Art History
- Decorative Arts
- Critical Theory
Student and Staff Numbers
- Students: 562 (as of Spring 2022)
- Undergraduates: 511-572
- Postgraduates: 31
Notable Alumni
- Ray C. Anderson
- Ted Bell
- Børns
- Maynard James Keenan
- Keith Parkinson
10 FAQs about this University from
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Students talk about this school
Good reviews
Overall 4.5
Not Specified.
Overall 4.5
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Overall 4.5
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Overall 4.4
Kendall is amazing. Except for it's lack of food options.
Overall 4.3
Love the class sizes. In studio classes you get a ton of feedback and one on one attention with the professors because there is usually 16 or less students in a class. Love going to Kendall, but don't love the cost of tuition.
Overall 4.1
I have never regretted my decision to come here. Amazing teachers, wonderful student body, perfect atmosphere. You will love it, but it is not for someone who just "likes art" you need to be serious and committed.
Overall 4.1
Kendall was the best choice I ever made.
Overall 4
The college is an art college first and foremost so keep that in mind. It is subservient to Ferris State University (because it is owned by them) although the connections are weak in everyday life. The faculty are very involved in their students success and in my experience incredibly accessible and helpful. If you are motivated, you will do well!
Overall 4
I rank food at a 1, because the college DOES NOT have any source of food. There is a bookstore where you can purchase ramen and chips, but if you want a real lunch you will have to leave campus and go somewhere else. Kendall overall has a very happy and judgement free environment, everyone is encouraged to be themselves and it makes learning better
Overall 4
At KCAD I feel like I am part of something much greater than myself. It's not some cookie-cutter education that one receives at a generic university - you are not just prepared for designing, but prepared for design-thinking. Kendall rocks AND rolls!
Bad reviews
Overall 1.6
None.
Overall 1.8
Not a great art college but it's what I can afford and where I got in. Grand Rapids isn't an awesome place for young 20-somethings but I make do. Other students make the place bearable. KCAD is small and opportunities for students after graduation is mediocre based upon where I've seen past grads land. If you can afford a better school, go for it.
Overall 1.8
no dorms, no parking, very few clubs, no rec center, no cafeteria. these amenities are up at the Big Rapids campus (Kendall is part of Ferris State), which is about an hour drive. so if you want to go Greek or see a school counselor or go to a free medical clinic, be prepared to drive for it and then fight to prove you're a student at FSU.
Overall 1.9
Very disappointed with my experience at Kendall. Tuition is way too much for the quality of education. There are no food options, no student government, no parking, and not much of anything. The faculty is extremely bias, and only cater to their needs, not the students. The administration is absolutely horrendous. They care only about themselves.
Overall 1.9
If you're looking for the normal 'college experience', don't go to Kendall. Kendall is primarily a commuter school for students who are focused on learning the tools of the trade. There are no dorms, no cafeteria, small activities and clubs and general apathy concerning anything but art. Must be self-motivated and committed to your major.