My D was accepted to both (more scholarship $ from K but we’re going to see if Clark aid will increase after FAFSA). She’s having a tough time deciding between the 2. Thoughts? She’s looking for a vibrant, active, engaged, close-knit community, a liberal student body, profs who love to teach, an interesting city to explore, and a college that provides lots of opportunities for study abroad/research/creative projects. Thank you!
I have never been to Clark but you are certainly describing Kzoo to a T. Have you visited both?
Pre-acceptance, we visited Clark together and she visited K through its fly-in program. Liked both very much. The more insights we have from those who are intimately familiar w/either school, the better. 
Thanks!
I’m not an expert on Kzoo but I know a couple of faculty members and a few grads. A big plus is the foreign study program, which is built into the experience and covered by tuition. With close to 90% of kids going on foreign study this really enriches life back on campus due to the different experiences and insights the kids bring back. There is no Greek system to divide a rather small student body. While the campus is a kind of bubble, the city is an interesting place and a real city, not just a college town. The resources of Western Michigan University are nearby, bringing lectures, concerts, etc. Kzoo is geographically well-placed at the intersection of I-94 and US-131 and on the east-west Amtrak line. - 3 hours to Detroit or Chicago. 1 hour to Grand Rapids, 30 min to Lake Michigan beaches.
I would recommend Kalamazoo over Clark.
Thank you! That’s very helpful info!
Ditto what snarlatron said. Kalamazoo (the city) is a hidden gem. A very vibrant community with great arts offerings. I think it would be a terrific place to attend college if you want an urban experience without being in a big city.
Thank you!